Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Central Park, IL
Considering a move to Central Park, IL? With a friendly population of 4,400 and affordable housing—median home prices around $164,000 and rents near $920—Central Park offers a budget-friendly lifestyle with a modest cost of living. Commute times average just 23 minutes, and the area features quality local schools and access to healthcare through nearby Decatur hospitals. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, low violent crime rates, and a welcoming community feel, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Central Park, IL
Demographics - Central Park, IL
Central Park, IL is a close-knit community of 4,400 residents, with a median age of 40 and a population density of 2,300 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (85%), with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and nearly 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and mature median age create a stable, family-friendly atmosphere.
Population:
4,400
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
8.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Central Park, IL?
Central Park offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $164,000 and typical rent around $920, making it attractive for homebuyers and renters alike. The overall cost of living index is below the national average at 89.4, and monthly expenses such as utilities and groceries remain reasonable. Residents benefit from Illinois’ flat state tax rate of 4.95%, helping keep household budgets manageable.
Median House Value:
$164,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$475
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.4
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
82.1
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Central Park, IL a safe place to live?
Central Park maintains a lower-than-average violent crime rate, with only 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 476 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common but still moderate for the region, with 1,540 cases per 100,000 people. These figures contribute to a generally safe environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,750
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Central Park, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging 18–34°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. Central Park enjoys about 53% sunny days each year and receives around 37 inches of rainfall annually. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Central Park is $58,400, with a median individual income of $39,000 and a family income of $67,200. Most adults have completed high school and nearly a quarter hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 13%. Residents enjoy short commute times and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$58,400
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$42,500
Income Female:
$33,400
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Central Park, IL?
Families in Central Park benefit from local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as a private school option. Higher education opportunities are nearby, with Richland Community College and Millikin University located within a short drive. The area’s educational resources support lifelong learning and student success.
Public Schools
Name:
Central Park Elementary School
Street:
3221 N. Woodford St
Phone:
217-362-3250
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Stephen Decatur Middle School
Street:
1 Educational Park
Phone:
217-362-3255
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Lourdes School
Street:
3950 Lourdes Dr
Phone:
217-877-4408
Students:
215
Colleges
Name:
Richland Community College
City:
Decatur
State:
IL
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
Millikin University
City:
Decatur
State:
IL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well served by two major hospitals located in nearby Decatur, both offering emergency and surgical services. With nearly 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, access to medical care is reliable. The local healthcare index reflects a good standard of services for a city of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Decatur Memorial Hospital
Address:
2300 N Edward St, Decatur, IL 62526
Phone:
(217) 876-8121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary's Hospital
Address:
1800 E Lake Shore Dr, Decatur, IL 62521
Phone:
(217) 464-2966
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.2%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Central Park, IL?
The housing market in Central Park is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $164,000 and an average rent of $920 for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership is common, with nearly 68% of residents owning their homes, and the vacancy rate is moderate. Recent home appreciation of 4.3% suggests steady growth and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$164,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Central Park residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services, with the main DMV office located in Springfield. Services include licensing, registration, and vehicle titling, and residents can access information and resources on the official Illinois DMV website. The DMV provides convenient support for all driver and vehicle needs in the state.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723
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.