Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gays, IL
Gays, IL is a small, friendly village with a population of just 248, offering affordable living and a relaxed rural lifestyle. Home prices average around $85,000 and rents are about $720, making housing costs well below national averages. Residents enjoy short 24-minute commutes, low crime rates, and access to quality healthcare in nearby Mattoon. With quiet surroundings, a mild Midwest climate, and nearby schools and colleges, Gays is an inviting choice for those seeking a safe, budget-friendly move.
Demographics - Gays, IL
Gays, IL is a small village of 248 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 43.5 years, suggesting a mature and close-knit community. The gender ratio is nearly even, and non-English speakers make up a small percentage, reflecting a largely English-speaking, homogenous area. High population density for its size gives it the feel of a compact rural town.
Population:
248
Density:
870 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gays, IL?
The cost of living in Gays is notably affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent around $720, well below national averages. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, and the local cost of living index sits at 78, making it an attractive location for budget-conscious individuals and families. State income tax is a flat 4.95%, keeping overall expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Gays, IL a safe place to live?
Gays experiences very low crime rates, with only 55 violent crimes and 510 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering a safe environment for families and individuals. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,800, making safety one of the community's strong points. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this secure rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
55
Property Crimes Per 100k:
510
Crime Index:
565
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 196
Weather
What is the weather like in Gays, IL year-round?
Gays has a typical Midwest climate, featuring cold winters with lows around 18°F, warm summers reaching up to 87°F, and moderate rainfall totaling about 39.5 inches annually. The area enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, providing a pleasant balance between seasonal changes and outdoor opportunities. Residents can expect four distinct seasons, making it ideal for those who appreciate varied weather.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Gays enjoy a median household income of $53,200 and a family income of $62,400, with a poverty rate of just over 10%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, with almost no reliance on public transportation, reflecting a rural lifestyle. The community is fairly educated, with nearly 88% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$53,200
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$24,000
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
23.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.8%
Education
How are the schools in Gays, IL?
Gays is served by nearby Windsor public schools, offering small class sizes and a supportive learning environment, with student-teacher ratios around 13:1. For higher education, residents have access to Lake Land College just 9 miles away and Eastern Illinois University 18 miles away, making continuing education easily accessible. The area does not have private schools, but offers strong public and college options.
Public Schools
Name:
Windsor Jr/Sr High School
Street:
1424 Minnesota Ave, Windsor, IL 61957
Phone:
217-459-2636
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Windsor Elementary School
Street:
1424 Minnesota Ave, Windsor, IL 61957
Phone:
217-459-2447
Students:
160
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Colleges
Name:
Lake Land College
City:
Mattoon
State:
IL
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
4,700
Name:
Eastern Illinois University
City:
Charleston
State:
IL
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare nearby at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, which offers general and emergency services. The area has a physician rate of 1.5 per 1,000 people and high health insurance coverage at 91%, helping ensure that medical needs are well met. The local healthcare index is 68, indicating reliable services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gays, IL?
Gays features an affordable housing market, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $720. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.8%, reflecting a stable and accessible market. Modest home appreciation and limited new construction contribute to consistent, budget-friendly options.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
The nearest DMV services are available at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in Mattoon, located at 1201 Charleston Ave. Residents can easily access licensing and vehicle registration needs through this nearby location or via the state's official website. The facility provides convenient support for all standard DMV requirements.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1201 Charleston Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938
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.