Illinois / County

Moving to Prairie Center, IL

Thinking of making a move to Prairie Center, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prairie Center, IL

Considering a move to Prairie Center, IL? This welcoming community of Approx. 150 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $194,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Prairie Center's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Prairie Center, IL

Prairie Center has a population of Approx. 150 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 93% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Prairie Center is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1. Median home values are around $194,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Prairie Center is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 95 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 95. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,400 and a low poverty rate of 10.7%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Prairie Center offers quality education options, with public schools like Serena Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Illinois Valley Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 major hospitals like OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 93.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $194,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Prairie Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Prairie Center handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in Peru. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address
2102 Marquette Rd, Peru, IL 61354
Phone
815-224-1370

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.

FAQs About Moving to Prairie Center, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Prairie Center, review the core fields on this page: population Approx. 150, median home value $194,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 28.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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