Median Income
$56,458
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$59,600
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.2%
128% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Kell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population149
Median Age47.3 yrs
Density149/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,458
Per Capita$26,708
Unemployment8.2%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$1,758M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$59,600
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$169,301
Housing Units76
Rent Burden26.3%
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured3.4%
Smoking16.0%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain44.2 in/yr
Elevation627 ft (191 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+82.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Kell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kell receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Kell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kell is $56,458, 25% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kell is $59,600, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Kell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow.
Kell has a population of 149 with a density of 149 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 47.3 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
149
Total Population
2023 Census
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Kell is $56,458, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,708 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 796 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,458 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,886 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.2% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 796 |
| County GDP | $1,758M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 114 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Kell is $59,600, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,301, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 76 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,526 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% 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 | $59,600 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,301 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 76 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.59% |
In Kell, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 3.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876. The dentist ratio is 1:2,840. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 3.4% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,876 |
| Dentists | 1:2,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:248 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,320/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 114 |
Kell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches. The area receives 9.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 627 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.7°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 627 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4876°N, 88.9000°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.2"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.26"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 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 Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
81 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 |
88 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
90 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
114 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
127 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
89 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
124 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
87 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
47 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
62 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
46 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
508 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 784 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
55 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
49 km |
2 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
91 km |
8 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
79 km |
10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
28 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
86 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 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 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
93 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 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
HERRIN FLATS RX |
713 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
687 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON RX |
628 |
90 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) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Kell has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Kell. 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 | $713 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $513 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kell
What is the population of Kell?
Kell has a population of 149 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 149 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Kell expensive to live in?
Kell has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,458, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $59,600 (79% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Kell?
Kell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Kell?
The job market in Kell faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 796 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kell?
The median home value in Kell is $59,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,301. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,526.
How are the schools in Kell?
Schools in Kell score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Kell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kell?
The obesity rate in Kell is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 3.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876.
What is transportation like in Kell?
The average commute in Kell is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kell is 97.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.