Median Income
$92,500
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$187,800
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
58/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,050
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Kirkland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,497
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density1,207/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,500
Per Capita$37,477
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$1,975M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$187,800
Rent$1,050
Ownership78.5%
Zillow$263,651
Housing Units568
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent58/100K
Property463/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault58/100K
Burglary116/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking14.1%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation773 ft (236 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute33 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Kirkland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kirkland receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Kirkland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kirkland is $92,500, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kirkland is $187,800, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kirkland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 463 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Kirkland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Kirkland has a population of 1,497 with a density of 1,207 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (91.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Kirkland is $92,500, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,477. The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 880 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,500 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,477 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,138 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 90 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Kirkland is $187,800, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,651, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,050 (10% 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. 78.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 568 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $8,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $187,800 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $263,651 |
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $170 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,050 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.5% |
| Housing Units | 568 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.60% |
In Kirkland, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899. The dentist ratio is 1:2,658. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kirkland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,899 |
| Dentists | 1:2,658 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,217 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,935/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Kirkland has a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 57.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 463 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 347, burglary at 116, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kirkland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kirkland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 57.9/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 57.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 463.2/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 115.8/100K |
| Theft | 347.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kirkland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 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 773 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 773 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,207/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0902°N, 88.8486°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
70 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
32 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
51 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
41 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
30 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
633 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 112 fatalities, 2,164 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
62 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
16 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Kirkland has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Kirkland. 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 | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $960 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkland
What is the population of Kirkland?
Kirkland has a population of 1,497 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,207 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Kirkland expensive to live in?
Kirkland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $92,500, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $187,800 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kirkland safe?
Kirkland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 463 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kirkland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kirkland?
Kirkland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Kirkland?
Kirkland has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kirkland?
The median home value in Kirkland is $187,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,651. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,050. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,648.
How are the schools in Kirkland?
Schools in Kirkland score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.3% of adults in Kirkland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kirkland?
The obesity rate in Kirkland is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899.
What is transportation like in Kirkland?
The average commute in Kirkland is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kirkland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kirkland is 91.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.