Median Income
$27,500
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,000
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.8%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.8%
148% higher than US avg
How Smithboro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population171
Median Age30.0 yrs
Density184/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$27,500
Per Capita$17,653
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty30.8%
County GDP$781M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,000
Ownership94.9%
Zillow$163,743
Housing Units93
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property2,654/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.7%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation550 ft (168 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.8%
High School+81.0%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute19 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Smithboro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smithboro receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Smithboro has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smithboro is $27,500, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Smithboro is $70,000, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Smithboro is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,654 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
4.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Smithboro experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°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 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Smithboro has a population of 171 with a density of 184 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 30.0 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 61.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.0yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smithboro vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Smithboro vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smithboro is $27,500, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,653 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 320 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Smithboro vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,500 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,653 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,189 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.8% |
| 148% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 320 |
| County GDP | $781M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Smithboro is $70,000, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,743, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 93 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $5,025 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,000 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,743 |
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 | 94.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.1% |
| Housing Units | 93 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.18% |
In Smithboro, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844. The dentist ratio is 1:5,522. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Smithboro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 61.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,844 |
| Dentists | 1:5,522 |
| Mental Health | 1:567 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Smithboro has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,654 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Smithboro receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Smithboro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 269.7/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,654.4/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Smithboro experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°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 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 550 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 184/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8946°N, 89.3399°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bond County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.7"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
62 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
136 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
137 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
137 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
16 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
31 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
11 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 568 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
91 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
54 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Smithboro has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Smithboro. 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 | $826 |
| Toddler | $859 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smithboro
What is the population of Smithboro?
Smithboro has a population of 171 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 184 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Smithboro expensive to live in?
Smithboro has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $27,500, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,000 (75% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Smithboro safe?
Smithboro is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,654 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Smithboro receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Smithboro?
Smithboro has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°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 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Smithboro?
The unemployment rate in Smithboro is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 320 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Smithboro?
The median home value in Smithboro is $70,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,743. The homeownership rate is 94.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,025.
How are the schools in Smithboro?
Schools in Smithboro score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.8% of adults in Smithboro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Smithboro?
The obesity rate in Smithboro is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844.
What is transportation like in Smithboro?
The average commute in Smithboro is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Smithboro?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Smithboro is 95.9% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 61.6% have health insurance coverage.