Median Income
$68,214
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,500
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
412/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Shirley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population73
Median Age27.7 yrs
Density811/mi²
Male / Female25% / 75%
Largest GroupWhite 53%
Veterans40.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,214
Per Capita$11,315
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,835M
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$256,676
Housing Units20
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent412/100K
Property2,099/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking12.6%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation768 ft (234 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+62.5%
Graduate+14.3%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Broadband12.0%
EV Stations21
Libraries12
Is Shirley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shirley receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Shirley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shirley is $68,214, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shirley is $84,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,099 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Shirley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shirley has a population of 73 with a density of 811 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 27.7 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 75.3% female and 24.7% male. The city is predominantly White (53.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 40.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 38.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.7yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Shirley is $68,214, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $11,315 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,079, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 2,560 business establishments, including 304 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,214 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,315 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,079 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,560 |
| County GDP | $7,835M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 304 |
| Healthcare | 285 |
| Retail | 380 |
| Manufacturing | 118 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,627 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 95.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Shirley is $84,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,676, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 20 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $6,627 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,676 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 20 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,627 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.84% |
In Shirley, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.2% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,329. The dentist ratio is 1:1,709. 83.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shirley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,329 |
| Dentists | 1:1,709 |
| Mental Health | 1:430 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
Shirley has a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,099 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shirley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shirley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 411.6/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,099.4/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shirley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 768 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 768 ft (234 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 811/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4075°N, 89.0643°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tazewell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
118 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
783 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 854 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Shirley has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Shirley. 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 | $1,214 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley
What is the population of Shirley?
Shirley has a population of 73 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 811 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 75.3% female and 24.7% male.
Is Shirley expensive to live in?
Shirley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,214, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,500 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shirley safe?
The violent crime rate in Shirley is 412 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,099 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Shirley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shirley?
Shirley 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shirley?
The job market in Shirley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,079. There are 2,560 business establishments in the area, including 304 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley is $84,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,676. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,627.
How are the schools in Shirley?
Schools in Shirley score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Shirley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.5% have completed high school. 14.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shirley?
The obesity rate in Shirley is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,329.
What are the demographics of Shirley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shirley is 53.4% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 40.0% of the population are military veterans. 38.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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