Median Income
$38,162
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,600
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
36/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.9%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$487
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
28% higher than US avg
How Mount Morris Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,679
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density1,717/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,162
Per Capita$26,230
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty15.9%
County GDP$3,853M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,600
Rent$487
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$145,727
Housing Units1,506
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent36/100K
Property826/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault36/100K
Burglary72/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking17.9%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.9%
High School+81.3%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband71.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Mount Morris a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Morris receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 Morris offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Morris is $38,162, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 15.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mount Morris is $117,600, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $487 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Mount Morris is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 36 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Mount Morris experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mount Morris has a population of 2,679 with a density of 1,717 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Morris vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Morris vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Morris is $38,162, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,230 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,119, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,030 business establishments, including 113 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Morris vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,162 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,230 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,119 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,066 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,030 |
| County GDP | $3,853M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Mount Morris is $117,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,727, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $487 (58% 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. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,506 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $5,958 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,727 |
| Median List Price | $112,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $112,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $94 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $487 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,506 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,958 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.07% |
In Mount Morris, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774. The dentist ratio is 1:2,334. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Morris vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,774 |
| Dentists | 1:2,334 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,241/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Mount Morris has a violent crime rate of 36 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 35.9 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 826 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 718, burglary at 72, vehicle theft at 36 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mount Morris receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mount Morris vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 35.9/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 35.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 825.6/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Burglary | 71.8/100K |
| Theft | 717.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 35.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mount Morris experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 37.1 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 911 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,717/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0483°N, 89.4293°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ogle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
79 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
78 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
36 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
76 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 79 fatalities, 1,279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
98 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
25 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 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 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Mount Morris has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Mount Morris. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $873 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $739 |
| Toddler | $672 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Morris
What is the population of Mount Morris?
Mount Morris has a population of 2,679 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,717 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Mount Morris expensive to live in?
Mount Morris has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $38,162, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $487 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mount Morris safe?
Mount Morris is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 36 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mount Morris receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Morris?
Mount Morris has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mount Morris?
The job market in Mount Morris is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,119. There are 1,030 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Morris?
The median home value in Mount Morris is $117,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,727. For renters, the median monthly rent is $487. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,958.
How are the schools in Mount Morris?
Schools in Mount Morris score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.9% of adults in Mount Morris hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Morris?
The obesity rate in Mount Morris is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774.
What is transportation like in Mount Morris?
The average commute in Mount Morris is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Morris?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Morris is 96.8% White, 2.1% Black or African American. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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