Median Income
$20,625
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
143/100K
62% 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
Housing
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$237,461
Housing Units64
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent143/100K
Property1,924/100K
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 Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute23 min
Broadband37.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Wheeler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheeler receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, 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.
Safety & Crime
Wheeler is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,924 per 100,000, near the national average.
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 5.8/10.
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, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89.2%), with 8.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 68.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Wheeler is $20,625, which is 73% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,482 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 37.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 240 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $20,625 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,482 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,233 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 37.5% |
| 202% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 240 |
| County GDP | $646M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,446 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,461. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 64 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $3,446. 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.8% |
| Housing Units | 64 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,446 |
| 2% below US avg |
In Wheeler, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,193. The dentist ratio is 1:9,212. 43.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,193 |
| Dentists | 1:9,212 |
| Mental Health | 1:218 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,631/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Wheeler has a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,924 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 142.6/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,924.5/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wheeler experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°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 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 576 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 576 ft (176 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 160/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0430°N, 88.3188°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jasper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.9"
10% 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 | 20.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
76 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
76 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
77 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
78 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 503 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
27 km |
6 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1960 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Wheeler has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Wheeler. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheeler
What is the population of Wheeler?
Wheeler has a population of 93 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 160 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Wheeler expensive to live in?
Wheeler has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $20,625, 73% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Wheeler safe?
Wheeler is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,924 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wheeler?
Wheeler has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wheeler?
The unemployment rate in Wheeler is 7.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 240 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Wheeler?
Schools in Wheeler score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Wheeler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheeler?
The obesity rate in Wheeler is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,193.
What is transportation like in Wheeler?
The average commute in Wheeler is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheeler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeler is 89.2% White, 8.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 68.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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