Median Income
$84,583
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$96,700
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.5%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$781
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.4%
133% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.1%
46% higher than US avg
How Hillsdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population489
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density752/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$84,583
Per Capita$35,308
Unemployment8.4%
Poverty18.1%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,700
Rent$781
Ownership86.9%
Zillow$154,113
Housing Units207
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property447/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking15.9%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation581 ft (177 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+86.3%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Hillsdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hillsdale receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Hillsdale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hillsdale is $84,583, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 8.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hillsdale is $96,700, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hillsdale is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 447 per 100,000, 77% below the national average.
Education
11.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hillsdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hillsdale has a population of 489 with a density of 752 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hillsdale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hillsdale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hillsdale is $84,583, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,308. The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hillsdale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,583 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,308 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.1% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Hillsdale is $96,700, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,113, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $781 (33% 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. 86.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 207 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,700 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,113 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $43 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $781 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.1% |
| Housing Units | 207 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.93% |
In Hillsdale, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hillsdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Hillsdale has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 447 per 100,000, 77% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hillsdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hillsdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 63.8/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 446.7/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hillsdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 581 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 581 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 752/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6069°N, 90.1728°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
107 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
608 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 209 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
84 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Hillsdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Hillsdale. 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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsdale
What is the population of Hillsdale?
Hillsdale has a population of 489 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 752 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Hillsdale expensive to live in?
Hillsdale has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $84,583, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,700 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hillsdale safe?
Hillsdale is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 447 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hillsdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hillsdale?
Hillsdale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hillsdale?
The job market in Hillsdale faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hillsdale?
The median home value in Hillsdale is $96,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,113. For renters, the median monthly rent is $781. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Hillsdale?
Schools in Hillsdale score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.5% of adults in Hillsdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hillsdale?
The obesity rate in Hillsdale is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Hillsdale?
The average commute in Hillsdale is 30 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hillsdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hillsdale is 91.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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