Median Income
$72,813
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,700
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
324/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$921
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.1%
292% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.9%
141% higher than US avg
How Riley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population479
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density5,322/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$72,813
Per Capita$22,674
Unemployment14.1%
Poverty29.9%
County GDP$6,571M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,700
Rent$921
Ownership70.3%
Zillow$229,589
Housing Units210
Rent Burden19.2%
Crime
F
Violent324/100K
Property4,931/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.5%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation567 ft (173 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations16
Libraries2
Is Riley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riley receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Riley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riley is $72,813, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 14.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 29.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riley is $92,700, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $921 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Riley is below the national average at 324 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,931 per 100,000, 152% above the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Riley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Riley has a population of 479 with a density of 5,322 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% 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 Riley is $72,813, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,674 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,526 business establishments, including 281 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,813 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,674 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,303 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.1% |
| 292% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.9% |
| 141% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,526 |
| County GDP | $6,571M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 281 |
| Healthcare | 393 |
| Retail | 394 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,631 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Riley is $92,700, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,589, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $921 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 210 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,631. 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,700 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,589 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $921 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.7% |
| Housing Units | 210 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,631 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.92% |
In Riley, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,204. The dentist ratio is 1:1,738. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Riley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,204 |
| Dentists | 1:1,738 |
| Mental Health | 1:515 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,892/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 393 |
Riley has a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,931 per 100,000, 152% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Riley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 324.1/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,930.8/100K |
| 152% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 567 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 567 ft (173 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,322/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3898°N, 87.3002°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Vigo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF) 4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.01 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
116 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
115 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
49 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
65 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
62 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
63 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
15 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
485 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 658 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
28 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
85 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Riley has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Riley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Riley
What is the population of Riley?
Riley has a population of 479 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 5,322 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Riley expensive to live in?
Riley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,813, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,700 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $921 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Riley safe?
Riley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,931 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Riley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riley?
Riley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Riley?
The job market in Riley faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 2,526 business establishments in the area, including 281 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riley?
The median home value in Riley is $92,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,589. For renters, the median monthly rent is $921. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,631.
How are the schools in Riley?
Schools in Riley score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Riley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riley?
The obesity rate in Riley is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,204.
What is transportation like in Riley?
The average commute in Riley is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riley is 97.3% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.