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Wheeler, IL

Illinois

Wheeler is a small town in Illinois with a population of 93. Residents earn $20,625 per year, which is 73% below the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
93 Population 160/sq mi density
$20,625 Median Income $16,482 per capita
54°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Economy
1.4 / 5.0
$20,625 median income, 7.4% unemployment
A
Education
4.1 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $20,625
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment 7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 37.5%
202% higher than US avg

How Wheeler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population93
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density160/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans68.0%

Economy

F
Median Income$20,625
Per Capita$16,482
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty37.5%
County GDP$646M
Commute23 min

Health

Obesity37.6%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking14.1%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.1%

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation576 ft (176 m)

Education

A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+77.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34

Community

2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute23 min
Broadband37.0%
Libraries1

Is Wheeler a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wheeler receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Wheeler has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Wheeler is $20,625, 73% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 37.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Education

0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.

Climate & Weather

Wheeler experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Wheeler has a population of 93 with a density of 160 people per square mile. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (89.2%), with 8.6% Hispanic.

Population

93
Total Population
160
People / sq mi
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
0.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53.8%
Female 46.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Wheeler vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish0.8%
94% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Wheeler vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wheeler is $20,625, which is 73% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 37.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Income: Wheeler vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$20,625
73% below US avg
Per Capita Income$16,482
Avg Weekly Wage$909
IRS Avg AGI$70,233

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.4%
106% above US avg
Poverty Rate37.5%
202% above US avg
Establishments (County)240
County GDP$646M

Business (County)

Restaurants22
Healthcare19
Retail22
Manufacturing10

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,446
2% below US avg
Cost of Living100.00 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.5 min
Drive Alone61.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.6%

Walkability

In Wheeler, 37.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 6.7% of residents lack health insurance. 14.1% are current smokers. 25.0% report depression. 20.6% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity37.6%
17% above US avg
Diabetes8.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
High Blood Pressure29.4%
Asthma10.6%
COPD6.1%
Cancer7.6%
Stroke2.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking14.1%
1% above US avg
Binge Drinking21.3%
Physical Inactivity20.6%
Depression25.0%
Mental Distress18.7%
Physical Distress12.0%
Short Sleep35.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate97.6%
Uninsured6.7%
22% below US avg
Checkup Rate75.6%
Dental Visits65.6%
Premature Death6,631/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.5/10
Exercise Access43.0%
Healthcare Facilities19
Wheeler has an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation is 41.9 inches. The area enjoys 293 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Temperature

28°F Jan (-2°C) 76°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average53.7°F
1% below US avg
January Average28°F (-2°C)
July Average76°F (24°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall41.9 inches
10% above US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation576 ft (176 m)
Area0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²)
Population Density160/sq mi
Coordinates39.0430°N, 88.3188°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
County FIPS17079
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (100% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 65.3-point margin. 37.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 82.1%
D 16.8%

Winner: Republican by 65.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+77.3%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.34
A Education Grade (4.1/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density160/sq mi
Total Area0.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access37.0%
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities19
Restaurants22
Retail Stores22

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)4

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.5 min
Drive Alone61.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.6%

Nearby Cities

Dieterich, IL 1,171 pop · 3.6 mi Newton, IL 2,852 pop · 9.1 mi Teutopolis, IL 1,693 pop · 10.6 mi Effingham, IL 12,258 pop · 13.5 mi Toledo, IL 1,209 pop · 16.4 mi Greenup, IL 1,678 pop · 16.5 mi Neoga, IL 1,248 pop · 20.5 mi Louisville, IL 1,288 pop · 21.4 mi Oblong, IL 1,617 pop · 22.1 mi Altamont, IL 2,500 pop · 23.0 mi Olney, IL 8,864 pop · 25.2 mi Casey, IL 2,258 pop · 25.5 mi Flora, IL 4,860 pop · 27.4 mi St. Elmo, IL 1,401 pop · 28.6 mi
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