Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
152/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$919
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Thayer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population638
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density1,046/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans15.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$36,853
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,300
Rent$919
Ownership89.6%
Zillow$119,208
Housing Units328
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent152/100K
Property304/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault152/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.6%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation639 ft (195 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Thayer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thayer receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Thayer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thayer is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thayer is $87,300, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Thayer is below the national average at 152 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 304 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Thayer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 16.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Thayer has a population of 638 with a density of 1,046 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 15.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Thayer is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,853. The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,853 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.5% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Thayer is $87,300, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,208, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $919 (21% 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. 89.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 328 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,208 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $919 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Housing Units | 328 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.34% |
In Thayer, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thayer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Thayer has a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 152.0 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 304 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 304, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thayer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 152.0/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 152.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 304.0/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 304.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thayer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 16.1 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 639 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 639 ft (195 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,046/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5404°N, 89.7580°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 692 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
24 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Thayer has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Thayer. 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 | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thayer
What is the population of Thayer?
Thayer has a population of 638 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,046 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Thayer expensive to live in?
Thayer has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,300 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thayer safe?
Thayer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 304 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thayer?
Thayer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 16.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Thayer?
Thayer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thayer?
The median home value in Thayer is $87,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,208. For renters, the median monthly rent is $919. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Thayer?
Schools in Thayer score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Thayer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thayer?
The obesity rate in Thayer is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Thayer?
The average commute in Thayer is 30 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.5% use public transit, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thayer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thayer is 94% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 15.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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