Illinois
Scales Mound is a small town in Illinois with a population of 441. Residents earn $66,765 per year, which is 11% below the national average.
Based on current data, Scales Mound receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Scales Mound offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Scales Mound is $66,765, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Scales Mound is $158,000, 44% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $774 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Scales Mound experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.0% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.0% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $66,765 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $36,585 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,691 |
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,138M |
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.42% |
| Commute Time | 39.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
| Census Median | $158,000 |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,545 |
| Census Median Rent | $774 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 15.3% |
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.42% |
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,364/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 39.6 inches |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 37.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 951 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4748°N, 90.2526°W |
| County FIPS | 17085 |
Winner: Republican by 16.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 15.4% |
| 54% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.34 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.6 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 93.4% |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Retail Stores | 117 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Commute | 39.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |