Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Peoria, IL
Considering a move to Peoria, IL? This welcoming city of 110,417 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $117,000 and average rents at $860. Commute times are short at just 18 minutes, and residents enjoy a balanced climate with warm summers and 53% sunny days each year. While the cost of living is low, be aware that crime rates exceed national averages, but standout education options and reputable healthcare facilities make Peoria a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Peoria, IL
Demographics - Peoria, IL
Peoria, Illinois is home to about 110,000 residents and offers a diverse community, with a median age of 35.9 and nearly 60% identifying as White and 27% as Black. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming environment for a variety of backgrounds.
Population:
110,417
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.9
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.6%
Black:
27.2%
Asian:
3.8%
Others:
9.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Peoria, IL?
Peoria boasts a cost of living index well below the national average, with affordable housing—median home values at $117,000 and average rents of $860. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are also budget-friendly, making the city attractive to those seeking good value in the Midwest.
Median House Value:
$117,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,225
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$475
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.9
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
99.7
Transportation:
87.3
Health Care:
96.2
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Peoria, IL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Peoria are higher than average, with a 1 in 142 chance of being a victim of violent crime and property crime risks at 1 in 29. This is an important consideration for newcomers, though many neighborhoods remain family-friendly and proactive about safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
706
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,439
Crime Index:
4,145
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 142
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Peoria, IL year-round?
Peoria experiences all four seasons, featuring warm summers with highs reaching 86°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, supporting a range of outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Residents of Peoria enjoy a median household income of around $55,000 and a typical commute of just 18 minutes. While the city has a poverty rate of 17.7%, most neighbors are educated—with nearly 90% holding at least a high school diploma—and the community features a blend of renters and homeowners.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$55,287
Family Income:
$70,410
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$35,200
Poverty Rate:
17.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
28.6%
Education
How are the schools in Peoria, IL?
Peoria is served by both public and private schools, with options like Richwoods High School and Peoria Christian School, as well as higher education institutions such as Bradley University. The city supports a strong educational foundation for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Richwoods High School
Street:
6301 N University St
Phone:
309-693-4400
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Washington Gifted Middle School
Street:
3535 N. California Ave
Phone:
309-672-6557
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Private Schools
Name:
Peoria Christian School
Street:
3506 N. California Ave
Phone:
309-686-4500
Students:
750
Colleges
Name:
Bradley University
City:
Peoria
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,400
Name:
Illinois Central College
City:
East Peoria
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
8,900
Healthcare
Peoria provides excellent healthcare access, including major hospitals like OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Methodist. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, families and individuals can expect reliable medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Address:
530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61637
Phone:
(309) 655-2000
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:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Peoria, IL?
The Peoria housing market is notably affordable, with a median home price of $117,000 and owner-occupancy near 60%. Renters benefit from reasonable rates and a healthy selection of properties, while home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$117,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local driver and vehicle services are managed by the Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services, conveniently located on North Sterling Avenue. Residents can access licensing, registration, and information online or by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services
Address:
3311 N. Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL 61604
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.