Median Income
$100,833
34% higher than US avg
Home Value
$198,200
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
67/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.5%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,093
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Herscher Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,302
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density719/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,833
Per Capita$38,001
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$6,044M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,200
Rent$1,093
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$224,592
Housing Units550
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent67/100K
Property133/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault67/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking13.2%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation660 ft (201 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.5%
High School+99.1%
Graduate+12.5%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute27 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Herscher a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Herscher receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Herscher offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Herscher is $100,833, which is significantly higher than the national average / 34% above $75,149. This places Herscher among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Herscher is $198,200, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,093 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Herscher is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 67 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 133 per 100,000, 93% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Herscher experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Herscher has a population of 1,302 with a density of 719 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Herscher is $100,833, which is 34% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,001. The average weekly wage is $1,344. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,204 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,833 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,001 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,344 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,204 |
| County GDP | $6,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Herscher is $198,200, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,592, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,093 (6% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 550 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,618 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,200 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,592 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $198 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,093 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 550 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.34% |
In Herscher, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 19.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Herscher vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.1% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,117 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Herscher has a violent crime rate of 67 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 66.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 133 per 100,000, 93% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 133, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Herscher receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Herscher vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 66.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 66.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 133.2/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 133.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Herscher experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 23.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 660 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 660 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 719/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0493°N, 88.1005°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
81 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
87 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
34 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
699 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 82 fatalities, 1,444 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
73 km |
29 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
73 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
15 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
37 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
36 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
45 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
36 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
37 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Herscher has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Herscher. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $820 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Herscher
What is the population of Herscher?
Herscher has a population of 1,302 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 719 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Herscher expensive to live in?
Herscher has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $100,833, 34% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,200 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,093 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Herscher safe?
Herscher is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 67 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 133 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Herscher receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Herscher?
Herscher has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Herscher?
Herscher has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,344. There are 1,204 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Herscher?
The median home value in Herscher is $198,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,592. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,093. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,618.
How are the schools in Herscher?
Schools in Herscher score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.5% of adults in Herscher hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.1% have completed high school. 12.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Herscher?
The obesity rate in Herscher is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 19.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117.
What is transportation like in Herscher?
The average commute in Herscher is 27 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Herscher?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Herscher is 97.5% White, 0.8% Black or African American. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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