Median Income
$58,564
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,900
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
525/100K
38% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$745
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
22% lower than US avg
How Newton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,852
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density1,365/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,564
Per Capita$30,897
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty9.7%
County GDP$834M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,900
Rent$745
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$160,518
Housing Units1,515
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent525/100K
Property666/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault385/100K
Burglary140/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking17.5%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation525 ft (160 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute21 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Newton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Newton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Newton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Newton is $58,564, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 9.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Newton is $98,900, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 525 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 666 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Newton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches, including 16.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Newton has a population of 2,852 with a density of 1,365 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Newton is $58,564, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,897 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,564 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,897 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,653 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 392 |
| County GDP | $834M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,850 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Newton is $98,900, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,518, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $745 (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. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,515 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,850 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,900 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,518 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $745 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,515 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,850 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.90% |
In Newton, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,755. The dentist ratio is 1:3,859. 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Newton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,755 |
| Dentists | 1:3,859 |
| Mental Health | 1:191 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,994/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Newton has a violent crime rate of 525 per 100,000 residents, 38% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 385.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 140.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 666 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 455, burglary at 140, vehicle theft at 70 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Newton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Newton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 525.4/100K |
| 38% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 140.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 385.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 665.5/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Burglary | 140.1/100K |
| Theft | 455.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 70.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Newton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°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 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.0 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 525 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 525 ft (160 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9873°N, 88.1644°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.3 / 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 |
Relatively 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
58 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 |
64 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
64 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
115 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
65 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
40 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
65 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
63 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
44 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
452 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 510 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
83 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
13 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
65 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1960 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Newton has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Newton. 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 Newton
What is the population of Newton?
Newton has a population of 2,852 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,365 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Newton expensive to live in?
Newton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,564, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,900 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Newton safe?
The violent crime rate in Newton is 525 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 666 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Newton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Newton?
Newton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 16.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Newton?
The job market in Newton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Newton?
The median home value in Newton is $98,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,518. For renters, the median monthly rent is $745. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,850.
How are the schools in Newton?
Schools in Newton score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Newton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Newton?
The obesity rate in Newton is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 64.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,755.
What is transportation like in Newton?
The average commute in Newton is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Newton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Newton is 96.7% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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