Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Champaign, IL
Thinking of moving to Champaign, IL? With a vibrant population of 88,302 and a median home price around $198,000, Champaign offers affordable living, a strong education scene anchored by the University of Illinois, and quick commutes averaging just 16 minutes. The city features a youthful community, solid public transit, and a lively downtown, though crime rates are somewhat higher than national averages. Enjoy four distinct seasons, 56% sunny days, and a welcoming college-town vibe perfect for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Champaign, IL
Demographics - Champaign, IL
Champaign is home to about 88,300 residents and boasts a youthful median age of 27.6, influenced by its large student population. The city is notably diverse, with a mix of White, Black, and Asian communities and nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a vibrant yet accessible urban environment.
Population:
88,302
Density:
3,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.6
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55.3%
Black:
17.8%
Asian:
15.7%
Others:
11.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Champaign, IL?
The cost of living in Champaign is below the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 and median home values near $198,000. Housing is particularly affordable, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are around $1,070. Utilities and transportation expenses remain moderate, making Champaign an attractive choice for cost-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$198,000
Gross Rent:
$1,070
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
96.3
Housing:
71.4
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
88.9
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Champaign, IL a safe place to live?
Champaign experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with 453 violent crimes and 2,181 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents face a 1 in 221 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 46 chance for property crime. It's advisable for newcomers to research neighborhoods for safety and consider local crime prevention resources.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
453
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,181
Crime Index:
2,634
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 221
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Champaign, IL year-round?
Champaign offers four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dropping to 18°F. The city enjoys 56% sunny days and receives about 41 inches of annual rainfall. Residents can expect a mix of seasonal weather, ideal for those who appreciate changing climates.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Champaign is $53,300, with a notable poverty rate of 24.1%. The community is well-educated, as nearly half the adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes are short, averaging just over 16 minutes, and public transportation is accessible for residents.
Median Income:
$29,300
Household Income:
$53,300
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,800
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$34,100
Poverty Rate:
24.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.4%
Rent:
$1,070
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
6.7%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
49.6%
Education
How are the schools in Champaign, IL?
Champaign's education system is anchored by top public schools and the renowned University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which enrolls around 56,000 students. Local schools offer reasonable student-teacher ratios, and Parkland College provides additional higher education opportunities. Both public and private schools serve families well, making Champaign a strong choice for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Champaign Central High School
Street:
610 W University Ave
Phone:
217-351-3911
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Bottenfield Elementary School
Street:
1801 S Prospect Ave
Phone:
217-351-3801
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Matthew Catholic School
Street:
1307 Lincolnshire Dr
Phone:
217-359-4114
Students:
270
Colleges
Name:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
City:
Urbana-Champaign
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
56,000
Name:
Parkland College
City:
Champaign
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Champaign offers excellent healthcare access, including major hospitals like Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% of people covered by health insurance, medical needs are well-supported locally. The city's healthcare index of 78.2 indicates solid services for new residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Carle Foundation Hospital
Address:
611 W Park St, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone:
(217) 383-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
Address:
1400 W Park St, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone:
(217) 337-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Champaign, IL?
The housing market in Champaign provides affordable options, with a median home price around $198,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,070. Homeownership is less common than renting, but the market has seen moderate appreciation. Rental vacancies are above 8%, giving newcomers a range of housing choices.
Median Home Price:
$198,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,070
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
For driver and vehicle services, residents can visit the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located at 2012 Round Barn Road. The DMV offers standard licensing and registration services, and more information is available on the Illinois Secretary of State website or by phone. This facility serves as the main resource for all local DMV needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
2012 Round Barn Road, Champaign, IL 61821
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.