Median Income
$48,158
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
234/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$841
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Hillsboro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,693
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density652/mi²
Male / Female68% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$48,158
Per Capita$22,683
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$2,021M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,800
Rent$841
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$151,578
Housing Units1,765
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent234/100K
Property1,641/100K
Murder16.7/100K
Assault151/100K
Burglary385/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking17.9%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation623 ft (190 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute25 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Hillsboro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hillsboro receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hillsboro offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hillsboro is $48,158, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hillsboro is $95,800, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $841 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hillsboro is below the national average at 234 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,641 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Hillsboro enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hillsboro has a population of 5,693 with a density of 652 people per square mile, spread across 8.7 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.5% female and 67.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 11.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hillsboro vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hillsboro vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hillsboro is $48,158, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,683 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,603, 12% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 697 business establishments, including 77 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hillsboro vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,158 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,683 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,603 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,701 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 697 |
| County GDP | $2,021M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 112 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Hillsboro is $95,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,578, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $841 (28% 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. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,765 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% 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 | $95,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,578 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $841 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,765 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.49% |
In Hillsboro, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,553. The dentist ratio is 1:1,557. 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hillsboro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,553 |
| Dentists | 1:1,557 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,203 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Hillsboro has a violent crime rate of 234 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 150.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 67.0. The murder rate is 16.7 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,641 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,206, burglary at 385, vehicle theft at 50 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hillsboro receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hillsboro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 234.4/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 16.7/100K |
| 166% above US avg |
| Rape | 67.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 150.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,641.0/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| Burglary | 385.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,205.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 50.2/100K |
| Arson | 33.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hillsboro enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 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 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 623 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 623 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 8.7 sq mi (22.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 652/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1762°N, 89.4729°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
45 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
41 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
101 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
9 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Apr 16, 1991 |
4 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
658 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 638 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
69 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
76 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Hillsboro has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Hillsboro. 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 | $826 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $686 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsboro
What is the population of Hillsboro?
Hillsboro has a population of 5,693 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 652 people per square mile, spread across 8.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 32.5% female and 67.5% male.
Is Hillsboro expensive to live in?
Hillsboro has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $48,158, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $841 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hillsboro safe?
Hillsboro is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 234 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,641 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hillsboro receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hillsboro?
The job market in Hillsboro is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,603. There are 697 business establishments in the area, including 77 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hillsboro?
The median home value in Hillsboro is $95,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,578. For renters, the median monthly rent is $841. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Hillsboro?
Schools in Hillsboro score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Hillsboro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hillsboro?
The obesity rate in Hillsboro is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,553.
What is transportation like in Hillsboro?
The average commute in Hillsboro is 25 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hillsboro?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hillsboro is 82.6% White, 11.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.