Median Income
$54,390
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
324/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$804
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.1%
22% higher than US avg
How Lincoln Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population13,406
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density2,145/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,390
Per Capita$32,904
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty15.1%
County GDP$1,344M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,600
Rent$804
Ownership58.1%
Zillow$129,209
Housing Units6,338
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent324/100K
Property1,767/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault258/100K
Burglary213/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking17.0%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation589 ft (180 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute19 min
Broadband84.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Lincoln a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lincoln receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lincoln offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lincoln is $54,390, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 15.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lincoln is $111,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lincoln is below the national average at 324 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,767 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lincoln experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°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 39.8 inches, including 19.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lincoln has a population of 13,406 with a density of 2,145 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 4.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Lincoln is $54,390, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,904 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 558 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,390 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,904 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,999 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 558 |
| County GDP | $1,344M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,356 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Lincoln is $111,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,209, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $804 (31% 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. 58.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,338 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,356 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,209 |
| Median List Price | $115,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $115,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $95 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.5% |
| Price Drops | 22.7% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $804 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.9% |
| Housing Units | 6,338 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,356 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Lincoln, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,499. The dentist ratio is 1:1,839. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
5.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
4.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
184.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Lincoln vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,499 |
| Dentists | 1:1,839 |
| Mental Health | 1:766 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,078/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Lincoln has a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 257.7 per 100,000, robbery at 14.7, rape at 51.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,767 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,458, burglary at 213, vehicle theft at 96 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lincoln receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lincoln vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 323.9/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 51.5/100K |
| Robbery | 14.7/100K |
| Assault | 257.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,766.8/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Burglary | 213.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,457.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 95.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 97 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lincoln experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°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 39.8 inches. The area receives 19.3 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 589 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 589 ft (180 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,145/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1507°N, 89.3703°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Logan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% 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 | 58.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
819 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 844 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
53 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Lincoln has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Lincoln. 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 Lincoln
What is the population of Lincoln?
Lincoln has a population of 13,406 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,145 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Lincoln expensive to live in?
Lincoln has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,390, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lincoln safe?
Lincoln is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,767 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lincoln receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lincoln?
Lincoln has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 39.8 inches, with 19.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lincoln?
The job market in Lincoln is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 558 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lincoln?
The median home value in Lincoln is $111,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,209. For renters, the median monthly rent is $804. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,356.
How are the schools in Lincoln?
Schools in Lincoln score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Lincoln hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lincoln?
The obesity rate in Lincoln is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,499.
What is transportation like in Lincoln?
The average commute in Lincoln is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lincoln?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lincoln is 89.6% White, 4.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.