Median Income
$78,611
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$158,200
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.8%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Towanda Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population356
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density481/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,611
Per Capita$40,371
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$16,910M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,200
Rent$942
Ownership87.6%
Zillow$259,704
Housing Units204
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property743/100K
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.0%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation780 ft (238 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.8%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute22 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations30
Libraries15
Is Towanda a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Towanda receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Towanda offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Towanda is $78,611, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Towanda is $158,200, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Towanda is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 743 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
28.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Towanda experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°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 39.4 inches, including 20.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Towanda has a population of 356 with a density of 481 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Towanda is $78,611, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,371. The average weekly wage is $1,273, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,357 business establishments, including 404 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,611 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,371 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,273 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,357 |
| County GDP | $16,910M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 404 |
| Healthcare | 365 |
| Retail | 498 |
| Manufacturing | 82 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Towanda is $158,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,704, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $942 (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. 87.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 204 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $7,182 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,704 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.4% |
| Housing Units | 204 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,182 |
| 105% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.54% |
In Towanda, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 11.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 16.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:1,426. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Towanda vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.0% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:1,426 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 365 |
Towanda has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 743 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Towanda receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Towanda vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.1/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 743.5/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Traffic Accidents | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Towanda experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°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 39.4 inches. The area receives 20.1 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 780 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 481/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5634°N, 88.9007°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
100 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
756 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 871 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Towanda has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Towanda. 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 | $1,358 |
| Toddler | $1,220 |
| Preschool | $1,208 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $787 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Towanda
What is the population of Towanda?
Towanda has a population of 356 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 481 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
Is Towanda expensive to live in?
Towanda has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,611, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Towanda safe?
Towanda is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 743 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Towanda receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Towanda?
Towanda has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 39.4 inches, with 20.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Towanda?
The job market in Towanda is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,273. There are 3,357 business establishments in the area, including 404 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Towanda?
The median home value in Towanda is $158,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,704. For renters, the median monthly rent is $942. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,182.
How are the schools in Towanda?
Schools in Towanda score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.8% of adults in Towanda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Towanda?
The obesity rate in Towanda is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.0% of adults are smokers. 16.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Towanda?
The average commute in Towanda is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Towanda?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Towanda is 98.9% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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