Median Income
$59,167
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,800
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.0%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$749
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Mount Carroll Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,515
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density758/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,167
Per Capita$32,272
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$761M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,800
Rent$749
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$142,797
Housing Units778
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,096/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary122/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.0%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation793 ft (242 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.0%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute26 min
Broadband93.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Mount Carroll a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Carroll receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mount Carroll offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Carroll is $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mount Carroll is $88,800, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $749 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
Mount Carroll 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 1,096 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
Education
23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mount Carroll experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches, including 33.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mount Carroll has a population of 1,515 with a density of 758 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Carroll vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Carroll vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Carroll is $59,167, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,272 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $903, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 405 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Carroll vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,167 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,272 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $903 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $761M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 54 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,595 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Mount Carroll is $88,800, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,797, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $749 (36% 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. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 778 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,595 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% 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 | $88,800 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,797 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $749 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 778 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,595 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.30% |
In Mount Carroll, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,233. The dentist ratio is 1:3,882. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Carroll vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,233 |
| Dentists | 1:3,882 |
| Mental Health | 1:776 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,316/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Mount Carroll has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,096 per 100,000, 44% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 974, burglary at 122, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mount Carroll receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Mount Carroll vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,096.2/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| Burglary | 121.8/100K |
| Theft | 974.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Mount Carroll experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. The area receives 33.4 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 793 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 793 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0948°N, 89.9769°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carroll County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
114 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
61 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 910 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
97 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Mount Carroll has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Mount Carroll. 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 Mount Carroll
What is the population of Mount Carroll?
Mount Carroll has a population of 1,515 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 758 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Mount Carroll expensive to live in?
Mount Carroll has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,800 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $749 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 Mount Carroll safe?
Mount Carroll 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 1,096 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mount Carroll receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Carroll?
Mount Carroll has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.3 inches, with 33.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mount Carroll?
The job market in Mount Carroll is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $903. There are 405 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Carroll?
The median home value in Mount Carroll is $88,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,797. For renters, the median monthly rent is $749. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,595.
How are the schools in Mount Carroll?
Schools in Mount Carroll score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.0% of adults in Mount Carroll hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Carroll?
The obesity rate in Mount Carroll is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,233.
What is transportation like in Mount Carroll?
The average commute in Mount Carroll is 26 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Carroll?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Carroll is 93.8% White, 1.1% Black or African American. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.