Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,300
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$714
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.5%
57% higher than US avg
How Milford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,136
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density1,696/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$24,122
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty19.5%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,300
Rent$714
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$118,141
Housing Units651
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation666 ft (203 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+79.9%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute23 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries9
Is Milford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Milford receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Milford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Milford is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 19.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Milford is $65,300, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $714 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Milford is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Milford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Milford has a population of 1,136 with a density of 1,696 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Milford is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,122 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 675 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,122 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,388 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.5% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 675 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Milford is $65,300, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,141, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $714 (39% 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. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 651 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,558 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,300 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,141 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $714 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 651 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.98% |
In Milford, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353. The dentist ratio is 1:2,941. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Milford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,353 |
| Dentists | 1:2,941 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Milford has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Milford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Milford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 176.2/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,347.0/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Milford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 17.1 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 666 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 666 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,696/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6278°N, 87.6961°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iroquois County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
95 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
647 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 63 fatalities, 851 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
50 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
137 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Milford has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Milford. 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 Milford
What is the population of Milford?
Milford has a population of 1,136 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,696 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Milford expensive to live in?
Milford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,300 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $714 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Milford safe?
Milford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Milford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Milford?
Milford 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Milford?
The job market in Milford is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 675 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Milford?
The median home value in Milford is $65,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,141. For renters, the median monthly rent is $714. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,558.
How are the schools in Milford?
Schools in Milford score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.0% of adults in Milford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.9% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Milford?
The obesity rate in Milford is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353.
What is transportation like in Milford?
The average commute in Milford is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Milford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Milford is 96.8% White. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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