Median Income
$77,034
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$148,100
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
346/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$837
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Tuscola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,675
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density1,585/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,034
Per Capita$40,062
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$1,440M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$148,100
Rent$837
Ownership72.1%
Zillow$170,415
Housing Units2,213
Rent Burden18.7%
Crime
F
Violent346/100K
Property1,245/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault300/100K
Burglary346/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.9%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation649 ft (198 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Tuscola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tuscola receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Tuscola offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tuscola is $77,034, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tuscola is $148,100, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $837 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tuscola is below the national average at 346 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Tuscola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Tuscola has a population of 4,675 with a density of 1,585 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 3.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Tuscola is $77,034, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,062. The average weekly wage is $1,044, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 603 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,034 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,062 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,044 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,563 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 603 |
| County GDP | $1,440M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 84 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,396 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Tuscola is $148,100, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,415, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $837 (28% 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. 72.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,213 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,396 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $148,100 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $170,415 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $837 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,213 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,396 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.97% |
In Tuscola, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,817. The dentist ratio is 1:1,975. 81.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tuscola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,817 |
| Dentists | 1:1,975 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,814 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,968/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Tuscola has a violent crime rate of 346 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 299.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 46.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 761, burglary at 346, vehicle theft at 138 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tuscola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tuscola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 345.9/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 46.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 299.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,245.4/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Burglary | 345.9/100K |
| Theft | 761.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 138.4/100K |
| Arson | 23.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 40 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tuscola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.6 inches. The area receives 16.9 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 649 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 649 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,585/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7959°N, 88.2755°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 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 |
85 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
49 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
94 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
114 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
9 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Apr 16, 1991 |
4 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Jun 16, 2022 |
4 km ESE of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
645 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 474 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Tuscola has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Tuscola. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscola
What is the population of Tuscola?
Tuscola has a population of 4,675 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,585 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Tuscola expensive to live in?
Tuscola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,034, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $148,100 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $837 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tuscola safe?
Tuscola is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 346 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tuscola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tuscola?
Tuscola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Tuscola?
The job market in Tuscola is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,044. There are 603 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tuscola?
The median home value in Tuscola is $148,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,415. For renters, the median monthly rent is $837. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,396.
How are the schools in Tuscola?
Schools in Tuscola score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Tuscola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tuscola?
The obesity rate in Tuscola is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,817.
What is transportation like in Tuscola?
The average commute in Tuscola is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tuscola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tuscola is 91.9% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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