Median Income
$48,875
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,100
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$916
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.9%
314% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population616
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density1,812/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans12.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,875
Per Capita$26,136
Unemployment14.9%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$345M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,100
Rent$916
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$140,943
Housing Units270
Rent Burden19.0%
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Elevation419 ft (128 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute34 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Island receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Island offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Island is $48,875, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Island is $72,100, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $916 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Island enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches.
Island has a population of 616 with a density of 1,812 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.1% female and 42.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 12.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
616
Total Population
2023 Census
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Island is $48,875, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,136 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $847, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 248 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,875 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,136 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $847 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,508 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.9% |
| 314% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 248 |
| County GDP | $345M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Island is $72,100, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,943, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $78,000 with homes selling in an average of 1 days. Homes sell for 97.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $916 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 270 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,100 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,100 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,943 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $78,000 |
| Median List Price | $79,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $78,000 |
| Median List Price | $79,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $93 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 1 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $916 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 270 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Island, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:9,105. 1.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:9,105 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,263 |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,600/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 419 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.2°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 419 ft (128 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,812/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4426°N, 87.1472°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.6"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.59"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
130 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
130 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
82 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
129 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
97 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
104 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
5 km WSW of Brookport, Illinois |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
19 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
18 km |
| Apr 28, 2000 |
6 km W of Equality, Illinois |
M2.9 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
486 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
78 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
63 km |
31 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
16 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
70 km |
24 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
28 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
917 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
HARRIS BRANCH RX |
716 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and August the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Island. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135-$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722-$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135-$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361-$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135-$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608-$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361-$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961-$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451-$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510-$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804-$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722-$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902-$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61-$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082-$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541-$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451-$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361-$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510-$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $615 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $582 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $533 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Island
What is the population of Island?
Island has a population of 616 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,812 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.1% female and 42.9% male.
Is Island expensive to live in?
Island is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,875, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,100 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $916 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Island?
Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Island?
The job market in Island faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $847. There are 248 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Island?
The median home value in Island is $72,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,943. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $78,000, with homes typically selling within 1 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $916. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,100.
How are the schools in Island?
Schools in Island score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Island?
The obesity rate in Island is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 1.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Island?
The average commute in Island is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Island is 94.3% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 12.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.