Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Murphysboro, IL
Thinking of moving to Murphysboro, IL? This friendly community of 7,093 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $97,000 and average rents under $750. Enjoy an easy 18-minute average commute, a vibrant mix of sunny days, and convenient access to local schools and Southern Illinois University. While property crime rates are higher than the national average, Murphysboro’s small-town charm, low housing costs, and proximity to regional healthcare make it an appealing choice for budget-minded movers.
Demographics - Murphysboro, IL
Demographics - Murphysboro, IL
Murphysboro, Illinois is home to just over 7,000 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is primarily White (81%), with a notable Black community (14%) and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a diverse yet close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
7,093
Density:
1,560 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.2%
Black:
13.7%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Murphysboro, IL?
Murphysboro stands out for its affordability, featuring a median house value of around $97,000 and average rents of $738. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly living in southern Illinois.
Median House Value:
$96,800
Gross Rent:
$738
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,025
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
52.3
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
94.3
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Murphysboro, IL a safe place to live?
The city experiences a higher property crime rate compared to national averages, with residents facing a 1 in 43 chance of property crime and a 1 in 282 chance of violent crime. While these figures suggest the need for caution, Murphysboro maintains a small-town feel and community-oriented environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
355
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,305
Crime Index:
2,660
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Murphysboro, IL year-round?
Murphysboro enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and cool winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather roughly 59% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Local households report a median income of $39,800, with a notable poverty rate of 23% and an unemployment rate just under 6%. Most residents have a high school diploma or higher, and average commute times are a convenient 18 minutes, reflecting the city's accessible layout.
Median Income:
$22,600
Household Income:
$39,800
Family Income:
$55,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$30,200
Poverty Rate:
23.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$738
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Murphysboro, IL?
Murphysboro offers quality public education with manageable class sizes, and is served by Murphysboro High School and Carruthers Elementary. Families also have access to private schooling and are just eight miles from Southern Illinois University, adding higher education opportunities nearby.

Public Schools
Name:
Murphysboro High School
Street:
50 Blackwood Dr
Phone:
618-687-2336
Students:
629
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Carruthers Elementary School
Street:
1301 N 13th St
Phone:
618-684-2143
Students:
545
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4

Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew Catholic School
Street:
723 Mulberry St
Phone:
618-687-2013
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
City:
Carbondale
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
11,300
Healthcare
Murphysboro residents benefit from proximity to major medical facilities like SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, located nearby. With over 90% health insurance coverage and a solid ratio of physicians per capita, the city offers reliable healthcare options for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale
Address:
405 W Jackson St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone:
(618) 549-0721
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.5%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Murphysboro, IL?
The housing market in Murphysboro is highly accessible, with a median home price under $97,000 and the majority of residents owning their homes. Rental options are plentiful, and home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a favorable market for first-time buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$96,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Murphysboro can access DMV services at the Illinois Secretary of State Facility in nearby Carbondale, providing convenient options for licensing and vehicle registration. The office is easily reachable and offers all standard state services.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
2301 W Murphysboro Rd, Carbondale, IL 62901
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.