Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lincoln, IL
Thinking of moving to Lincoln, IL? With a friendly population of just over 13,000 and a cost of living well below the national average, Lincoln offers affordable homes (median price around $87,000), low average rents, and a short 18-minute commute. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the area features a strong community spirit, quality local schools, and all four seasons with about 58% sunny days. If you're seeking small-town charm, affordable living, and easy access to healthcare and amenities, Lincoln is a welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Lincoln, IL
Demographics - Lincoln, IL
Lincoln, IL is home to about 13,288 residents, with a median age of 41.2 years and a population density of 1,500 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (86.2%), with small Black and Asian populations, and a balanced gender ratio. Around 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of diversity.
Population:
13,288
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lincoln, IL?
Living in Lincoln is highly affordable, with a cost of living index of 77.4, well below the national average. The median home value is just $87,000, and average monthly rent hovers around $790, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and essentials remain reasonably priced, supporting a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses.
Median House Value:
$87,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,035
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.4
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
46.5
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Lincoln, IL a safe place to live?
Lincoln experiences moderate crime rates, with about 215 violent crimes and 1,920 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 465, while property crime risk is 1 in 52. Residents enjoy a generally safe environment typical of small Midwestern cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
215
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,920
Crime Index:
2,135
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 465
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Lincoln, IL year-round?
Lincoln features four distinct seasons, with cold winters (lows around 18°F), warm summers (highs up to 85°F), and comfortable transitional seasons. The city receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine approximately 58% of the year. This climate offers a variety of outdoor experiences throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Residents in Lincoln benefit from a median household income of $50,900 and an average commute time of under 18 minutes. The area has a poverty rate of 15.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%, with over 88% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The community is small and close-knit, with limited public transportation usage.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$50,900
Family Income:
$67,300
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.9%
Bachelors or More:
15.7%
Education
How are the schools in Lincoln, IL?
Lincoln offers a range of educational options, including well-rated public schools like Lincoln Community High School and Central Elementary, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. While Lincoln College has closed, nearby Heartland Community College provides higher education opportunities within 30 miles. Families benefit from accessible K-12 schools and nearby college options.

Public Schools
Name:
Lincoln Community High School
Street:
1000 Primm Rd
Phone:
217-732-4131
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Central Elementary School
Street:
100 7th St
Phone:
217-732-4136
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Private Schools
Name:
Zion Lutheran School
Street:
1600 Woodlawn Rd
Phone:
217-732-3977
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Lincoln College (Closed 2022)
City:
Lincoln
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
N/A
Name:
Heartland Community College
City:
Normal
State:
IL
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Lincoln provides reliable healthcare access, anchored by Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, which offers emergency and general services. The city has 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.7%. Residents can expect a solid baseline of medical services for a city of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
Address:
200 Stahlhut Dr, Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone:
(217) 732-2161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lincoln, IL?
The local housing market in Lincoln is highly affordable, featuring a median home price of $87,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $790. Around 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees a low foreclosure rate of just 0.9%. Home values have appreciated modestly at 3.4% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$87,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Lincoln residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State DMV, located in nearby Springfield. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and driver resources, with details available online or by phone. The DMV provides convenient access for all essential motor vehicle needs.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - DMV
Address:
2200 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723
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.