Median Income
$64,750
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,000
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
368/100K
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$741
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How South Pekin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population949
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density1,825/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,750
Per Capita$29,693
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$7,835M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,000
Rent$741
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$111,017
Housing Units368
Rent Burden19.7%
Crime
F
Violent368/100K
Property1,930/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault368/100K
Burglary460/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking17.7%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation512 ft (156 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute26 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries12
Is South Pekin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Pekin receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. South Pekin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Pekin is $64,750, 14% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Pekin is $106,000, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Pekin is below the national average at 368 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,930 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
South Pekin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
South Pekin has a population of 949 with a density of 1,825 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.9%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Pekin vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Pekin vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Pekin is $64,750, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,693 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,079, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,560 business establishments, including 304 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Pekin vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,750 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,693 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,079 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% 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 | 6.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in South Pekin is $106,000, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,017. Homes sell for 103% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $741 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 368 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $6,627 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,000 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $111,017 |
| Median List Price | $40,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $40,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $82 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 368 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,627 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.25% |
In South Pekin, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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: South Pekin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,329 |
| Dentists | 1:1,709 |
| Mental Health | 1:430 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
South Pekin has a violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 residents, 3% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 367.7 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 1,930 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,195, burglary at 460, vehicle theft at 276 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Pekin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Pekin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 367.7/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 367.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,930.2/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| Burglary | 459.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,194.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 275.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Pekin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°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 39.3 inches. The area receives 12.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 512 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 512 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,825/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4955°N, 89.6524°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tazewell County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
765 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 27 fatalities, 773 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
16 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
South Pekin has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in South Pekin. 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 South Pekin
What is the population of South Pekin?
South Pekin has a population of 949 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,825 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is South Pekin expensive to live in?
South Pekin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,750, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,000 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Pekin safe?
South Pekin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,930 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Pekin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Pekin?
South Pekin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in South Pekin?
South Pekin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average 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. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Pekin?
The median home value in South Pekin is $106,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,017. For renters, the median monthly rent is $741. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,627.
How are the schools in South Pekin?
Schools in South Pekin score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.6% of adults in South Pekin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Pekin?
The obesity rate in South Pekin is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 83.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,329.
What is transportation like in South Pekin?
The average commute in South Pekin is 26 minutes. 88.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Pekin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Pekin is 96.9% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
