Median Income
$46,563
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$44,400
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Nilwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population140
Median Age52.0 yrs
Density298/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,563
Per Capita$23,041
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$1,525M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$44,400
Ownership94.9%
Zillow$152,828
Housing Units106
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,308/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking13.8%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation670 ft (204 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+77.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute28 min
Broadband59.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Nilwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nilwood receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Nilwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nilwood is $46,563, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nilwood is $44,400, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Nilwood is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,308 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Nilwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°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 40.0 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Nilwood has a population of 140 with a density of 298 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 52.0 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 34.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.0yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Nilwood is $46,563, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,041 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $898, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 887 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,563 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,041 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $898 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $1,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Nilwood is $44,400, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $152,828, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,826. 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $44,400 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $152,828 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.1% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.62% |
In Nilwood, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,950. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nilwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,158 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Nilwood has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,308 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nilwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nilwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.6/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,307.8/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nilwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°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 40.0 inches. The area receives 16.5 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 670 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 670 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 298/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3995°N, 89.8077°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macoupin County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.61 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
79 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
664 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 647 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
40 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Nilwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Nilwood. 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 | $855 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nilwood
What is the population of Nilwood?
Nilwood has a population of 140 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 298 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Nilwood expensive to live in?
Nilwood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,563, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $44,400 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nilwood safe?
Nilwood is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,308 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nilwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nilwood?
Nilwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°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 40.0 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Nilwood?
The job market in Nilwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $898. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nilwood?
The median home value in Nilwood is $44,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $152,828. The homeownership rate is 94.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,826.
How are the schools in Nilwood?
Schools in Nilwood score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.5% of adults in Nilwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nilwood?
The obesity rate in Nilwood is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037.
What is transportation like in Nilwood?
The average commute in Nilwood is 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nilwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nilwood is 97.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 34.7% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.