Violent Crime
81/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
50.0%
303% higher than US avg
How Serena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population195
Median Age15.4 yrs
Density780/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans64.0%
Economy
Per Capita$10,280
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty50.0%
County GDP$7,670M
Housing
Ownership50.0%
Zillow$322,236
Housing Units23
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent81/100K
Property2,630/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.4%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation632 ft (193 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+32.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Broadband14.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries12
Is Serena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Serena receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Serena faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 50.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Serena is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,630 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 32.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Serena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Serena has a population of 195 with a density of 780 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 15.4 years, 60% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (61%), with 39% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 64.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
15.4yrs
Median Age
60% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $10,280 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 50.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,450 business establishments, including 328 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $10,280 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 50.0% |
| 303% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,450 |
| County GDP | $7,670M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 328 |
| Healthcare | 242 |
| Retail | 377 |
| Manufacturing | 141 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,277 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $322,236. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 23 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $6,277 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Housing Units | 23 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,277 |
| 79% above US avg |
In Serena, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,658. The dentist ratio is 1:1,832. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Serena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,658 |
| Dentists | 1:1,832 |
| Mental Health | 1:774 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,943/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 242 |
Serena has a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,630 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Serena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Serena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 81.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,630.0/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Serena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°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 39.0 inches. The area receives 25.0 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 632 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 632 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 780/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4872°N, 88.7319°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | LaSalle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
14 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
57 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
18 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
59 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 2,224 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
38 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
83 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
6 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
26 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
53 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Serena has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Serena. 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 | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $830 |
| Toddler | $830 |
| Preschool | $830 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Serena
What is the population of Serena?
Serena has a population of 195 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 780 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 15.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Serena expensive to live in?
Serena has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100).
Is Serena safe?
Serena is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,630 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Serena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Serena?
Serena has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.0 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Serena?
The unemployment rate in Serena is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 2,450 business establishments in the area, including 328 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Serena?
Schools in Serena score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Serena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 32.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Serena?
The obesity rate in Serena is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,658.
What are the demographics of Serena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Serena is 61% White, 39% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 64.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.