Median Income
$54,821
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
412/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$393
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Montrose Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population276
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density431/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,821
Per Capita$26,762
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$1,828M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$393
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$189,682
Housing Units117
Rent Burden12.0%
Crime
F
Violent412/100K
Property3,241/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking12.0%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation601 ft (183 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+0.6%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute35 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Montrose a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Montrose receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Montrose has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Montrose is $54,821, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Montrose is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $393 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,241 per 100,000, 65% above the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Montrose experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°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 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Montrose has a population of 276 with a density of 431 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Montrose is $54,821, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,762 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 188 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,821 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,762 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,038 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $1,828M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,420 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Montrose is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,682, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $393 (66% 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. 75.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,420. 12.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,682 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $393 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,420 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Montrose, 31.5% of adults are obese, below 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. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:10,324. 21.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Montrose vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:10,324 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,466 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,352/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 21.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Montrose has a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,241 per 100,000, 65% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Montrose receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Montrose vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 412.1/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,241.1/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Montrose experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°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 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 601 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 601 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 431/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1660°N, 88.3780°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cumberland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.9"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.1 / 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 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
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
90 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
90 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
140 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
91 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
65 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
22 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 477 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
40 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
38 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1960 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Montrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Montrose. 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 Montrose
What is the population of Montrose?
Montrose has a population of 276 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 431 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Montrose expensive to live in?
Montrose has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,821, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $393 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Montrose safe?
The violent crime rate in Montrose is 412 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 3,241 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Montrose receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Montrose?
Montrose has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°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 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Montrose?
The job market in Montrose is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Montrose?
The median home value in Montrose is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,682. For renters, the median monthly rent is $393. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,420.
How are the schools in Montrose?
Schools in Montrose score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Montrose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 0.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Montrose?
The obesity rate in Montrose is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 21.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Montrose?
The average commute in Montrose is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Montrose?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Montrose is 91.7% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.