Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Poplar Grove, IL
Thinking of moving to Poplar Grove, IL? With a population of about 5,200, this friendly village offers affordable living—median home prices are around $208,000 and average rents just $1,060. Residents enjoy a low crime rate (135 violent crimes per 100k), quick access to healthcare, and top-rated local schools. The area features a relaxed pace, average commutes of 33 minutes, and four-season Midwestern weather. Poplar Grove is a great choice for families seeking space, value, and a welcoming small-town vibe.
Demographics - Poplar Grove, IL
Demographics - Poplar Grove, IL
Poplar Grove is a close-knit community with a population of about 5,200 residents and a median age of nearly 38, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working professionals. The population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnic backgrounds, and about 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area's moderate population density offers a comfortable blend of neighborhood charm and personal space.
Population:
5,200
Density:
780 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
11.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Poplar Grove, IL?
Living in Poplar Grove is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $208,000. Average rents are just over $1,000, and utility and grocery costs are reasonable for the region. State income tax is a flat 4.95%, making this small town attractive for budget-conscious families and first-time homebuyers.
Median House Value:
$208,000
Gross Rent:
$1,060
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,435
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.2
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
76.8
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
98.7
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Poplar Grove, IL a safe place to live?
Poplar Grove offers residents peace of mind, with a low violent crime rate of 135 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime chances at just 1 in 89. These rates are well below national averages, making it a safe place for families and individuals alike. The overall crime index reflects a secure, family-friendly environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
135
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,255
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 740
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Poplar Grove, IL year-round?
Poplar Grove experiences four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs in the low 80s and cold winters with lows in the teens. The area receives about 36.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine just over half the year, providing a classic Midwestern climate. Residents can expect pleasant springs and colorful autumns, ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Residents of Poplar Grove enjoy a median household income of $84,750 and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, supporting a stable, middle-class community. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, and average commute times are about 33 minutes. The area has a low unemployment rate and a tight-knit suburban feel, with minimal public transportation usage.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$84,750
Family Income:
$93,800
Per Capita Income:
$33,200
Income Male:
$48,700
Income Female:
$39,900
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,060
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
33.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
26.1%
Education
How are the schools in Poplar Grove, IL?
Poplar Grove is served by well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, including Poplar Grove Elementary and North Boone Upper Elementary. Families also have access to private education options and are within easy driving distance of higher education institutions like Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. The community values education, with over a quarter of residents holding at least a bachelor’s degree.
Public Schools
Name:
Poplar Grove Elementary School
Street:
208 N State St
Phone:
815-765-3113
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
North Boone Upper Elementary School
Street:
6200 N Boone School Rd
Phone:
815-765-9006
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
Immanuel Lutheran School
Street:
1045 Belvidere Rd, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone:
815-547-5346
Students:
130
Colleges
Name:
Rock Valley College
City:
Rockford
State:
IL
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Poplar Grove residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including nearby hospitals like SwedishAmerican Medical Center and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The community benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.5% and nearly two physicians per 1,000 people. This ensures timely medical care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
SwedishAmerican Medical Center – Belvidere
Address:
1625 S State St, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone:
(779) 696-8400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Address:
5666 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
Phone:
(815) 226-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Poplar Grove, IL?
The housing market in Poplar Grove is affordable and steady, with a median home price of $208,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,060. Homeownership is high at over 86%, and the area sees moderate appreciation rates, indicating a stable investment for buyers. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates remain low, supporting a robust local housing market.
Median Home Price:
$208,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,060
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Poplar Grove residents can access DMV services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Belvidere. This facility provides driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other essential services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
425 South Towne Drive, Belvidere, IL 61008
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.