Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carbondale, IL
Thinking about moving to Carbondale, IL? With a population of nearly 22,000 and home prices around $123,000, Carbondale is an affordable college town anchored by Southern Illinois University. The city features short commute times (under 16 minutes), reasonable rents, and a vibrant student community. While crime rates are higher than average, residents enjoy a moderate climate with 59% sunny days and have access to key amenities, schools, and major healthcare services. Explore local lifestyle, education options, and cost of living to see if Carbondale fits your needs!
Demographics - Carbondale, IL
Demographics - Carbondale, IL
Carbondale is home to about 21,857 residents, with a youthful median age of 25.6 due to its vibrant student population and a fairly balanced gender ratio. The city is ethnically diverse, with over half identifying as White, nearly a quarter as Black, and a notable Asian community. Almost 10% of residents speak a language other than English, enriching the local culture.
Population:
21,857
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
25.6
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.0%
Black:
24.7%
Asian:
8.2%
Others:
11.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carbondale, IL?
Carbondale offers a cost-effective lifestyle, with median home values around $123,000 and average monthly rents at $830, making it attractive for students and families alike. The overall cost of living index is 77.0, well below the national average, particularly in housing and transportation. Utility costs and state taxes remain moderate, helping residents enjoy greater affordability.
Median House Value:
$123,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,065
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.0
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
71.8
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
71.0
Crime
Is Carbondale, IL a safe place to live?
Carbondale experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 681 violent crimes and 2,860 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents face a 1 in 147 chance of being affected by violent crime and 1 in 35 for property crime. While safety should be considered, community awareness and local initiatives work to address these issues.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
681
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,860
Crime Index:
3,541
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 147
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Carbondale, IL year-round?
Carbondale enjoys a moderate climate with warm, humid summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters averaging 43°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 59% of the year. Seasonal changes offer a pleasant mix for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households in Carbondale have a median income of $23,400, reflecting its strong student presence and affordable lifestyle. About 36.5% of residents live below the poverty line, but the community benefits from a high rate of high school graduates (90%) and short average commutes of under 16 minutes. Public transportation is available, though most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$23,400
Household Income:
$29,600
Family Income:
$46,300
Per Capita Income:
$17,800
Income Male:
$25,200
Income Female:
$21,800
Poverty Rate:
36.5%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
6.6%
Public Transport Usage:
4.1%
Commute Time:
15.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.0%
Bachelors or More:
38.2%
Education
How are the schools in Carbondale, IL?
Education is a cornerstone of Carbondale, anchored by Southern Illinois University which enrolls over 11,000 students. The city offers a range of public and private schools, such as Carbondale Community High School and Lewis School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. These options provide quality education for families and contribute to the city’s vibrant academic atmosphere.
Public Schools
Name:
Carbondale Community High School
Street:
1301 E Walnut St
Phone:
618-457-3371
Students:
1,060
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Lewis School
Street:
801 S Lewis Ln
Phone:
618-457-2632
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Carbondale New School
Street:
1302 E Pleasant Hill Rd
Phone:
618-457-4765
Students:
70
Colleges
Name:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
City:
Carbondale
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,400
Healthcare
Carbondale residents have access to quality healthcare, highlighted by Memorial Hospital of Carbondale offering full emergency services. The city has a solid coverage rate, with nearly 91% of people insured and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Healthcare services are accessible and meet the needs of families, students, and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital of Carbondale
Address:
405 W Jackson St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone:
(618) 549-0721
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carbondale, IL?
Carbondale’s housing market is affordable and accessible, with median home prices at $123,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $830. Homeownership is less common due to the student population, with about a third of homes owner-occupied. The area sees steady, modest home appreciation and maintains a relatively low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$123,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services locally at the Illinois Secretary of State facility on Murphysboro Road. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services, with up-to-date information available through the state website. This makes it convenient for new arrivals and longtime locals alike.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
2516 W Murphysboro Rd, Carbondale, IL 62901
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.