Home Value
$54,400
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
217/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.9%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$283
76% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.8%
213% higher than US avg
How Royal Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population318
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density677/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 24%
Veterans14.7%
Economy
Per Capita$12,546
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty38.8%
County GDP$1,525M
Housing
Home Value$54,400
Rent$283
Ownership58.8%
Zillow$171,282
Housing Units139
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property1,705/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.7%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation644 ft (196 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.9%
High School+71.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Broadband67.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Royal Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Royal Lakes receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Royal Lakes faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 38.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Royal Lakes is $54,400, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $283 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Royal Lakes is below the national average at 217 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,705 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Royal Lakes experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°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 40.0 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Royal Lakes has a population of 318 with a density of 677 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 69.8% female and 30.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (74.8%), with 24.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 14.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Royal Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Royal Lakes vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $12,546 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $898, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 887 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Royal Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $12,546 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $898 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.8% |
| 213% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $1,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 56.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
The median home value in Royal Lakes is $54,400, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,282, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $283 (76% 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. 58.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 139 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $3,826. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,400 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,282 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $283 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.2% |
| Housing Units | 139 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.03% |
In Royal Lakes, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,950. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Royal Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,158 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Royal Lakes has a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,705 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Royal Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Royal Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.0/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,704.9/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Royal Lakes experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°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 40.0 inches. The area receives 16.5 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 644 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 644 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 677/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1133°N, 89.9585°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macoupin County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.61 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
654 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,158 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
85 km |
21 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
41 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Royal Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Royal Lakes. 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 | $855 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Lakes
What is the population of Royal Lakes?
Royal Lakes has a population of 318 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 677 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 69.8% female and 30.2% male.
Is Royal Lakes expensive to live in?
Royal Lakes has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $54,400 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $283 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Royal Lakes safe?
Royal Lakes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,705 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Royal Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Royal Lakes?
Royal Lakes has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°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 40.0 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Royal Lakes?
Royal Lakes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $898. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Royal Lakes?
The median home value in Royal Lakes is $54,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,282. For renters, the median monthly rent is $283. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,826.
How are the schools in Royal Lakes?
Schools in Royal Lakes score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.9% of adults in Royal Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Royal Lakes?
The obesity rate in Royal Lakes is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037.
What are the demographics of Royal Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Royal Lakes is 24.2% White, 74.8% Black or African American. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 14.7% of the population are military veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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