Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pekin, IL
Thinking of moving to Pekin, IL? With a friendly population of about 31,700, Pekin offers affordable living—median home prices sit at $126,000 and average 2-bedroom rents are just $875. The average commute is a quick 21.7 minutes, and residents enjoy a comfortable climate with 54% sunny days each year. While property crime is higher than national averages, families appreciate the local school options and convenient access to healthcare. Explore Pekin’s affordable housing, community amenities, and lifestyle to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Pekin, IL
Pekin, Illinois is home to about 31,700 residents, with a median age of 41.6 and a population density of 2,100 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, and just 3.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This small city offers a balanced gender ratio and a family-friendly environment.
Population:
31,731
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.3%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pekin, IL?
Living in Pekin is notably affordable, with a median home value of $126,000 and average monthly rent of $875 for a two-bedroom apartment. The cost of living index is 77.4, well below the national average, making daily expenses and housing easily manageable for most residents. Utilities and transportation costs also remain moderate, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$126,000
Gross Rent:
$875
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$515
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.4
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Pekin, IL a safe place to live?
Pekin experiences higher property crime rates compared to national averages, with about one in 40 residents affected, while violent crime remains less common at a rate of 399 incidents per 100,000 people. Community members should be mindful of safety but can take comfort in the relatively low frequency of serious offenses. Overall, the city maintains a typical safety profile for its size in Illinois.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
399
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,510
Crime Index:
2,909
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 251
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Pekin, IL year-round?
Pekin enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The city receives around 38 inches of rainfall annually and boasts about 54% sunny days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities most of the year. Residents can expect comfortable springs and colorful autumns.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Pekin's households earn a median income of $57,300, with a per capita income of $29,000 and a poverty rate of 13.4%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and just under a fifth hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute is a manageable 21.7 minutes, reflecting the small-town convenience.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$57,300
Family Income:
$74,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,000
Income Male:
$43,500
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$875
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Pekin, IL?
Families in Pekin have access to a range of educational options, including public schools like Pekin Community High School and Broadmoor Junior High, as well as private schools such as St. Joseph Catholic School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Illinois Central College just 11 miles away and Bradley University 13 miles from the city. The area’s schools offer reasonable class sizes and support a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Pekin Community High School
Street:
1903 Court St
Phone:
309-347-4101
Students:
1,925
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Broadmoor Junior High School
Street:
501 Maywood Ave
Phone:
309-477-4240
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
300 S 6th St
Phone:
309-347-7194
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Illinois Central College
City:
East Peoria
State:
IL
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Bradley University
City:
Peoria
State:
IL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Pekin provides access to quality healthcare with local facilities like Pekin Hospital and nearby major hospitals in Peoria, all offering emergency services. With about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% of the population insured, residents benefit from reliable medical care. The healthcare index of 66.5 indicates solid service availability in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pekin Hospital
Address:
600 S 13th St, Pekin, IL 61554
Phone:
(309) 353-0700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Methodist
Address:
221 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61636
Phone:
(309) 672-5522
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
66.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pekin, IL?
The Pekin housing market is highly affordable, featuring a median home price of $126,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 68%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.9%, and home values have appreciated by 2.2% over the past year. This makes Pekin an attractive option for both buyers and renters seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$126,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$875
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Pekin residents can conveniently access the Illinois Secretary of State Drivers Services Facility located at 2507 Court St for all DMV needs. The office provides standard licensing and registration services, making local vehicle management straightforward. More information and online services are available through the state’s official website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Drivers Services Facility
Address:
2507 Court St, Pekin, IL 61554
Phone:
309-346-6186
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.