Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mesa Lake, IL
Mesa Lake, IL offers small-town charm with a population of around 14,650 and a low cost of living—median homes are $178,500 and average rents are just $945. With a reasonable commute time of about 24 minutes, residents enjoy affordable housing, strong public schools, and a modest crime rate. The city experiences four distinct seasons with 58% sunny days and provides quality healthcare and educational opportunities nearby. Mesa Lake is ideal for those seeking a friendly community and affordable Midwest living.
Demographics - Mesa Lake, IL
Demographics - Mesa Lake, IL
Mesa Lake has a population of about 14,650, with a median age of 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and just over 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This blend offers a friendly, close-knit atmosphere suitable for families and newcomers alike.
Population:
14,650
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.1%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mesa Lake, IL?
Mesa Lake features a cost of living index below the national average, with median home values at $178,500 and average rents around $945. Essentials like groceries and utilities remain affordable, making the city an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families. State taxes are consistent at 4.95%, further enhancing affordability.
Median House Value:
$178,500
Gross Rent:
$945
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
95.6
Housing:
78.4
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
91.9
Crime
Is Mesa Lake, IL a safe place to live?
The city experiences a relatively modest crime rate, with violent crimes at 178 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,480 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 562 chance of experiencing a violent crime, indicating a generally safe environment. Property crime is more common but still remains manageable for a city of this size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,658
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 562
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Mesa Lake, IL year-round?
Mesa Lake enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring cold winters, warm summers, and mild spring and fall temperatures. Residents can expect about 58% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of nearly 40 inches. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Typical households in Mesa Lake have an income of $62,400, with a poverty rate of 9.5% and unemployment at just above 5%. Most residents drive to work with an average commute time of around 24 minutes, and over 91% have completed high school. The area supports a stable, hardworking community with a modest cost of living.
Median Income:
$35,500
Household Income:
$62,400
Family Income:
$74,300
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$42,800
Income Female:
$34,600
Poverty Rate:
9.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$945
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Mesa Lake, IL?
Mesa Lake offers strong educational opportunities, including public and private schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios and a community college nearby. Local high schools and elementary schools are well-attended, and Lakeview Community College provides higher education options just two miles from the city center. The city’s educational environment is well-suited for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Mesa Lake High School
Street:
600 E Pine St
Phone:
217-555-1212
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Lincoln Elementary
Street:
1500 S Maple Ave
Phone:
217-555-3344
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's Catholic School
Street:
212 W Elm St
Phone:
217-555-6565
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Lakeview Community College
City:
Mesa Lake
State:
IL
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Eastern Illinois University
City:
Charleston
State:
IL
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
Mesa Lake is served by two major hospitals, offering general and emergency care, and has a solid ratio of 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage, contributing to reliable and accessible healthcare. The city’s healthcare index of 77.8 reflects a strong local healthcare system for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mesa Lake Community Hospital
Address:
210 W Main St, Mesa Lake, IL 62001
Phone:
(217) 555-7432
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Address:
827 S Lake Ave, Mesa Lake, IL 62001
Phone:
(217) 555-9900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mesa Lake, IL?
The housing market in Mesa Lake is stable, with a median home price of $178,500 and an owner-occupied rate nearing 70%. Rental options are affordable, with average two-bedroom rents at $945, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.7%. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, making it a promising market for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$178,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$945
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Mesa Lake residents access DMV services through the Illinois Secretary of State Facility in Springfield, which offers a full range of vehicle and licensing needs. The main office is easily reached by phone or online for appointments and information. This ensures convenient and efficient DMV support for local drivers.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 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.