Median Income
$77,977
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$151,100
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
114/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.6%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$852
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Pawnee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,706
Median Age45.4 yrs
Density2,035/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,977
Per Capita$37,398
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$151,100
Rent$852
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$183,433
Housing Units1,252
Rent Burden21.2%
Crime
F
Violent114/100K
Property227/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault76/100K
Burglary152/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.6%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation607 ft (185 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.6%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+10.2%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute28 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Pawnee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pawnee receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Pawnee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pawnee is $77,977, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 11.0% 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 Pawnee is $151,100, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pawnee is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 227 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Pawnee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 16.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pawnee has a population of 2,706 with a density of 2,035 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 45.4 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.4yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Pawnee is $77,977, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,398. The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,977 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,398 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Pawnee is $151,100, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,433, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $852 (27% 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. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,252 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,433 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $852 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,252 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.82% |
In Pawnee, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pawnee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Pawnee has a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 75.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 37.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 227 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 76, burglary at 152, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pawnee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pawnee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 113.6/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 37.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 75.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 227.3/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 151.5/100K |
| Theft | 75.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pawnee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 16.1 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 607 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,035/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5937°N, 89.5846°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 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 |
90 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 659 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
20 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
82 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Pawnee has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Pawnee. 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 | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pawnee
What is the population of Pawnee?
Pawnee has a population of 2,706 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,035 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Pawnee expensive to live in?
Pawnee has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,977, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,100 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pawnee safe?
Pawnee is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 227 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pawnee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pawnee?
Pawnee has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 16.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pawnee?
The job market in Pawnee is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pawnee?
The median home value in Pawnee is $151,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,433. For renters, the median monthly rent is $852. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Pawnee?
Schools in Pawnee score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.6% of adults in Pawnee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pawnee?
The obesity rate in Pawnee is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Pawnee?
The average commute in Pawnee is 28 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pawnee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pawnee is 93.3% White, 1.7% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.