Median Income
$55,777
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
485/100K
28% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.1%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$954
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Jerome Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,910
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density4,152/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$55,777
Per Capita$33,995
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,700
Rent$954
Ownership69.3%
Zillow$156,678
Housing Units1,113
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent485/100K
Property2,364/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault424/100K
Burglary606/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking16.4%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation603 ft (184 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.1%
High School+98.5%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.2%
EV Stations33
Libraries13
Is Jerome a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jerome receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Jerome offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jerome is $55,777, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jerome is $116,700, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $954 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,364 per 100,000, 21% above the national average.
Education
32.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Jerome experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Jerome has a population of 1,910 with a density of 4,152 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Jerome is $55,777, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,995 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,777 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,995 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Jerome is $116,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,678, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $954 (18% 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. 69.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,700 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $156,678 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $104 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $954 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,113 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.24% |
In Jerome, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jerome vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Jerome has a violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 residents, 28% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 424.2 per 100,000, robbery at 60.6, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,364 per 100,000, 21% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,758, burglary at 606, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Jerome receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jerome vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 484.9/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 60.6/100K |
| Assault | 424.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,363.6/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| Burglary | 606.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,757.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jerome experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°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 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 603 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 603 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7678°N, 89.6784°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
699 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 897 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
3 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Jerome has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Jerome. 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 | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jerome
What is the population of Jerome?
Jerome has a population of 1,910 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 4,152 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Jerome expensive to live in?
Jerome has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,777, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $954 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jerome safe?
The violent crime rate in Jerome is 485 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,364 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Jerome receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jerome?
Jerome has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Jerome?
The job market in Jerome is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jerome?
The median home value in Jerome is $116,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,678. For renters, the median monthly rent is $954. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Jerome?
Schools in Jerome score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.1% of adults in Jerome hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jerome?
The obesity rate in Jerome is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Jerome?
The average commute in Jerome is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jerome?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jerome is 89% White, 3.8% Black or African American. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.