Median Income
$147,025
96% higher than US avg
Home Value
$291,300
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.7%
42% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,565
35% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sherman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,211
Median Age44.4 yrs
Density1,341/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$147,025
Per Capita$60,210
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$291,300
Rent$1,565
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$323,340
Housing Units1,558
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property568/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault84/100K
Burglary105/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking10.3%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation576 ft (176 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.7%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+19.2%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute20 min
Broadband96.2%
EV Stations33
Libraries13
Is Sherman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sherman receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Sherman stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sherman is $147,025, which is significantly higher than the national average / 96% above $75,149. This places Sherman among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sherman is $291,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,565 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sherman is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 568 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sherman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sherman has a population of 4,211 with a density of 1,341 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 44.4 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 6.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.4yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Sherman is $147,025, which is 96% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $60,210 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $147,025 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $60,210 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.8% |
The median home value in Sherman is $291,300, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,340, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,565 (35% 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. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,558 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $291,300 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,340 |
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,565 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,558 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.50% |
In Sherman, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 10.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 16.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.1% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sherman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.3% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.0% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 71.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Sherman has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 84.2 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 568 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 463, burglary at 105, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sherman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sherman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.2/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 84.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 568.1/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Burglary | 105.2/100K |
| Theft | 462.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Traffic Accidents | 70 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sherman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.0 inches. The area receives 21.8 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 576 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.0°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 576 ft (176 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,341/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8903°N, 89.6045°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
746 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 898 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
18 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Sherman has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Sherman. 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 | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sherman
What is the population of Sherman?
Sherman has a population of 4,211 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,341 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Sherman expensive to live in?
Sherman has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $147,025, 96% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $291,300 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,565 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sherman safe?
Sherman is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 568 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sherman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sherman?
Sherman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sherman?
The job market in Sherman is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sherman?
The median home value in Sherman is $291,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,340. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,565. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Sherman?
Schools in Sherman score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.7% of adults in Sherman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 19.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sherman?
The obesity rate in Sherman is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.3% of adults are smokers. 16.0% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Sherman?
The average commute in Sherman is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sherman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sherman is 92.4% White, 6.8% Black or African American. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 4.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.