Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pontoon Beach, IL
Thinking of moving to Pontoon Beach, IL? With a small-town feel and a population of 5,666, this community offers affordable living—median home prices are about $139,000 and average rents are $930. Commutes are easy, averaging just 24 minutes, and local schools and healthcare are conveniently accessible. Residents enjoy 58% sunny days, moderate crime rates, and a comfortable climate, making Pontoon Beach a practical choice for families and individuals seeking value and convenience near the Metro East area.
Demographics - Pontoon Beach, IL
Demographics - Pontoon Beach, IL
Pontoon Beach, IL is a close-knit community of approximately 5,666 residents, with a median age of 39.2 years and a population density that offers a suburban feel. The area is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Black, Asian, and other groups, and nearly 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, creating a diverse yet harmonious environment for newcomers.
Population:
5,666
Density:
820 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.3%
Black:
6.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pontoon Beach, IL?
Living in Pontoon Beach is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are around $139,000 and average rents are $930, making housing especially affordable. Utilities and daily expenses are also moderate, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$139,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
55.8
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Pontoon Beach, IL a safe place to live?
Pontoon Beach experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 258 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,940 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing property crime are about 1 in 52, so while the area is generally safe, standard precautions are advised. Overall, the city maintains a safe atmosphere for its size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
258
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,940
Crime Index:
2,198
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 387
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Pontoon Beach, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows in the 20s and warm summers peaking around 89°F. Pontoon Beach receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 58% of the year. The climate is comfortable and suitable for outdoor activities most months.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The typical household income is $52,300, with a poverty rate of 13.7% and an unemployment rate of 5.9%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the average commute is an easy 24 minutes. The community is largely English-speaking and features a friendly, small-town vibe.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$52,300
Family Income:
$66,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,500
Income Male:
$43,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
24.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.6%
Education
How are the schools in Pontoon Beach, IL?
Families in Pontoon Beach benefit from local public and private schools, including Pontoon Beach Elementary and Holy Family School, as well as nearby middle and high schools. Higher education is accessible with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville just 12 miles away and Lewis and Clark Community College within a short drive. The area offers strong educational resources for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Pontoon Beach Elementary School
Street:
400 Main St
Phone:
618-931-0166
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Grigsby Middle School
Street:
3801 Cargill Rd, Granite City, IL
Phone:
618-451-5823
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Family School
Street:
1900 St Clair Ave, Granite City, IL
Phone:
618-877-5500
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
City:
Edwardsville
State:
IL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
Lewis and Clark Community College
City:
Godfrey
State:
IL
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Pontoon Beach residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Anderson Hospital and Gateway Regional Medical Center, both offering emergency services nearby. Health insurance coverage is high, with over 92% insured, and there are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are accessible and reliable for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Anderson Hospital
Address:
6800 State Route 162, Maryville, IL 62062
Phone:
(618) 288-5711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Gateway Regional Medical Center
Address:
2100 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL 62040
Phone:
(618) 798-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pontoon Beach, IL?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $139,000 and about 68% of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with a typical two-bedroom apartment renting for $930, and vacancy rates remain manageable. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a solid market for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$139,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$930
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.1%
DMV Information
Pontoon Beach residents can access driver services at the Illinois Secretary of State office in nearby Granite City. The DMV provides standard licensing, vehicle registration, and related services, and more information is available on the Illinois Secretary of State website. This location makes handling vehicle needs convenient for locals.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
200 Lieber St, Granite City, IL 62040
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.