Median Income
$43,184
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,800
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
390/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.8%
44% higher than US avg
How Vandalia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,041
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density741/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,184
Per Capita$23,708
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty17.8%
County GDP$781M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,800
Rent$738
Ownership64.0%
Zillow$122,829
Housing Units2,426
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent390/100K
Property1,801/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault255/100K
Burglary360/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking19.6%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation521 ft (159 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute19 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Vandalia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vandalia receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Vandalia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vandalia is $43,184, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 17.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vandalia is $88,800, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,801 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vandalia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Vandalia has a population of 6,041 with a density of 741 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.3% female and 56.7% male. The city is predominantly White (79.7%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 11.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Vandalia is $43,184, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,708 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 320 business establishments, including 31 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). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,184 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,189 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.8% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 320 |
| County GDP | $781M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Vandalia is $88,800, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,829, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% 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. 64.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,426 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $5,025 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,800 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,829 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,426 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.66% |
In Vandalia, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 36.1% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844. The dentist ratio is 1:5,522. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vandalia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,844 |
| Dentists | 1:5,522 |
| Mental Health | 1:567 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Vandalia has a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 255.1 per 100,000, robbery at 45.0, rape at 90.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,801 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,426, burglary at 360, vehicle theft at 15 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vandalia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vandalia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 390.2/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 90.0/100K |
| Robbery | 45.0/100K |
| Assault | 255.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,800.7/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 360.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,425.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 15.0/100K |
| Arson | 15.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vandalia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°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 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 521 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 521 ft (159 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 741/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9746°N, 89.1107°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bond County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.7"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 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 |
121 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
122 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
122 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
15 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
71 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
10 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
17 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
610 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 45 fatalities, 649 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
86 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Vandalia has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Vandalia. 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 | $826 |
| Toddler | $859 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vandalia
What is the population of Vandalia?
Vandalia has a population of 6,041 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 741 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
Is Vandalia expensive to live in?
Vandalia has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,184, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,800 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vandalia safe?
The violent crime rate in Vandalia is 390 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,801 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vandalia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vandalia?
Vandalia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Vandalia?
The job market in Vandalia is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 320 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vandalia?
The median home value in Vandalia is $88,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,829. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,025.
How are the schools in Vandalia?
Schools in Vandalia score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Vandalia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vandalia?
The obesity rate in Vandalia is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844.
What is transportation like in Vandalia?
The average commute in Vandalia is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vandalia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vandalia is 79.7% White, 11.4% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
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