Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elm River, IL
Considering a move to Elm River, IL? This quiet rural town of 490 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $86,000 and average rents at $650. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (110 per 100K), short 23-minute commutes, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. With access to local schools, nearby healthcare, and a climate offering four distinct seasons, Elm River is a great choice for those seeking small-town life and budget-friendly costs.
Demographics - Elm River, IL
Demographics - Elm River, IL
Elm River is a small, close-knit community of 490 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 41.8 years. The population density is low at 15 people per square mile, and the village maintains a balanced gender ratio. A modest percentage of non-English speakers (3.5%) contributes to its small-town diversity.
Population:
490
Density:
15 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elm River, IL?
Elm River offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $86,000 and average rents at $650 per month. The cost of living index is notably lower than the national average, making daily expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries budget-friendly for residents. State taxes are consistent at 4.95%, further supporting the area’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$86,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,015
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$355
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Elm River, IL a safe place to live?
Elm River maintains a low crime profile, with violent crime rates at just 110 per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 116. The chances of encountering violent crime are low, contributing to a sense of safety in this rural Illinois town. Residents can expect a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
860
Crime Index:
970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 116
Weather
What is the weather like in Elm River, IL year-round?
Residents of Elm River experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to 18°F and warm summers reaching up to 88°F. The area receives about 41.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 59% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Elm River benefit from a strong sense of community, with a median income of $32,000 and a low unemployment rate of 5.6%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just over 23 minutes. The poverty rate is modest at 12.5%, reflecting a stable and supportive local economy.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$57,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$26,800
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Elm River, IL?
Elm River families benefit from local schools such as Wayne City Attendance Center, which offers a low student-to-teacher ratio of 13.6 and serves approximately 430 students. Higher education is accessible at Frontier Community College, just 12 miles away in Fairfield. The area is well-suited for families seeking quality educational opportunities in a small-town setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Wayne City Attendance Center
Street:
102 N School St
Phone:
618-895-3103
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Colleges
Name:
Frontier Community College
City:
Fairfield
State:
IL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Elm River is supported by facilities like Fairfield Memorial Hospital, located nearby and offering emergency services. The area has a favorable health insurance coverage rate of 91.5% and about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Healthcare services are reliable and accessible for local families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairfield Memorial Hospital
Address:
303 NW 11th St, Fairfield, IL 62837
Phone:
(618) 842-2611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elm River, IL?
Elm River’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $86,000 and owner-occupancy at 83%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $650 and a vacancy rate of 8.1%. Home values have appreciated modestly by 2.2% over the past year, making it ideal for buyers seeking stability.
Median Home Price:
$86,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Elm River handle vehicle and driver services through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, with convenient resources available online and by phone. The nearest service centers are easily accessible within the state. Information and appointments can be managed via the official website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services
Address:
1300 S. Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60607
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.