Median Income
$60,750
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,700
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
174/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$811
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Lacon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,768
Median Age41.4 yrs
Density1,078/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,750
Per Capita$32,885
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$687M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,700
Rent$811
Ownership73.4%
Zillow$136,559
Housing Units804
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent174/100K
Property232/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault174/100K
Burglary58/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.9%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation510 ft (155 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute36 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lacon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lacon 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 long commute times. Lacon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lacon is $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lacon is $111,700, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $811 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lacon is below the national average at 174 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 232 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lacon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 24.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lacon has a population of 1,768 with a density of 1,078 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 41.4 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.4yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Lacon is $60,750, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,885 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $906, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 257 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,750 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $906 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 257 |
| County GDP | $687M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,460 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Lacon is $111,700, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,559, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $811 (30% 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. 73.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 804 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,460 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,700 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,559 |
| Median List Price | $86,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $86,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $90 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.2% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $811 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.6% |
| Housing Units | 804 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,460 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.99% |
In Lacon, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,831. The dentist ratio is 1:2,920. 33.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lacon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,920 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,842 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,393/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Lacon has a violent crime rate of 174 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 173.7 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 232 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 174, burglary at 58, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lacon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lacon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 173.7/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 173.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 231.6/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 57.9/100K |
| Theft | 173.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lacon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 24.6 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 510 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 510 ft (155 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,078/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0229°N, 89.4063°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
65 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
680 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 27 fatalities, 656 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
27 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Lacon has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Lacon. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Lacon
What is the population of Lacon?
Lacon has a population of 1,768 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,078 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Lacon expensive to live in?
Lacon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,700 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $811 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lacon safe?
Lacon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 174 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 232 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lacon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lacon?
Lacon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 24.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lacon?
Lacon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $906. There are 257 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lacon?
The median home value in Lacon is $111,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,559. For renters, the median monthly rent is $811. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,460.
How are the schools in Lacon?
Schools in Lacon score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Lacon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lacon?
The obesity rate in Lacon is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 33.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,831.
What is transportation like in Lacon?
The average commute in Lacon is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lacon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lacon is 97.1% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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