Median Income
$86,563
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$164,900
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
148/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,188
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How South Wilmington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population558
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density1,139/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,563
Per Capita$41,526
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$6,044M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$164,900
Rent$1,188
Ownership91.8%
Zillow$200,047
Housing Units272
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent148/100K
Property890/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.5%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation587 ft (179 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute32 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is South Wilmington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Wilmington receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. South Wilmington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Wilmington is $86,563, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Wilmington is $164,900, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,188 per month. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
South Wilmington is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 148 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 890 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Wilmington 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 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
South Wilmington has a population of 558 with a density of 1,139 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Wilmington 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 Wilmington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Wilmington is $86,563, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,526. The average weekly wage is $1,344. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,204 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Wilmington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,563 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,526 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,344 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,204 |
| County GDP | $6,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in South Wilmington is $164,900, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,047, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,188 (2% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 272 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $6,618 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,900 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $200,047 |
| Median List Price | $265,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $265,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $158 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,188 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.2% |
| Housing Units | 272 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.01% |
In South Wilmington, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Wilmington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,117 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
South Wilmington has a violent crime rate of 148 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 890 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Wilmington receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Wilmington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 148.4/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 890.2/100K |
| 55% below 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 |
South Wilmington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°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 37.7 inches. The area receives 23.3 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 587 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 587 ft (179 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,139/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1745°N, 88.2795°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
61 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
21 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
731 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 87 fatalities, 1,544 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
57 km |
29 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
15 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
84 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 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 |
130 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
24 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
30 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
24 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
South Wilmington has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in South Wilmington. 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 | $820 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Wilmington
What is the population of South Wilmington?
South Wilmington has a population of 558 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,139 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is South Wilmington expensive to live in?
South Wilmington has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $86,563, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $164,900 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,188 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Wilmington safe?
South Wilmington is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 148 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 890 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Wilmington receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Wilmington?
South Wilmington has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in South Wilmington?
The job market in South Wilmington is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,344. There are 1,204 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Wilmington?
The median home value in South Wilmington is $164,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,047. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,188. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,618.
How are the schools in South Wilmington?
Schools in South Wilmington score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in South Wilmington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Wilmington?
The obesity rate in South Wilmington is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,117.
What is transportation like in South Wilmington?
The average commute in South Wilmington is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Wilmington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Wilmington is 98.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.