Median Income
$63,500
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$747
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Pearl City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population798
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density1,228/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,500
Per Capita$30,593
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$2,485M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,300
Rent$747
Ownership74.8%
Zillow$207,752
Housing Units285
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.3%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation833 ft (254 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute22 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Pearl City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pearl City receives an overall livability score of 3.8 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. Pearl City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pearl City is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pearl City is $121,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $747 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
Pearl City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Pearl City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pearl City has a population of 798 with a density of 1,228 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pearl City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pearl City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pearl City is $63,500, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,593 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,019 business establishments, including 91 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pearl City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,500 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,593 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,019 |
| County GDP | $2,485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Pearl City is $121,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,752, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $747 (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. 74.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 285 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $5,642 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% 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 | $121,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $207,752 |
| Median List Price | $79,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $79,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $177 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $747 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.2% |
| Housing Units | 285 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.65% |
In Pearl City, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096. The dentist ratio is 1:1,983. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pearl City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,096 |
| Dentists | 1:1,983 |
| Mental Health | 1:435 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,373/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Pearl City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Pearl City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Pearl City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. The area receives 34.5 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 833 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,228/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2662°N, 89.8272°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stephenson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
118 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
115 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 928 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
79 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
24 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Pearl City has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Pearl City. 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 Pearl City
What is the population of Pearl City?
Pearl City has a population of 798 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,228 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Pearl City expensive to live in?
Pearl City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $747 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 Pearl City safe?
Pearl City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Pearl City?
Pearl City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pearl City?
The job market in Pearl City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,019 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pearl City?
The median home value in Pearl City is $121,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,752. For renters, the median monthly rent is $747. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,642.
How are the schools in Pearl City?
Schools in Pearl City score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Pearl City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pearl City?
The obesity rate in Pearl City is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096.
What is transportation like in Pearl City?
The average commute in Pearl City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pearl City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearl City is 95.2% White, 2.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
