Median Income
$60,982
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,100
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Steeleville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,732
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density1,139/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,982
Per Capita$34,698
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$2,023M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,100
Rent$775
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$167,140
Housing Units893
Rent Burden27.4%
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured4.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Elevation422 ft (129 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations5
Libraries8
Is Steeleville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Steeleville receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Steeleville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Steeleville is $60,982, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.5% 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 Steeleville is $155,100, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Steeleville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 7.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Steeleville has a population of 1,732 with a density of 1,139 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,732
Total Population
2023 Census
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Steeleville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Steeleville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Steeleville is $60,982, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,698 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,070, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 596 business establishments, including 76 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). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Steeleville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,982 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,698 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,070 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,068 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 596 |
| County GDP | $2,023M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,703 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Steeleville is $155,100, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,140. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 893 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,703. 27.4% 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 | $155,100 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,140 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 893 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,703 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Steeleville, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,153. The dentist ratio is 1:2,148. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Steeleville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 4.3% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,153 |
| Dentists | 1:2,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:634 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 56.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Steeleville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches. The area receives 7.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. 79% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 422 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 422 ft (129 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,139/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0084°N, 89.6624°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Randolph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.40"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 79.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0498 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
127 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
95 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
83 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
139 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
128 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
109 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 |
6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
68 km |
| May 16, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
43 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
57 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
616 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 78 fatalities, 1,096 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
37 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
49 km |
2 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
96 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
52 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
84 km |
4 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
38 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED SHALE UNIT RX (2,123 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,552 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,483 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
29 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
20 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
62 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
741 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
27 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
724 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
HERRIN FLATS RX |
713 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF CREEK (OLIVE BR) RX |
691 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Steeleville has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Steeleville. 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 | $999 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Preschool | $542 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Steeleville
What is the population of Steeleville?
Steeleville has a population of 1,732 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,139 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Steeleville expensive to live in?
Steeleville has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,982, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,100 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Steeleville?
Steeleville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 7.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Steeleville?
Steeleville has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,070. There are 596 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Steeleville?
The median home value in Steeleville is $155,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,140. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,703.
How are the schools in Steeleville?
Schools in Steeleville score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in Steeleville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Steeleville?
The obesity rate in Steeleville is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 4.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,153.
What is transportation like in Steeleville?
The average commute in Steeleville is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Steeleville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Steeleville is 93.3% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.