Median Income
$47,125
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$718
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.9%
314% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.3%
265% higher than US avg
How Rankin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population560
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density966/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$47,125
Per Capita$22,305
Unemployment14.9%
Poverty45.3%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,700
Rent$718
Ownership68.0%
Zillow$94,889
Housing Units236
Rent Burden41.7%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation720 ft (219 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+81.8%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute29 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Rankin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rankin receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Rankin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rankin is $47,125, 37% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 45.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rankin is $57,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rankin 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
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Rankin 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.
Rankin has a population of 560 with a density of 966 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Rankin is $47,125, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,305 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 45.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 675 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,125 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,305 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,388 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.9% |
| 314% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.3% |
| 265% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 675 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in Rankin is $57,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,889, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $718 (38% 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. 68.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 236 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,558 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $94,889 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $66 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $718 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.0% |
| Housing Units | 236 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.90% |
In Rankin, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353. The dentist ratio is 1:2,941. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rankin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,353 |
| Dentists | 1:2,941 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Rankin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Rankin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Rankin 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 720 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 | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 966/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4644°N, 87.8959°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iroquois County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
139 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 760 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 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 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Rankin has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Rankin. 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 Rankin
What is the population of Rankin?
Rankin has a population of 560 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 966 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Rankin expensive to live in?
Rankin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,125, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rankin safe?
Rankin 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 Rankin?
Rankin 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 Rankin?
The job market in Rankin faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 675 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rankin?
The median home value in Rankin is $57,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,889. For renters, the median monthly rent is $718. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,558.
How are the schools in Rankin?
Schools in Rankin score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.3% of adults in Rankin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rankin?
The obesity rate in Rankin is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353.
What is transportation like in Rankin?
The average commute in Rankin is 29 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rankin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rankin is 98.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.