Median Income
$88,611
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$196,000
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
215/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.4%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,030
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Monticello Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,332
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density1,571/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,611
Per Capita$42,725
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$719M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$196,000
Rent$1,030
Ownership84.3%
Zillow$266,645
Housing Units2,775
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent215/100K
Property484/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault197/100K
Burglary143/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking12.0%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation667 ft (203 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.4%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+13.7%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Monticello a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Monticello receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Monticello offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Monticello is $88,611, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Monticello is $196,000, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,030 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Monticello is below the national average at 215 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 484 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Monticello experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°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 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Monticello has a population of 6,332 with a density of 1,571 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Monticello vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Monticello vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Monticello is $88,611, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,725. The average weekly wage is $903, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 382 business establishments, including 28 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). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Monticello vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,611 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,725 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $903 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,631 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 382 |
| County GDP | $719M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,384 |
| 111% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Monticello is $196,000, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,645, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,030 (11% 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. 84.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,775 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $7,384 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $196,000 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $266,645 |
| Median List Price | $359,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $359,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $137 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 17.4% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,030 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,775 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,384 |
| 111% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.77% |
In Monticello, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 18.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,861. The dentist ratio is 1:4,181. 55.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Monticello vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.5% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,861 |
| Dentists | 1:4,181 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,045 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,493/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Monticello has a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 197.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 17.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 484 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 323, burglary at 143, vehicle theft at 18 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Monticello receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Monticello vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 215.2/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 17.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 197.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 484.1/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Burglary | 143.5/100K |
| Theft | 322.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 17.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Monticello experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°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 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 667 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 667 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,571/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0335°N, 88.5741°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Piatt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively 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
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
776 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 556 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Monticello has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Monticello. 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 Monticello
What is the population of Monticello?
Monticello has a population of 6,332 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,571 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Monticello expensive to live in?
Monticello has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $88,611, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $196,000 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,030 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Monticello safe?
Monticello is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 484 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Monticello receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Monticello?
Monticello has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Monticello?
The job market in Monticello is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $903. There are 382 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Monticello?
The median home value in Monticello is $196,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,645. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,030. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,384.
How are the schools in Monticello?
Schools in Monticello score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.4% of adults in Monticello hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Monticello?
The obesity rate in Monticello is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 18.5% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 55.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,861.
What is transportation like in Monticello?
The average commute in Monticello is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Monticello?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Monticello is 94.7% White, 3.3% Black or African American. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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