Median Income
$39,338
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,600
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
170/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$786
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.0%
206% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Piper City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population716
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density1,279/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$39,338
Per Capita$27,435
Unemployment11.0%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$1,119M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,600
Rent$786
Ownership72.6%
Zillow$108,770
Housing Units389
Rent Burden39.0%
Crime
F
Violent170/100K
Property2,500/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation671 ft (205 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute23 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Piper City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Piper City receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Piper City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Piper City is $39,338, 48% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.0%, unemployment is notably high. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Piper City is $76,600, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $786 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
Violent crime in Piper City is below the national average at 170 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,500 per 100,000, 28% above the national average.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Piper City 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.
Piper City has a population of 716 with a density of 1,279 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Piper City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Piper City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Piper City is $39,338, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,435 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Piper City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,338 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,435 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.0% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% 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 | 7.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Piper City is $76,600, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,770, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $786 (32% 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. 72.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 389 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $5,571 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.0% 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 | $76,600 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,770 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $786 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.4% |
| Housing Units | 389 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,571 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.27% |
In Piper City, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Piper City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,930 |
| Dentists | 1:2,650 |
| Mental Health | 1:189 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Piper City has a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,500 per 100,000, 28% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Piper City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Piper City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.5/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,500.0/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Piper City 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 671 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 | 671 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,279/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7561°N, 88.1889°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
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 |
98 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
713 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 39 fatalities, 798 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
94 km |
18 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
68 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Piper City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Piper 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 Piper City
What is the population of Piper City?
Piper City has a population of 716 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,279 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Piper City expensive to live in?
Piper 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 $39,338, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,600 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $786 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 Piper City safe?
Piper City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Piper City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Piper City?
Piper City 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 Piper City?
The job market in Piper City faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 23 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Piper City?
The median home value in Piper City is $76,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,770. For renters, the median monthly rent is $786. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,571.
How are the schools in Piper City?
Schools in Piper City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Piper City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Piper City?
The obesity rate in Piper City is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 10.1% 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 Piper City?
The average commute in Piper City is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Piper City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Piper City is 88.8% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability. 86.2% have health insurance coverage.
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