Median Income
$52,702
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,400
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
585/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$532
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
45% higher than US avg
How Oblong Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,617
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density1,483/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,702
Per Capita$25,824
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$1,657M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,400
Rent$532
Ownership65.4%
Zillow$123,908
Housing Units747
Rent Burden14.9%
Crime
F
Violent585/100K
Property1,681/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault585/100K
Burglary731/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.7%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation511 ft (156 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Oblong a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oblong receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Oblong has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oblong is $52,702, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 18.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oblong is $78,400, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $532 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
The violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,681 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Oblong experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°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 45.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Oblong has a population of 1,617 with a density of 1,483 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Oblong is $52,702, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,824 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,186, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 424 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,702 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,824 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,186 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,893 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 424 |
| County GDP | $1,657M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 59 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,035 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Oblong is $78,400, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,908, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $532 (54% 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. 65.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 747 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,035. 14.9% 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 | $78,400 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,908 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $532 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.6% |
| Housing Units | 747 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,035 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.15% |
In Oblong, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,073. The dentist ratio is 1:2,317. 58.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oblong vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,073 |
| Dentists | 1:2,317 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,129/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Oblong has a violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 584.8 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 1,681 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 950, burglary at 731, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oblong receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oblong vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 584.8/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 584.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,681.3/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
| Burglary | 731.0/100K |
| Theft | 950.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 73.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oblong experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°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 45.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 511 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.1°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 511 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,483/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0023°N, 87.9105°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.5"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively 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
60 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 |
61 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
61 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
112 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
62 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
117 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
20 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
64 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
61 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
61 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
54 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
449 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 436 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
6 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
17 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1960 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Oblong has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Oblong. 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 Oblong
What is the population of Oblong?
Oblong has a population of 1,617 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,483 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Oblong expensive to live in?
Oblong has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,702, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,400 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $532 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 Oblong safe?
The violent crime rate in Oblong is 585 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 1,681 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oblong receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oblong?
Oblong has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°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 45.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Oblong?
The job market in Oblong is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,186. There are 424 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oblong?
The median home value in Oblong is $78,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,908. For renters, the median monthly rent is $532. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,035.
How are the schools in Oblong?
Schools in Oblong score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.5% of adults in Oblong hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oblong?
The obesity rate in Oblong is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 58.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,073.
What is transportation like in Oblong?
The average commute in Oblong is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oblong?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oblong is 92.8% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.