Median Income
$91,115
21% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
38/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.7%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,640
41% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Scott AFB Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,195
Median Age26.2 yrs
Density967/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans25.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$91,115
Per Capita$32,873
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$16,131M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,640
Ownership2.2%
Zillow$259,603
Housing Units1,244
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent38/100K
Property502/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking9.9%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation438 ft (134 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.7%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+26.6%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 53%
Commute14 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries16
Is Scott AFB a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scott AFB receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Scott AFB offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scott AFB is $91,115, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,640 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Safety & Crime
Scott AFB is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 502 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
30.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Scott AFB enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Scott AFB has a population of 4,195 with a density of 967 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 26.2 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (69%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 15.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.9% of residents, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 25.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.2yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Scott AFB vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.9%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.1%
43% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Scott AFB vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Scott AFB is $91,115, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,873 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,856 business establishments, including 565 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Scott AFB vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $91,115 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,873 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,661 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,856 |
| County GDP | $16,131M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 565 |
| Healthcare | 634 |
| Retail | 779 |
| Manufacturing | 149 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,264 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,603. Monthly rent averages $1,640 (41% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 2.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,244 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $6,264 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,640 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 2.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 2.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 97.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,244 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,264 |
| 79% above US avg |
In Scott AFB, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 9.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:1,358. 80.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scott AFB vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.9% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 9.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:1,358 |
| Mental Health | 1:528 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 634 |
Scott AFB has a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 502 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 46 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Scott AFB receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scott AFB vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 37.7/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 502.3/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 46 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scott AFB enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°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 43.4 inches. The area receives 11.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 438 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 438 ft (134 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 967/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5430°N, 89.8521°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Clair County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.2 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.12 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
70 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
6 km S of Marble Hill, Missouri |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Mar 1, 2006 |
2 km N of Buncombe, Illinois |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
89 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
74 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
623 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 79 fatalities, 1,366 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
74 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
38 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
65 km |
21 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
99 km |
11 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
30 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KINKAID RX (1,215 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
687 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
BLOWDOWN 16 RX |
553 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Scott AFB has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Scott AFB. 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 | $1,031 |
| Toddler | $844 |
| Preschool | $700 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scott AFB
What is the population of Scott AFB?
Scott AFB has a population of 4,195 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 967 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Scott AFB expensive to live in?
Scott AFB has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $91,115, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,640 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is Scott AFB safe?
Scott AFB is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 502 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Scott AFB receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scott AFB?
Scott AFB enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Scott AFB?
The job market in Scott AFB is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 4,856 business establishments in the area, including 565 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scott AFB?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,640. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 2.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,264.
How are the schools in Scott AFB?
Schools in Scott AFB score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.7% of adults in Scott AFB hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 26.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scott AFB?
The obesity rate in Scott AFB is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.9% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What is transportation like in Scott AFB?
The average commute in Scott AFB is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scott AFB?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scott AFB is 69% White, 15.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 80.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 25.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.