Median Income
$64,286
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,500
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$748
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Onarga Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,362
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density816/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,286
Per Capita$27,566
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,500
Rent$748
Ownership85.8%
Zillow$150,035
Housing Units498
Rent Burden19.7%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property627/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary549/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured19.0%
Smoking14.7%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation676 ft (206 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+65.2%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute19 min
Broadband77.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Onarga a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Onarga receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Onarga has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Onarga is $64,286, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Onarga is $96,500, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $748 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
Onarga is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 627 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Onarga experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Onarga has a population of 1,362 with a density of 816 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (48.3%), with 6.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.9% of residents, while 55.1% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.9%
43% below US avg
Spanish
55.1%
311% above US avg
The median household income in Onarga is $64,286, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,566 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,286 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,566 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $1,119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Onarga is $96,500, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,035, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $748 (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. 85.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 498 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.7% 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 | $96,500 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $150,035 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $748 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.2% |
| Housing Units | 498 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.77% |
In Onarga, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 19.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930. The dentist ratio is 1:2,650. 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Onarga vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.3% |
| Uninsured | 19.0% |
| 121% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Onarga has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 78.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 627 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 78, burglary at 549, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Onarga receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Onarga vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.4/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 627.0/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| Burglary | 548.6/100K |
| Theft | 78.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 78.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 56 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Onarga experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 44.4 inches. The area receives 24.7 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 676 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 816/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7153°N, 88.0108°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.8 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 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 |
111 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
699 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 36 fatalities, 798 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
18 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
145 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
72 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Onarga has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Onarga. 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 Onarga
What is the population of Onarga?
Onarga has a population of 1,362 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 816 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Onarga expensive to live in?
Onarga has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,286, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,500 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $748 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 Onarga safe?
Onarga is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 627 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Onarga receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Onarga?
Onarga has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 24.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Onarga?
The unemployment rate in Onarga is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Onarga?
The median home value in Onarga is $96,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,035. For renters, the median monthly rent is $748. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Onarga?
Schools in Onarga score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.1% of adults in Onarga hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.2% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Onarga?
The obesity rate in Onarga is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 19.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,930.
What is transportation like in Onarga?
The average commute in Onarga is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Onarga?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Onarga is 48.3% White, 1% Black or African American, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino. 44.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.1% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
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