Median Income
$51,477
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,200
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
338/100K
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$492
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Oquawka Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population990
Median Age49.9 yrs
Density673/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,477
Per Capita$30,532
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$224M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,200
Rent$492
Ownership86.9%
Zillow$108,957
Housing Units621
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent338/100K
Property2,082/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking18.8%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation553 ft (169 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score4.87
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute26 min
Broadband69.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Oquawka a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oquawka receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Oquawka offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oquawka is $51,477, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oquawka is $87,200, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $492 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
Violent crime in Oquawka is below the national average at 338 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,082 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Oquawka experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Oquawka has a population of 990 with a density of 673 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 49.9 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.9yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Oquawka is $51,477, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,532 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $712, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 143 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,477 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $712 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,582 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 143 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Oquawka is $87,200, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,957, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $492 (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. 86.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 621 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,350. 25.3% 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 | $87,200 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,957 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $492 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.1% |
| Housing Units | 621 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.84% |
In Oquawka, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,312. The dentist ratio is 1:615. 12.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oquawka vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,312 |
| Dentists | 1:615 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,218 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,415/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Oquawka has a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 residents, 11% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,082 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oquawka receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oquawka vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 338.2/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,082.0/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
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 |
Oquawka experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°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 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 553 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 553 ft (169 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 673/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9375°N, 90.9495°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henderson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| 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 Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
607 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 373 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
23 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
24 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
23 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Oquawka 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 July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Oquawka. 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 Oquawka
What is the population of Oquawka?
Oquawka has a population of 990 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 673 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Oquawka expensive to live in?
Oquawka has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $51,477, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,200 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $492 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 Oquawka safe?
Oquawka is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,082 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oquawka receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oquawka?
Oquawka has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Oquawka?
The job market in Oquawka is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $712. There are 143 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oquawka?
The median home value in Oquawka is $87,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,957. For renters, the median monthly rent is $492. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,350.
How are the schools in Oquawka?
Schools in Oquawka have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.2% of adults in Oquawka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oquawka?
The obesity rate in Oquawka is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 12.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,312.
What is transportation like in Oquawka?
The average commute in Oquawka is 26 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oquawka?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oquawka is 93.1% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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