Median Income
$66,765
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,000
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$774
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.8%
94% lower than US avg
How Scales Mound Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population441
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density700/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,765
Per Capita$36,585
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty0.8%
County GDP$1,138M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,000
Rent$774
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$206,545
Housing Units200
Rent Burden15.3%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property1,325/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.2%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation951 ft (290 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute39 min
Broadband93.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Scales Mound a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scales Mound receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Scales Mound is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,325 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
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 6/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Scales Mound has a population of 441 with a density of 700 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Scales Mound vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Scales Mound vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Scales Mound is $66,765, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,585. The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 742 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Scales Mound vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,765 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,585 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,691 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 39.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Scales Mound is $158,000, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,545, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $774 (33% 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. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 200 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,976 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,000 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,545 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $774 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 200 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.42% |
In Scales Mound, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scales Mound vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,194 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:906 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,364/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Scales Mound has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,325 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Scales Mound receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scales Mound vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 132.5/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,324.5/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scales Mound experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 37.9 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 951 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 951 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4748°N, 90.2526°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jo Daviess County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
522 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 422 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
59 km |
9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Scales Mound has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Scales Mound. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Scales Mound
What is the population of Scales Mound?
Scales Mound has a population of 441 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 700 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Scales Mound expensive to live in?
Scales Mound has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $66,765, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,000 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $774 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Scales Mound safe?
Scales Mound is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,325 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Scales Mound receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scales Mound?
Scales Mound has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Scales Mound?
Scales Mound has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scales Mound?
The median home value in Scales Mound is $158,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,545. For renters, the median monthly rent is $774. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,976.
How are the schools in Scales Mound?
Schools in Scales Mound score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Scales Mound hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scales Mound?
The obesity rate in Scales Mound is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194.
What is transportation like in Scales Mound?
The average commute in Scales Mound is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scales Mound?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scales Mound is 95.7% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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