Median Income
$53,246
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,700
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
303/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$853
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
8% higher than US avg
How Tilton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,537
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density668/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,246
Per Capita$31,065
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty13.4%
County GDP$4,180M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,700
Rent$853
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$76,215
Housing Units1,408
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent303/100K
Property3,336/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault190/100K
Burglary758/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking20.3%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation644 ft (196 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score4.45
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute17 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Tilton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tilton receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Tilton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tilton is $53,246, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tilton is $71,700, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $853 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tilton is below the national average at 303 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,336 per 100,000, 70% above the national average.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Tilton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°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 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Tilton has a population of 2,537 with a density of 668 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Tilton is $53,246, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,065 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,313 business establishments, including 146 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,246 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,065 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,745 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.4% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,313 |
| County GDP | $4,180M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 146 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 212 |
| Manufacturing | 72 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,912 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Tilton is $71,700, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $76,215. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $853 (27% 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. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,408 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,912 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,700 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $76,215 |
| Median List Price | $135,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $135,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $42 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $853 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,408 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,912 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.85% |
In Tilton, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,811. The dentist ratio is 1:2,679. 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tilton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,811 |
| Dentists | 1:2,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,430/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Tilton has a violent crime rate of 303 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 189.5 per 100,000, robbery at 37.9, rape at 75.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,336 per 100,000, 70% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,502, burglary at 758, vehicle theft at 76 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tilton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tilton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 303.3/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 75.8/100K |
| Robbery | 37.9/100K |
| Assault | 189.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,335.9/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
| Burglary | 758.2/100K |
| Theft | 2,501.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 75.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tilton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°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 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 644 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 644 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 668/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0950°N, 87.6421°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vermilion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 High |
| 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
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
85 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
51 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
617 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 60 fatalities, 832 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
63 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Tilton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Tilton. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $541 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $781 |
| Toddler | $711 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilton
What is the population of Tilton?
Tilton has a population of 2,537 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 668 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Tilton expensive to live in?
Tilton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,246, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,700 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $853 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tilton safe?
Tilton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 303 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,336 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tilton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tilton?
Tilton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°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 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Tilton?
Tilton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 1,313 business establishments in the area, including 146 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tilton?
The median home value in Tilton is $71,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $76,215. For renters, the median monthly rent is $853. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,912.
How are the schools in Tilton?
Schools in Tilton have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.9% of adults in Tilton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tilton?
The obesity rate in Tilton is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,811.
What is transportation like in Tilton?
The average commute in Tilton is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tilton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tilton is 95% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
