Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prairie Center, IL
Considering a move to Prairie Center, IL? This quiet rural community of about 150 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $194,000 and average rents around $850. Crime rates are notably low, and residents enjoy short commutes averaging 28 minutes. While schools are small, the area has access to nearby healthcare and experiences all four seasons, making it a peaceful choice for those seeking a close-knit, countryside lifestyle.
Demographics - Prairie Center, IL
Demographics - Prairie Center, IL
Prairie Center is a small, close-knit rural community with approximately 150 residents and a population density of 15 people per square mile. The median age is 44, and the vast majority of residents are White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers. The town's balanced gender ratio and mature demographic create a quiet, laid-back environment.
Population:
Approx. 150
Density:
15 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prairie Center, IL?
Prairie Center offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $194,000 and average rents at $850. The cost of living index is 90.1, making it lower than the national average, especially in housing. Utilities and healthcare are slightly above average, but overall expenses remain budget-friendly for most households.
Median House Value:
$194,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.1
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
101.8
Transportation:
98.6
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
96.2
Crime
Is Prairie Center, IL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Prairie Center are notably low, with only 95 violent crimes and 1,050 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy a safe environment, with the chance of experiencing violent crime at just one in 1,050. This low crime rate contributes to the town’s peaceful, family-friendly reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,145
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Prairie Center, IL year-round?
Prairie Center experiences all four seasons, including cold winters with lows around 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area receives about 36.7 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. These weather patterns provide a classic Midwestern climate, ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Prairie Center enjoy a median household income of $59,400 and a family income of $71,200, with a poverty rate of 10.7%. Most neighbors commute about 28 minutes to work, with very low public transportation usage. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 88% having completed high school or higher.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$59,400
Family Income:
$71,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Prairie Center, IL?
Education in Prairie Center centers around small public schools, like Serena Elementary, which features a low student-to-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible with Illinois Valley Community College just 19 miles away. This setup supports a personalized learning environment for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Serena Elementary School
Street:
2283 US Hwy 52, Serena, IL 60549
Phone:
815-496-2361
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
Illinois Valley Community College
City:
Oglesby
State:
IL
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Prairie Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with the majority covered by health insurance and a healthcare index of 75.8. Two major hospitals are located nearby, providing emergency and general services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, basic medical needs are well-supported in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
Address:
1100 E Norris Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone:
(815) 433-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Address:
150 W High St, Morris, IL 60450
Phone:
(815) 942-2932
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
75.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prairie Center, IL?
The Prairie Center housing market is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $194,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $850. About 77% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has experienced modest home appreciation over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a healthy, small-town real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$194,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Prairie Center residents can access DMV services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby Peru. The office provides vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. For more information, residents can visit the Illinois Secretary of State website or call the local facility.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
2102 Marquette Rd, Peru, IL 61354
Phone:
815-224-1370
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.