Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Effingham, IL
Thinking of moving to Effingham, IL? With a population of around 12,200, Effingham offers affordable living, with median home prices at $165,000 and rents averaging $800. Residents enjoy a short 15-minute average commute, low violent crime rates, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The city features solid local schools, a community-focused lifestyle, and a moderate Midwestern climate with 57% sunny days each year. Explore more about Effingham's cost of living, housing, education, and healthcare below to help plan your next move.
Demographics - Effingham, IL
Demographics - Effingham, IL
Effingham is home to about 12,200 residents, with a population density of 1,100 people per square mile and a median age of nearly 40. The city is predominantly White (over 92%), with a small but present diversity and just under 5% of residents speaking languages other than English at home. This creates a close-knit, family-friendly community atmosphere with balanced age and gender distribution.
Population:
12,196
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.8%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Effingham, IL?
Effingham stands out for its affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $165,000 and average rents near $800 per month. The overall cost of living index is 83.6, well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families. Residents benefit from lower housing and utility costs, as well as modest state taxes.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
68.4
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
80.5
Crime
Is Effingham, IL a safe place to live?
Effingham experiences lower violent crime rates, with just 184 incidents per 100,000 people, and a 1 in 543 chance of encountering violent crime. Property crime is more common, but still moderate at 2,277 per 100,000 residents. Overall, the city offers a relatively safe environment, especially for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
184
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,277
Crime Index:
2,461
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 543
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Effingham, IL year-round?
Effingham enjoys a classic Midwestern climate, featuring warm summers with highs around 87°F and chilly winters dipping to 21°F. Residents experience about 57% sunny days annually and receive roughly 42 inches of rainfall, making for pleasant seasonal changes. The weather supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Effingham neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $54,370 and a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. Most residents enjoy short 15-minute commutes, and over 91% have at least a high school diploma. The community maintains a welcoming, middle-income atmosphere with a modest poverty rate of 12%.
Median Income:
$34,100
Household Income:
$54,370
Family Income:
$73,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
12.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.7%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Effingham, IL?
Effingham’s education system features well-regarded public and private schools, including Effingham High School and Central Grade School, with student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Higher education is easily accessible through Lake Land College’s Kluthe Center in town, while Eastern Illinois University is just a short drive away. The city fosters a supportive learning environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Effingham High School
Street:
1301 W Grove Ave
Phone:
217-540-1100
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Central Grade School
Street:
10421 N US Hwy 45
Phone:
217-868-5611
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
407 S Henrietta St
Phone:
217-347-7177
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Lake Land College - Kluthe Center
City:
Effingham
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
800
Name:
Eastern Illinois University
City:
Charleston
State:
IL
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Effingham offers solid healthcare access, anchored by HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and supported by 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most people can readily access care. The city’s healthcare system is reliable, with emergency services and general medical support available nearby.
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Effingham, IL?
The housing market in Effingham is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $165,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $800. Homeownership is common, with 60% of residents owning their homes, and a low foreclosure rate of just 0.4%. Buyers and renters alike can find good value in the local real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Effingham residents handle driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Facility, conveniently located on S Willow Street. The office provides standard DMV services and information, with resources available online and by phone. Local access makes it easy to manage licensing and registration needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
444 S Willow St, Effingham, IL 62401
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.