Median Income
$54,063
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
88/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.2%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$940
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How Thomson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,526
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density687/mi²
Male / Female85% / 15%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,063
Per Capita$10,875
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty12.2%
County GDP$2,951M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,300
Rent$940
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$147,444
Housing Units258
Rent Burden40.4%
Crime
F
Violent88/100K
Property1,002/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking17.9%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation605 ft (184 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.2%
High School+66.2%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.41
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Thomson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thomson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Thomson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thomson is $54,063, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thomson is $122,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Thomson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,002 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.
Education
5.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Thomson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Thomson has a population of 1,526 with a density of 687 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 14.8% female and 85.2% male. The city is predominantly White (60.6%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 36.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.1% of residents, while 11.9% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.1%
12% above US avg
Spanish
11.9%
11% below US avg
The median household income in Thomson is $54,063, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $10,875 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,498 business establishments, including 117 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,063 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $10,875 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,940 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,951M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 117 |
| Healthcare | 128 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Thomson is $122,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,444, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $940 (19% 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. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 258 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,438 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,444 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $940 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 258 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.63% |
In Thomson, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,716. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thomson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 14.0% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:537 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 54.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 128 |
Thomson has a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,002 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Thomson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thomson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 88.4/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,002.1/100K |
| 49% 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 |
Thomson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 605 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 605 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 687/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9747°N, 90.1122°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.32 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
116 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 221 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Thomson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Thomson. 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 | $685 |
| Toddler | $590 |
| Preschool | $590 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thomson
What is the population of Thomson?
Thomson has a population of 1,526 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 687 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 14.8% female and 85.2% male.
Is Thomson expensive to live in?
Thomson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,063, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thomson safe?
Thomson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,002 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thomson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thomson?
Thomson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Thomson?
The job market in Thomson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 1,498 business establishments in the area, including 117 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thomson?
The median home value in Thomson is $122,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,444. For renters, the median monthly rent is $940. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,438.
How are the schools in Thomson?
Schools in Thomson score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.2% of adults in Thomson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.2% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thomson?
The obesity rate in Thomson is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112.
What is transportation like in Thomson?
The average commute in Thomson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thomson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thomson is 60.6% White, 36.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 88.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.9% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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