Median Income
$59,375
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,100
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Shannon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population772
Median Age49.1 yrs
Density1,608/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,375
Per Capita$34,290
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$761M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,100
Rent$675
Ownership87.4%
Zillow$160,359
Housing Units366
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.1%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation929 ft (283 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries6
Is Shannon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shannon receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Shannon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shannon is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shannon is $114,100, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Shannon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Shannon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shannon has a population of 772 with a density of 1,608 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 49.1 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.1yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Shannon is $59,375, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,290 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $903, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 405 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,375 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,290 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $903 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $761M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 54 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,595 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Shannon is $114,100, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,359, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% 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. 87.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 366 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,595 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,100 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,359 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.6% |
| Housing Units | 366 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,595 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.90% |
In Shannon, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,233. The dentist ratio is 1:3,882. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shannon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,233 |
| Dentists | 1:3,882 |
| Mental Health | 1:776 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,316/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Shannon has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Shannon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Shannon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 929 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 929 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,608/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1524°N, 89.7402°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carroll County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
105 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
54 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
568 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 924 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
50 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
24 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
44 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 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Shannon has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Shannon. 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 Shannon
What is the population of Shannon?
Shannon has a population of 772 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,608 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Shannon expensive to live in?
Shannon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,100 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shannon safe?
Shannon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Shannon?
Shannon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shannon?
The job market in Shannon is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $903. There are 405 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shannon?
The median home value in Shannon is $114,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,359. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,595.
How are the schools in Shannon?
Schools in Shannon score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.9% of adults in Shannon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shannon?
The obesity rate in Shannon is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,233.
What is transportation like in Shannon?
The average commute in Shannon is 26 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shannon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shannon is 93.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.