Median Income
$64,583
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,300
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
82/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.9%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$885
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
4% higher than US avg
How Joy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population377
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density877/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,583
Per Capita$28,854
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty12.9%
County GDP$590M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,300
Rent$885
Ownership81.3%
Zillow$175,488
Housing Units174
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent82/100K
Property934/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking18.0%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation685 ft (209 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.9%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Commute42 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Joy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Joy receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Joy has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Joy is $64,583, 14% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Joy is $82,300, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Joy is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 934 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
5.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Joy experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Joy has a population of 377 with a density of 877 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Joy is $64,583, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,854 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $840, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 306 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,583 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,854 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $840 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,339 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 306 |
| County GDP | $590M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,932 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Joy is $82,300, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,488, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 135.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $885 (24% 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. 81.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 174 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,932 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,300 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,488 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $70 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 135.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $885 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.7% |
| Housing Units | 174 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,932 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.99% |
In Joy, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791. The dentist ratio is 1:5,168. 40.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Joy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,791 |
| Dentists | 1:5,168 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,872 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,042/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Joy has a violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 934 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Joy receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Joy vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 82.4/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 933.8/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Joy experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°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 39.1 inches. The area receives 21.8 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 685 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 685 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 877/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1969°N, 90.8788°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mercer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
641 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 300 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1966 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
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 |
20 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
21 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
21 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Joy has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Joy. 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 | $797 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Joy
What is the population of Joy?
Joy has a population of 377 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 877 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Joy expensive to live in?
Joy has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,583, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,300 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Joy safe?
Joy is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 934 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Joy receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Joy?
Joy has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Joy?
Joy has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $840. There are 306 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Joy?
The median home value in Joy is $82,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,488. For renters, the median monthly rent is $885. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,932.
How are the schools in Joy?
Schools in Joy score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.9% of adults in Joy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Joy?
The obesity rate in Joy is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 40.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791.
What is transportation like in Joy?
The average commute in Joy is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Joy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Joy is 93.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
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