Median Income
$71,786
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$938
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.1%
208% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Kempton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population221
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,300/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$71,786
Per Capita$41,672
Unemployment11.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,895M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,700
Rent$938
Ownership88.5%
Zillow$158,814
Housing Units115
Rent Burden14.4%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property700/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.0%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation731 ft (223 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute38 min
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Kempton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kempton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times. Kempton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kempton is $71,786, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 11.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kempton is $56,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $938 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kempton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 700 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Kempton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Kempton has a population of 221 with a density of 1,300 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below 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 Kempton is $71,786, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,672. The average weekly wage is $1,086, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 865 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,786 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,672 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,086 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,423 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.1% |
| 208% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 865 |
| County GDP | $2,895M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Kempton is $56,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,814, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $938 (19% 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. 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 115 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,158 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $56,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,814 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $938 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Housing Units | 115 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,158 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.10% |
In Kempton, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,098. The dentist ratio is 1:2,220. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kempton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,098 |
| Dentists | 1:2,220 |
| Mental Health | 1:447 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,425/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Kempton has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 700 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kempton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kempton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 63.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 699.8/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kempton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°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 44.4 inches. The area receives 24.7 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 731 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 731 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,300/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9355°N, 88.2363°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Livingston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT) 40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
81 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
119 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
28 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
728 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 88 fatalities, 1,395 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
83 km |
29 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
8 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
141 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Kempton has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Kempton. 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 | $768 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kempton
What is the population of Kempton?
Kempton has a population of 221 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,300 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Kempton expensive to live in?
Kempton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,786, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $938 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kempton safe?
Kempton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 700 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kempton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kempton?
Kempton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Kempton?
The job market in Kempton faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,086. There are 865 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kempton?
The median home value in Kempton is $56,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,814. For renters, the median monthly rent is $938. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,158.
How are the schools in Kempton?
Schools in Kempton score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Kempton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kempton?
The obesity rate in Kempton is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,098.
What is transportation like in Kempton?
The average commute in Kempton is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kempton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kempton is 91.4% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.