Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cartter, IL
Thinking of moving to Cartter, IL? This small rural community of about 130 residents offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home price around $98,000 and average rent near $680. Cartter features a low cost of living, short 26-minute average commutes, low crime rates, and a friendly, tight-knit feel. Enjoy four distinct seasons, nearby schools in Flora, and easy access to local healthcare—making Cartter a peaceful and practical choice for those seeking a quieter life in southern Illinois.
Demographics - Cartter, IL
Demographics - Cartter, IL
Cartter is a small, close-knit community of about 130 residents, with a median age of 44. Most residents identify as White, and the gender balance is nearly equal. The town has a low population density, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle.
Population:
130
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cartter, IL?
Cartter offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent at $680. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are lower than national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. State income tax remains steady at 4.95%.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$117
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Cartter, IL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Cartter are low, with violent crime at just 210 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,050 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a sense of safety, with the chance of experiencing violent crime being 1 in 475. This makes the town a secure place to settle down.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,260
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 124
Weather
What is the weather like in Cartter, IL year-round?
Cartter experiences all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs near 87°F and chilly winters dipping to 22°F. The town receives about 43 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. Residents can expect comfortable spring and fall temperatures as well.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Cartter typically earn a median income of $52,500, with a poverty rate of 12.2%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commute times average around 26 minutes. The community is welcoming and enjoys a relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$52,500
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
12.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$680
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cartter, IL?
Public education for Cartter students is provided by nearby Flora schools, including Flora High School and Flora Elementary. Class sizes are reasonable, supporting a student-teacher ratio around 15:1. For higher education, Kaskaskia College is located just 28 miles away, offering a range of programs for local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Flora High School
Street:
600 S Locust St
Phone:
618-662-8316
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Flora Elementary School
Street:
445 Emory Ave
Phone:
618-662-2412
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Colleges
Name:
Kaskaskia College
City:
Centralia
State:
IL
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
3,900
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to Clay County Hospital in nearby Flora, offering general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare needs are well supported locally. The healthcare index reflects solid service availability for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
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:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cartter, IL?
The housing market in Cartter is stable, with a median home price of $98,000 and owner occupancy at 72%. Rental options are affordable, with an average two-bedroom rent of $680. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$680
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Cartter residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Salem. The DMV provides essential licensing and vehicle services and is easily accessed for all state motor vehicle needs. More information and services are available through the official Illinois DMV website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1200 W. Main St., Salem, IL 62881
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.