Median Income
$52,404
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,600
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
287/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$742
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Potomac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population612
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,249/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,404
Per Capita$34,756
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$4,180M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,600
Rent$742
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$136,054
Housing Units297
Rent Burden22.0%
Crime
F
Violent287/100K
Property718/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault287/100K
Burglary431/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking14.7%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation682 ft (208 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score4.45
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Potomac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Potomac receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Potomac offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Potomac is $52,404, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Potomac is $79,600, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Potomac is below the national average at 287 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 718 per 100,000, 63% below the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Potomac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°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 40.9 inches, including 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Potomac has a population of 612 with a density of 1,249 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.1%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Potomac is $52,404, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,756 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,313 business establishments, including 146 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,404 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,756 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,745 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,313 |
| County GDP | $4,180M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 146 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 212 |
| Manufacturing | 72 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,912 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Potomac is $79,600, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,054, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $742 (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. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 297 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,912 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,600 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,054 |
| Median List Price | $199,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $199,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $79 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $742 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 297 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,912 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.17% |
In Potomac, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,811. The dentist ratio is 1:2,679. 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Potomac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,811 |
| Dentists | 1:2,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,430/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Potomac has a violent crime rate of 287 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 287.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 718 per 100,000, 63% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 144, burglary at 431, vehicle theft at 144 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Potomac receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Potomac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 287.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 287.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 718.4/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| Burglary | 431.0/100K |
| Theft | 143.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 143.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Potomac experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°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 40.9 inches. The area receives 20.3 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 682 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 682 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,249/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3067°N, 87.7976°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vermilion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
96 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
645 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 61 fatalities, 836 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
61 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
28 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Potomac has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Potomac. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $541 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $781 |
| Toddler | $711 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Potomac
What is the population of Potomac?
Potomac has a population of 612 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,249 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Potomac expensive to live in?
Potomac has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,404, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,600 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Potomac safe?
Potomac is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 287 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 718 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Potomac receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Potomac?
Potomac has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 40.9 inches, with 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Potomac?
The job market in Potomac is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 1,313 business establishments in the area, including 146 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Potomac?
The median home value in Potomac is $79,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,054. For renters, the median monthly rent is $742. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,912.
How are the schools in Potomac?
Schools in Potomac have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.8% of adults in Potomac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Potomac?
The obesity rate in Potomac is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,811.
What is transportation like in Potomac?
The average commute in Potomac is 30 minutes. 87.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Potomac?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Potomac is 88.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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