Median Income
$77,422
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$206,300
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
576/100K
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$781
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Mechanicsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population748
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density719/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,422
Per Capita$41,312
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$206,300
Rent$781
Ownership87.6%
Zillow$205,950
Housing Units323
Rent Burden42.0%
Crime
F
Violent576/100K
Property1,009/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.5%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation561 ft (171 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations33
Libraries13
Is Mechanicsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mechanicsburg receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Mechanicsburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mechanicsburg is $77,422, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mechanicsburg is $206,300, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 576 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,009 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Mechanicsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mechanicsburg has a population of 748 with a density of 719 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mechanicsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mechanicsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mechanicsburg is $77,422, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,312. The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 15.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Mechanicsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,422 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,312 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.7% |
The median home value in Mechanicsburg is $206,300, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,950. Monthly rent averages $781 (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. 87.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 323 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 42.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $206,300 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $781 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.4% |
| Housing Units | 323 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Mechanicsburg, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mechanicsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Mechanicsburg has a violent crime rate of 576 per 100,000 residents, 52% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,009 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mechanicsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mechanicsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 576.4/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,008.7/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mechanicsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 561 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 561 ft (171 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 719/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7972°N, 89.4107°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 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 |
107 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
756 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 828 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
25 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Mechanicsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Mechanicsburg. 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 | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mechanicsburg
What is the population of Mechanicsburg?
Mechanicsburg has a population of 748 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 719 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Mechanicsburg expensive to live in?
Mechanicsburg has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,422, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $206,300 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mechanicsburg safe?
The violent crime rate in Mechanicsburg is 576 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,009 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mechanicsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mechanicsburg?
Mechanicsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mechanicsburg?
The job market in Mechanicsburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 15.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mechanicsburg?
The median home value in Mechanicsburg is $206,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,950. For renters, the median monthly rent is $781. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Mechanicsburg?
Schools in Mechanicsburg score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.5% of adults in Mechanicsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mechanicsburg?
The obesity rate in Mechanicsburg is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Mechanicsburg?
The average commute in Mechanicsburg is 26 minutes. 81.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mechanicsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mechanicsburg is 92.2% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
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