Median Income
$83,173
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$101,800
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.0%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,375
18% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.6%
111% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Stanford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population469
Median Age32.3 yrs
Density711/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$83,173
Per Capita$36,312
Unemployment7.6%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$7,835M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,800
Rent$1,375
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$195,259
Housing Units278
Rent Burden25.7%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking12.8%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Elevation670 ft (204 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.0%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is Stanford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stanford receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Stanford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stanford is $83,173, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stanford is $101,800, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,375 per month. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Stanford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 24.4 inches of snow.
Stanford has a population of 469 with a density of 711 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
469
Total Population
2023 Census
32.3yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Stanford is $83,173, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,312. The average weekly wage is $1,079, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,173 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,312 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,079 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.6% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% 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 | 6.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Stanford is $101,800, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,259, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,375 (18% 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. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 278 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $6,627 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,800 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,259 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,375 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 278 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,627 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.51% |
In Stanford, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 18.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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: Stanford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.3% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,329 |
| Dentists | 1:1,709 |
| Mental Health | 1:430 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
Stanford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. The area receives 24.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 670 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 670 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 711/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4322°N, 89.2208°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tazewell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.83"
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
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
117 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
777 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 833 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
36 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Stanford has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Stanford. 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 Stanford
What is the population of Stanford?
Stanford has a population of 469 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 711 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Stanford expensive to live in?
Stanford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $83,173, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,800 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,375 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Stanford?
Stanford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 24.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Stanford?
The unemployment rate in Stanford is 7.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 20 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stanford?
The median home value in Stanford is $101,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,259. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,375. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,627.
How are the schools in Stanford?
Schools in Stanford score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.0% of adults in Stanford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stanford?
The obesity rate in Stanford is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 18.3% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,329.
What is transportation like in Stanford?
The average commute in Stanford is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stanford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stanford is 94.2% White. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.