Median Income
$95,263
27% higher than US avg
Home Value
$155,700
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
194/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,107
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.7%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How Rome Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,628
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density848/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$95,263
Per Capita$39,905
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$16,966M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,700
Rent$1,107
Ownership83.2%
Zillow$177,529
Housing Units730
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent194/100K
Property1,730/100K
Health
Obesity31.7%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking12.9%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation488 ft (149 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.18
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute25 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Rome a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rome receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Rome offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rome is $95,263, 27% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rome is $155,700, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,107 per month. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rome is below the national average at 194 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,730 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Rome experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rome has a population of 1,628 with a density of 848 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above 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 Rome is $95,263, which is 27% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,905. The average weekly wage is $1,438. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,972 business establishments, including 468 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,263 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,905 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,438 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,771 |
| Gini Index | 0.492 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,972 |
| County GDP | $16,966M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 468 |
| Healthcare | 543 |
| Retail | 638 |
| Manufacturing | 138 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,031 |
| 129% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Rome is $155,700, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,529, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 82.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,107 (5% 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. 83.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 730 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $8,031 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,700 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,529 |
| Median List Price | $99,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $99,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $88 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 82.5% |
| Price Drops | 66.7% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,107 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.8% |
| Housing Units | 730 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,031 |
| 129% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.16% |
In Rome, 31.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 18.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:748. The dentist ratio is 1:1,129. 80.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rome vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.7% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.3% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:748 |
| Dentists | 1:1,129 |
| Mental Health | 1:324 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,362/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 543 |
Rome has a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,730 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rome receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rome vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 194.0/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,730.0/100K |
| 12% below 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 |
Rome experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.8 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 488 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 488 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 848/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8774°N, 89.5132°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Peoria County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0489 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
83 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
680 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 587 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
46 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
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 |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Rome has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Rome. 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 | $1,206 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $839 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $799 |
| Preschool | $844 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rome
What is the population of Rome?
Rome has a population of 1,628 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 848 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Rome expensive to live in?
Rome has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $95,263, 27% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,700 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,107 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rome safe?
Rome is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,730 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rome receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rome?
Rome has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 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 Rome?
The job market in Rome is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,438. There are 3,972 business establishments in the area, including 468 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rome?
The median home value in Rome is $155,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,529. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,107. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,031.
How are the schools in Rome?
Schools in Rome score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.0% of adults in Rome hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rome?
The obesity rate in Rome is 31.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 18.3% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:748.
What is transportation like in Rome?
The average commute in Rome is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rome?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rome is 99.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.