Median Income
$69,250
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,500
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
239/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Ransom Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population312
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density312/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,250
Per Capita$35,376
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$6,044M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,500
Rent$700
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$201,159
Housing Units127
Rent Burden16.9%
Crime
F
Violent239/100K
Property2,075/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.1%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation707 ft (215 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute33 min
Broadband80.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Ransom a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ransom 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. Ransom offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ransom is $69,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ransom is $101,500, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 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 Ransom is below the national average at 239 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,075 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ransom experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 26.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ransom has a population of 312 with a density of 312 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
The median household income in Ransom is $69,250, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,376. The average weekly wage is $1,344. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,204 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,250 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,376 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,344 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,204 |
| County GDP | $6,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Ransom is $101,500, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,159, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% 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. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $6,618 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.9% 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 | $101,500 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,159 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 127 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.52% |
In Ransom, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ransom vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,117 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Ransom has a violent crime rate of 239 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,075 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ransom receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ransom vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 239.4/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,075.0/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ransom experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°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 39.4 inches. The area receives 26.4 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 707 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 707 ft (215 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1586°N, 88.6542°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
39 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
91 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
90 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
54 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
15 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
728 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 89 fatalities, 1,448 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
63 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
53 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
55 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 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Ransom has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Ransom. 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 | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $820 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ransom
What is the population of Ransom?
Ransom has a population of 312 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 312 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Ransom expensive to live in?
Ransom has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,250, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,500 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 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 Ransom safe?
Ransom is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 239 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,075 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ransom receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ransom?
Ransom has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 26.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ransom?
The job market in Ransom is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,344. There are 1,204 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ransom?
The median home value in Ransom is $101,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,159. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,618.
How are the schools in Ransom?
Schools in Ransom score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Ransom hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ransom?
The obesity rate in Ransom is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117.
What is transportation like in Ransom?
The average commute in Ransom is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ransom?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ransom is 97.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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