Median Income
$49,583
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.9%
77% higher than US avg
How Vernon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population83
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans69.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,583
Per Capita$30,467
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty21.9%
County GDP$781M
Commute64 min
Housing
A+
Rent$625
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$166,625
Housing Units74
Rent Burden10.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property527/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.7%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation514 ft (157 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+80.0%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute64 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Vernon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vernon receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Vernon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vernon is $49,583, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 21.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 64 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Vernon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 527 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vernon 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.
Vernon has a population of 83 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 69.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Vernon is $49,583, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,467 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.9% 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 64 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,583 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,467 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,189 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.9% |
| 77% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 63.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,625. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 74 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,025 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 10.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 74 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,025 |
| 44% above US avg |
In Vernon, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,844. 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: Vernon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,844 |
| Dentists | 1:5,522 |
| Mental Health | 1:567 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Vernon has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 527 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vernon receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Vernon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 527.2/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Vernon 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 514 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 | 514 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8014°N, 89.0875°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bond County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.7"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
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
65 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
111 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
113 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
146 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
112 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
9 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
52 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
26 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
13 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 554 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
82 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
53 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
84 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
79 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Vernon has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Vernon. 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 Vernon
What is the population of Vernon?
Vernon has a population of 83 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Vernon expensive to live in?
Vernon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $49,583, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Vernon safe?
Vernon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 527 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vernon receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vernon?
Vernon 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 Vernon?
The job market in Vernon is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / 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 64 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vernon?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,025.
How are the schools in Vernon?
Schools in Vernon score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.2% of adults in Vernon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vernon?
The obesity rate in Vernon is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below 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 Vernon?
The average commute in Vernon is 64 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vernon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vernon is 96.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 69.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.3% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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