Median Income
$71,500
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,900
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,089
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Pecatonica Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,178
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density1,702/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,500
Per Capita$36,378
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$18,798M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,900
Rent$1,089
Ownership79.0%
Zillow$225,947
Housing Units920
Rent Burden21.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking12.6%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation752 ft (229 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute29 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries12
Is Pecatonica a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pecatonica receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Pecatonica stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pecatonica is $71,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pecatonica is $134,900, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,089 per month. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pecatonica 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
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Pecatonica experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pecatonica has a population of 2,178 with a density of 1,702 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pecatonica vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pecatonica vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pecatonica is $71,500, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,378. The average weekly wage is $1,142, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,870 business establishments, including 623 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pecatonica vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,500 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,142 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,870 |
| County GDP | $18,798M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 623 |
| Healthcare | 668 |
| Retail | 907 |
| Manufacturing | 521 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,763 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
The median home value in Pecatonica is $134,900, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,947, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,089 (6% 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. 79.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 920 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $6,763 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.4% 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 | $134,900 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,947 |
| Median List Price | $269,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $269,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $74 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,089 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.0% |
| Housing Units | 920 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,763 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.01% |
In Pecatonica, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,423. The dentist ratio is 1:1,171. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pecatonica vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,423 |
| Dentists | 1:1,171 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,176/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 668 |
Pecatonica 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 27 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Pecatonica 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) | 27 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Pecatonica experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 37.1 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 752 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 752 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,702/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3090°N, 89.3572°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 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 |
102 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
80 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
66 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
83 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,151 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
89 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
37 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
6 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RX-HWY Y - SOUTH (553 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Pecatonica has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Pecatonica. 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 | $1,220 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $799 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $696 |
| Toddler | $741 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecatonica
What is the population of Pecatonica?
Pecatonica has a population of 2,178 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,702 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Pecatonica expensive to live in?
Pecatonica has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,500, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,900 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,089 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pecatonica safe?
Pecatonica 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 Pecatonica?
Pecatonica has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pecatonica?
The job market in Pecatonica is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,142. There are 5,870 business establishments in the area, including 623 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pecatonica?
The median home value in Pecatonica is $134,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,947. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,089. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,763.
How are the schools in Pecatonica?
Schools in Pecatonica have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.1% of adults in Pecatonica hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pecatonica?
The obesity rate in Pecatonica is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,423.
What is transportation like in Pecatonica?
The average commute in Pecatonica is 29 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pecatonica?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pecatonica is 90.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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