Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,500
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
295/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.1%
208% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How Ludlow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population337
Median Age29.1 yrs
Density843/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$22,940
Unemployment11.1%
Poverty16.0%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,500
Rent$775
Ownership57.4%
Zillow$145,881
Housing Units179
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent295/100K
Property1,250/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking13.9%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation770 ft (235 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+78.2%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Ludlow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ludlow receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Ludlow has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ludlow is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ludlow is $74,500, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ludlow is below the national average at 295 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,250 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ludlow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ludlow has a population of 337 with a density of 843 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 29.1 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (72.7%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.1yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.4%
22% below US avg
The median household income in Ludlow is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,940 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,940 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.1% |
| 208% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $1,119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Ludlow is $74,500, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,881, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 57.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,500 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,881 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $62 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.6% |
| Housing Units | 179 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.48% |
In Ludlow, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930. The dentist ratio is 1:2,650. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ludlow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Ludlow has a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,250 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ludlow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ludlow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 295.5/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,250.0/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ludlow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°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 37.9 inches. The area receives 18.3 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 770 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 843/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3866°N, 88.1259°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
98 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
679 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 750 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
85 km |
18 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Ludlow has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Ludlow. 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 Ludlow
What is the population of Ludlow?
Ludlow has a population of 337 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 843 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Ludlow expensive to live in?
Ludlow has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,500 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ludlow safe?
Ludlow is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,250 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ludlow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ludlow?
Ludlow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ludlow?
The job market in Ludlow faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ludlow?
The median home value in Ludlow is $74,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,881. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Ludlow?
Schools in Ludlow score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Ludlow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ludlow?
The obesity rate in Ludlow is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930.
What is transportation like in Ludlow?
The average commute in Ludlow is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ludlow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ludlow is 72.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
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