Median Income
$75,000
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,000
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
225/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.7%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Medora Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population295
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density776/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,000
Per Capita$33,946
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$673M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,000
Rent$913
Ownership87.3%
Zillow$82,283
Housing Units159
Rent Burden13.6%
Crime
F
Violent225/100K
Property541/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.3%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation606 ft (185 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.7%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.75
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute30 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Medora a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Medora receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Medora offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Medora is $75,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Medora is $85,000, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Medora is below the national average at 225 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 541 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Medora experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°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 42.2 inches, including 12.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Medora has a population of 295 with a density of 776 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Medora is $75,000, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,946 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 389 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 12.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,000 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,946 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,020 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 389 |
| County GDP | $673M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,281 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.9% |
The median home value in Medora is $85,000, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,283. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% 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. 87.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 159 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $5,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,000 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $82,283 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.7% |
| Housing Units | 159 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,281 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.21% |
In Medora, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,133. The dentist ratio is 1:2,125. 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Medora vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,133 |
| Dentists | 1:2,125 |
| Mental Health | 1:753 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Medora has a violent crime rate of 225 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 541 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Medora receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Medora vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 225.4/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 541.0/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Medora experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°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 42.2 inches. The area receives 12.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 606 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 606 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 776/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1765°N, 90.1414°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jersey County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.2"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0508 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Jun 6, 2017 |
8 km ENE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
634 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
82 km |
21 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
47 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Medora has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Medora. 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 Medora
What is the population of Medora?
Medora has a population of 295 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 776 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Medora expensive to live in?
Medora has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $75,000, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,000 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Medora safe?
Medora is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 225 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 541 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Medora receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Medora?
Medora has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°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 42.2 inches, with 12.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Medora?
Medora has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 389 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 12.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Medora?
The median home value in Medora is $85,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,283. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,281.
How are the schools in Medora?
Schools in Medora score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.7% of adults in Medora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Medora?
The obesity rate in Medora is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,133.
What is transportation like in Medora?
The average commute in Medora is 30 minutes. 68.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Medora?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Medora is 96.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.