Median Income
$54,286
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.7%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$627
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.8%
44% higher than US avg
How Winchester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,543
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density1,365/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,286
Per Capita$31,086
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty17.8%
County GDP$208M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,000
Rent$627
Ownership64.5%
Zillow$98,242
Housing Units745
Rent Burden18.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property866/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation543 ft (166 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.7%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute25 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Winchester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Winchester receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Winchester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Winchester is $54,286, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 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 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Winchester is $96,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $627 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Winchester 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 866 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Winchester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Winchester has a population of 1,543 with a density of 1,365 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Winchester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Winchester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Winchester is $54,286, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,086 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (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 101 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Winchester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,286 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,086 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.8% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 101 |
| County GDP | $208M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Winchester is $96,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,242. Homes sell for 98.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $627 (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. 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 745 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,350. 18.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,242 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $82 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $627 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.5% |
| Housing Units | 745 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.49% |
In Winchester, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:4,790. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Winchester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,790 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,555/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Winchester has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 866 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Winchester receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Winchester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 865.8/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Winchester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 543 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 543 ft (166 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6298°N, 90.4560°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
83 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
564 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 526 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Winchester has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Winchester. 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 Winchester
What is the population of Winchester?
Winchester has a population of 1,543 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,365 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Winchester expensive to live in?
Winchester has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,286, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $627 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Winchester safe?
Winchester 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 866 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Winchester receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Winchester?
Winchester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Winchester?
Winchester has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 101 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Winchester?
The median home value in Winchester is $96,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,242. For renters, the median monthly rent is $627. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,350.
How are the schools in Winchester?
Schools in Winchester score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.7% of adults in Winchester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Winchester?
The obesity rate in Winchester is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Winchester?
The average commute in Winchester is 25 minutes. 85.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Winchester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Winchester is 96.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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