Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barren, IL
Considering a move to Barren, IL? This quiet town of about 1,650 residents offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $98,000 and average rents of $670. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging 22 minutes, low population density, and a classic Midwestern climate with 56% sunny days each year. Barren features a tight-knit community, low crime rates, and access to local schools and healthcare. It's an ideal choice for those seeking small-town living at a great value.
Demographics - Barren, IL
Demographics - Barren, IL
Barren, IL is a small, close-knit town of approximately 1,650 residents, with a median age of 43.2 and a predominantly White population. The community is balanced in gender ratio and features a modest percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a traditional rural Midwest profile. Low population density offers a spacious, quiet atmosphere ideal for families and retirees.
Population:
1,650
Density:
42 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.1%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barren, IL?
Living in Barren is highly affordable, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent at just $670, making it attractive for homebuyers and renters alike. The overall cost of living index sits well below the national average, and residents benefit from reasonable utility and transportation expenses. State income tax is a flat 4.95%, supporting budget-friendly living.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$975
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$355
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
62.4
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
91.8
Health Care:
90.3
Miscellaneous:
89.6
Crime
Is Barren, IL a safe place to live?
Barren boasts a low crime rate, with violent crimes at 220 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,450 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 454, helping residents feel secure in their small-town environment. The community’s safety is a significant draw for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,670
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 454
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Barren, IL year-round?
Residents of Barren experience all four seasons, with warm summers peaking at 87°F and chilly winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives around 40 inches of rain annually and enjoys 56% sunny days, offering a pleasant mix of weather for outdoor activities. The climate supports a classic Midwestern lifestyle with vibrant springs and colorful autumns.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Local households in Barren have a median income of $44,200, and about 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the unemployment rate is relatively low at 4.9%. The community has short average commutes of 22 minutes, reflecting the town’s accessible layout.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$54,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$26,500
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.6%
Education
How are the schools in Barren, IL?
Public education is provided by local schools such as Wayne City Attendance Center, which offers small class sizes and a strong student-teacher ratio. Higher education options are available at nearby Frontier Community College, just 16 miles away, making continued learning accessible. The area’s educational resources support families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Wayne City Attendance Center
Street:
302 Mill St
Phone:
618-895-3103
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Colleges
Name:
Frontier Community College
City:
Fairfield
State:
IL
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Barren residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 91% of the population is health-insured, and emergency services are readily available. The healthcare environment is robust for a town of its size, providing peace of mind for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairfield Memorial Hospital
Address:
303 NW 11th St, Fairfield, IL 62837
Phone:
(618) 842-2611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Clay County Hospital
Address:
911 Stacy Burk Dr, Flora, IL 62839
Phone:
(618) 662-2131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barren, IL?
The housing market in Barren is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 73.5%. Home appreciation is positive at 4.1% annually, and vacancy rates remain moderate, making it a favorable place for buyers and renters. New construction is limited, preserving the town’s established character.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Barren residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State facility in nearby Fairfield. The office provides full DMV services, and helpful information is available online or by phone. Local access ensures convenient handling of all licensing and registration needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
1104 W. Main, Fairfield, IL 62837
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.