Home Value
$287,200
2% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
70/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.1%
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.0%
150% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Solon Mills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population140
Median Age57.8 yrs
Density700/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$200,205
Unemployment9.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,983M
Housing
Home Value$287,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$400,088
Housing Units99
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent70/100K
Property717/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking12.9%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation776 ft (237 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.1%
High School+84.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Solon Mills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Solon Mills receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Solon Mills has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 9.0%, unemployment is notably high. 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 Solon Mills is $287,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
Solon Mills is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 717 per 100,000, 63% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 84.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Solon Mills experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Solon Mills has a population of 140 with a density of 700 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 57.8 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.3% female and 65.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.8yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Solon Mills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Solon Mills vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $200,205 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.0% (above 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 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Solon Mills vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $200,205 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.0% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Solon Mills is $287,200, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,088, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 80.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. 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 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $287,200 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $400,088 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $67 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 80.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
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 | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Solon Mills, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Solon Mills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Solon Mills has a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 717 per 100,000, 63% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Solon Mills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Solon Mills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.0/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 717.0/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Solon Mills experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. The area receives 34.5 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 776 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 776 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4421°N, 88.2764°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 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 Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 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 |
121 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
56 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
96 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
29 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 106 fatalities, 2,154 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
85 km |
29 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
142 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Solon Mills has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Solon Mills. 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 | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Solon Mills
What is the population of Solon Mills?
Solon Mills has a population of 140 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 700 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.3% female and 65.7% male.
Is Solon Mills expensive to live in?
Solon Mills has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $287,200 (2% above the U.S. median).
Is Solon Mills safe?
Solon Mills is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 717 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Solon Mills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Solon Mills?
Solon Mills has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.0 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Solon Mills?
The job market in Solon Mills faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Solon Mills?
The median home value in Solon Mills is $287,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,088. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Solon Mills?
Schools in Solon Mills score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.1% of adults in Solon Mills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Solon Mills?
The obesity rate in Solon Mills is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What are the demographics of Solon Mills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Solon Mills is 100% White. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.