Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cowden, IL
Thinking about moving to Cowden, IL? With a small-town population of 591, Cowden offers affordable living, with median home prices around $85,000 and average rents at just $650. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate, short average commutes of 25 minutes, and a friendly rural atmosphere. The local schools have small class sizes and the area sees about 56% sunny days each year. Cowden is a great fit for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle in central Illinois.
Demographics - Cowden, IL
Demographics - Cowden, IL
Cowden, Illinois is a small rural community with a population of 591 and a population density of just over 1,000 people per square mile. The median age is 40, and the town is predominantly White, with a nearly even gender balance and a very small percentage of non-English speakers. This close-knit atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, traditional Midwest lifestyle.
Population:
591
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cowden, IL?
Living in Cowden is notably affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rents around $650 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it a budget-friendly option for homebuyers and renters alike. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, contributing to the area's overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Cowden, IL a safe place to live?
Cowden offers a sense of security with a low violent crime rate, averaging 160 incidents per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 625 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is lower than many urban areas, making it a relatively safe place to live. The community's small size contributes to its overall safety and neighborly feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,410
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Cowden, IL year-round?
The climate in Cowden features four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and cold winters dipping to about 19°F. The town receives nearly 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 56% sunny days, providing a pleasant balance for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents experience comfortable springs and falls, making it an appealing spot for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Cowden's residents have a median household income of $52,000 and a family income of $60,000, with around 13.6% of the population living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is about 25 minutes, reflecting the area's rural character. Public transportation usage is minimal, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
13.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
25.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cowden, IL?
Cowden is served by small public schools such as Cowden-Herrick Elementary and High School, both known for their low student-to-teacher ratios, contributing to a personalized learning environment. While there are no private schools in town, higher education options like Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University are less than 40 miles away. This setup provides families with solid K-12 education and nearby college opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Cowden-Herrick Elementary School
Street:
301 College Ave
Phone:
217-783-3388
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Cowden-Herrick High School
Street:
633 County Road 1000E
Phone:
217-783-2125
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Colleges
Name:
Lake Land College
City:
Mattoon
State:
IL
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
3,900
Name:
Eastern Illinois University
City:
Charleston
State:
IL
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare at nearby facilities like HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, both offering emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare needs are well-supported. The area provides reliable medical care within a reasonable driving distance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
Address:
503 N Maple St, Effingham, IL 62401
Phone:
(217) 342-2121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
Address:
1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone:
(217) 258-2525
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cowden, IL?
The Cowden housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $85,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $650, and a home appreciation rate of 3.2% signals stable property values. The community boasts a high owner-occupancy rate and low foreclosure numbers, making it welcoming for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
For driver's licensing and vehicle services, residents can visit the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Effingham. The DMV offers a full range of motor vehicle services and is conveniently located within a short drive. Appointments and information are accessible via the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
444 S Willow St, Effingham, IL 62401
Phone:
217-342-7744
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.