Median Income
$121,583
62% higher than US avg
Home Value
$377,900
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.1%
49% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,052
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
12.7%
253% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Wadsworth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,535
Median Age40.1 yrs
Density359/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$121,583
Per Capita$57,105
Unemployment12.7%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$10,428M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$377,900
Rent$1,052
Ownership96.7%
Zillow$470,050
Housing Units1,390
Rent Burden28.6%
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured1.7%
Smoking10.2%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Elevation708 ft (216 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.1%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+19.1%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute29 min
Broadband95.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Wadsworth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wadsworth receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Wadsworth stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wadsworth is $121,583, which is significantly higher than the national average / 62% above $75,149. This places Wadsworth among higher-income communities. At 12.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wadsworth is $377,900, 34% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,052 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Wadsworth is a highly educated community / 50.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Wadsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches, including 43.4 inches of snow.
Wadsworth has a population of 3,535 with a density of 359 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (73.6%), with 16.9% Hispanic, 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.1% of residents, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,535
Total Population
2023 Census
40.1yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wadsworth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.1%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.9%
4% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Wadsworth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wadsworth is $121,583, which is 62% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $57,105 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,123, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,341 business establishments, including 399 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 15.4% of workers work from home.
Income: Wadsworth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $121,583 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $57,105 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,123 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.7% |
| 253% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,341 |
| County GDP | $10,428M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 399 |
| Healthcare | 437 |
| Retail | 486 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,451 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Wadsworth is $377,900, 34% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $470,050, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $325,000 with homes selling in an average of 149 days. Homes sell for 96.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,052 (10% 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. 96.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,390 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $6,451 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $377,900 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $470,050 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $325,000 |
| Median List Price | $676,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $325,000 |
| Median List Price | $676,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $217 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 149 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,052 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,390 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,451 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.71% |
In Wadsworth, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 16.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.8% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 1.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,033. The dentist ratio is 1:1,422. 95.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wadsworth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.7% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 1.7% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,033 |
| Dentists | 1:1,422 |
| Mental Health | 1:566 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,666/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 437 |
Wadsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. The area receives 43.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 708 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 708 ft (216 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 359/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4507°N, 87.9251°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kenosha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0489 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.0 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.20 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
71 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
47 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
424 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 100 fatalities, 2,087 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
93 km |
29 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
120 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
10 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Wadsworth has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Wadsworth. 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 | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wadsworth
What is the population of Wadsworth?
Wadsworth has a population of 3,535 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 359 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.1 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Wadsworth expensive to live in?
Wadsworth has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $121,583, 62% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $377,900 (34% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,052 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Wadsworth?
Wadsworth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.3 inches, with 43.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Wadsworth?
The job market in Wadsworth faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,123. There are 4,341 business establishments in the area, including 399 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 15.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wadsworth?
The median home value in Wadsworth is $377,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $470,050. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $325,000, with homes typically selling within 149 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,052. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 96.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,451.
How are the schools in Wadsworth?
Schools in Wadsworth score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.1% of adults in Wadsworth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 19.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wadsworth?
The obesity rate in Wadsworth is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 16.7% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 1.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 95.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,033.
What is transportation like in Wadsworth?
The average commute in Wadsworth is 29 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wadsworth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wadsworth is 73.6% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 16.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 86.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.