Median Income
$47,708
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$46,300
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
431/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.0%
77% higher than US avg
How Sims Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population164
Median Age57.1 yrs
Density139/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans0.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,708
Per Capita$31,779
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty22.0%
County GDP$679M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$46,300
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$140,131
Housing Units105
Rent Burden24.3%
Crime
F
Violent431/100K
Property2,311/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.4%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation422 ft (129 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+78.9%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute28 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Sims a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sims receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sims has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sims is $47,708, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 22.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sims is $46,300, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 431 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,311 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sims experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sims has a population of 164 with a density of 139 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 57.1 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87.2%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.1yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Sims is $47,708, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,779 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $825, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 379 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 14.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,708 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,779 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $825 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,895 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.0% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 379 |
| County GDP | $679M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,588 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |
The median home value in Sims is $46,300, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,131, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 105 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,588 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,300 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,131 |
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 | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 105 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,588 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.91% |
In Sims, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774. The dentist ratio is 1:3,968. 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sims vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,774 |
| Dentists | 1:3,968 |
| Mental Health | 1:657 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,935/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Sims has a violent crime rate of 431 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,311 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sims receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sims vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 431.0/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,311.5/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sims experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°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 45.0 inches. The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 422 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 422 ft (129 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 139/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3618°N, 88.5355°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.0"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
77 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
57 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
59 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
79 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
58 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
90 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
59 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
19 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
60 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
38 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
494 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 72 fatalities, 986 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
70 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
75 km |
8 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
81 km |
10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
73 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
89 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED SHALE UNIT RX (2,123 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
100 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,008 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
994 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
865 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
HARRIS BRANCH RX |
716 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
HERRIN FLATS RX |
713 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
ONE HORSE GAP |
687 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Sims has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Sims. 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 | $888 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sims
What is the population of Sims?
Sims has a population of 164 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 139 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Sims expensive to live in?
Sims has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,708, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $46,300 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sims safe?
The violent crime rate in Sims is 431 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 2,311 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sims receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sims?
Sims has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.0 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sims?
The job market in Sims is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $825. There are 379 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 14.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sims?
The median home value in Sims is $46,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,131. The homeownership rate is 89.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,588.
How are the schools in Sims?
Schools in Sims score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Sims hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sims?
The obesity rate in Sims is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,774.
What is transportation like in Sims?
The average commute in Sims is 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sims?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sims is 87.2% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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