Median Income
$54,405
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,000
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.6%
95% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.4%
328% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How Metcalf Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population151
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density256/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,405
Per Capita$24,760
Unemployment15.4%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$1,039M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,000
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$106,473
Housing Units118
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.3%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation663 ft (202 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.6%
High School+80.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute41 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Metcalf a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Metcalf receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Metcalf offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Metcalf is $54,405, 28% below the national average of $75,149. At 15.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Metcalf is $55,000, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Metcalf is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
1.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Metcalf experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Metcalf has a population of 151 with a density of 256 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.4% female and 57.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Metcalf is $54,405, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 351 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,405 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,188 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.4% |
| 328% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 351 |
| County GDP | $1,039M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,788 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Metcalf is $55,000, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,473, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,788. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,000 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $106,473 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,788 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.89% |
In Metcalf, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,130. The dentist ratio is 1:3,287. 57.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Metcalf vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,130 |
| Dentists | 1:3,287 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,162/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Metcalf has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Metcalf vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Metcalf experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°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 40.4 inches. The area receives 23.7 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 663 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.5°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 256/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8004°N, 87.8078°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edgar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
149 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
45 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
104 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
66 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
9 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Apr 16, 1991 |
4 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
563 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 63 fatalities, 778 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
28 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Metcalf has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Metcalf. 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 Metcalf
What is the population of Metcalf?
Metcalf has a population of 151 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 256 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.4% female and 57.6% male.
Is Metcalf expensive to live in?
Metcalf has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,405, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,000 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Metcalf safe?
Metcalf is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Metcalf?
Metcalf has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Metcalf?
The job market in Metcalf faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 351 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Metcalf?
The median home value in Metcalf is $55,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,473. The homeownership rate is 71.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,788.
How are the schools in Metcalf?
Schools in Metcalf score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.6% of adults in Metcalf hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Metcalf?
The obesity rate in Metcalf is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 57.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,130.
What is transportation like in Metcalf?
The average commute in Metcalf is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Metcalf?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Metcalf is 94.7% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
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