Median Income
$63,250
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,500
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
336/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Universal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population273
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density758/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,250
Per Capita$24,472
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty15.7%
County GDP$6,571M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,500
Rent$575
Ownership90.2%
Zillow$126,629
Housing Units132
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent336/100K
Property2,122/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation582 ft (177 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute32 min
Broadband93.8%
EV Stations16
Libraries2
Is Universal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Universal receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Universal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Universal is $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Universal is $70,500, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Universal is below the national average at 336 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,122 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.4% 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 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Universal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.4 inches, including 13.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Universal has a population of 273 with a density of 758 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.9% female and 42.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 6.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Universal vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Universal vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Universal is $63,250, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,472 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,526 business establishments, including 281 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Universal vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,250 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,472 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,303 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,526 |
| County GDP | $6,571M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 281 |
| Healthcare | 393 |
| Retail | 394 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,631 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Universal is $70,500, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,629, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 132 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,631. 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,500 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,629 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.8% |
| Housing Units | 132 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,631 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.15% |
In Universal, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,204. The dentist ratio is 1:1,738. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Universal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,204 |
| Dentists | 1:1,738 |
| Mental Health | 1:515 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,892/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 393 |
Universal has a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,122 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Universal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Universal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 336.2/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,122.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Universal experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°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 47.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 582 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.0°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 582 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6225°N, 87.4553°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Vigo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.4"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.01 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
34 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
134 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
27 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
83 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
71 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
14 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
525 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 46 fatalities, 629 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Universal has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Universal. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Universal
What is the population of Universal?
Universal has a population of 273 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 758 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 57.9% female and 42.1% male.
Is Universal expensive to live in?
Universal is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,500 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Universal safe?
Universal is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,122 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Universal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Universal?
Universal has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.4 inches, with 13.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Universal?
The job market in Universal is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 2,526 business establishments in the area, including 281 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Universal?
The median home value in Universal is $70,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,629. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,631.
How are the schools in Universal?
Schools in Universal score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.4% of adults in Universal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Universal?
The obesity rate in Universal is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,204.
What is transportation like in Universal?
The average commute in Universal is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Universal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Universal is 93.8% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.