Median Income
$53,333
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,300
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
778/100K
105% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.9%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$959
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.1%
119% higher than US avg
How Junction City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population753
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density1,107/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,333
Per Capita$20,729
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty27.1%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,300
Rent$959
Ownership72.8%
Zillow$78,765
Housing Units249
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent778/100K
Property4,848/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking23.3%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation488 ft (149 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.9%
High School+72.8%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score6.41
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute27 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Junction City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Junction City receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Junction City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Junction City is $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 27.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Junction City is $71,300, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $959 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
With 778 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,848 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
2.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Junction City 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 45.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Junction City has a population of 753 with a density of 1,107 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Junction City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Junction City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Junction City is $53,333, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,729 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 940 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Junction City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,333 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,729 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,389 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.1% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 940 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,038 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Junction City is $71,300, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $78,765, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $959 (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. 72.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 249 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $5,038 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% 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 | $71,300 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $78,765 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $959 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.2% |
| Housing Units | 249 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,038 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.07% |
In Junction City, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,066. The dentist ratio is 1:3,076. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Junction City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,066 |
| Dentists | 1:3,076 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,672 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 47.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,626/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
Junction City has a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 residents, 105% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,848 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Junction City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Junction City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 777.9/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,848.0/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Junction City 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 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 488 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.7°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 488 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,107/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5755°N, 89.1268°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
77 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 |
109 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
110 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
136 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
134 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
31 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
52 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 730 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
56 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
33 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
86 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
83 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED SHALE UNIT RX (2,123 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
HERRIN FLATS RX |
713 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
687 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON RX |
628 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
BLOWDOWN 16 RX |
553 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Junction City has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Junction City. 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 | $796 |
| Toddler | $738 |
| Preschool | $703 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $542 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Junction City
What is the population of Junction City?
Junction City has a population of 753 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,107 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Junction City expensive to live in?
Junction City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,333, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,300 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $959 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 Junction City safe?
Public safety is a concern in Junction City, with a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,848 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Junction City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Junction City?
Junction City 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 45.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Junction City?
The unemployment rate in Junction City is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 940 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Junction City?
The median home value in Junction City is $71,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $78,765. For renters, the median monthly rent is $959. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,038.
How are the schools in Junction City?
Schools in Junction City score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.9% of adults in Junction City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.8% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Junction City?
The obesity rate in Junction City is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,066.
What is transportation like in Junction City?
The average commute in Junction City is 27 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Junction City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Junction City is 91% White. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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