Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shirland, IL
Considering a move to Shirland, IL? This small rural community of about 350 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home values around $148,000 and average rents near $825. You'll find a quiet, low-crime atmosphere (violent crime rate just 91 per 100K), and a straightforward 27-minute average commute to larger neighboring cities. Shirland features excellent access to healthcare in nearby Rockford, a friendly local school, and classic Midwestern seasons with 56% sunny days each year. It's a great spot for those seeking peaceful country living with city amenities not far away.
Demographics - Shirland, IL
Demographics - Shirland, IL
Shirland is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 350 residents and a median age of 41.2 years, reflecting a mature and stable demographic. The area is predominantly White, with over 92% of residents identifying as such, and only a small percentage speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and modest density offer a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Population:
350
Density:
220 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shirland, IL?
Shirland offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $148,000 and monthly rents averaging $825, making it accessible for both homeowners and renters. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and everyday expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation remain low. State income tax is a flat 4.95%, helping residents manage their budgets with ease.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
69.4
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
97.2
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is Shirland, IL a safe place to live?
Shirland is a notably safe community, with a violent crime rate of just 91 per 100,000 residents, meaning the chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,100. Property crime is also relatively low, supporting the town’s reputation as a secure and family-friendly place to live. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
91
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,030
Crime Index:
1,121
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 97
Weather
What is the weather like in Shirland, IL year-round?
Shirland experiences classic Midwestern seasons, with cold winters dipping as low as 12°F and warm summer highs reaching 83°F. The area sees about 56% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall totaling 35.5 inches per year. Residents can enjoy the variety of all four seasons, from snowy winters to pleasant, temperate summers.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Shirland enjoy a median household income of $68,200, with a low poverty rate under 9% and a modest unemployment rate. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average around 27 minutes, suggesting easy access to jobs and amenities in nearby cities. The community is quiet and family-oriented, with most people commuting by car.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$68,200
Family Income:
$74,600
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$41,400
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.6%
Education
How are the schools in Shirland, IL?
Shirland families have access to a small, friendly local public school with favorable student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention for students. For higher education, residents are within driving distance of institutions like Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. The community values education, with most adults attaining at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Shirland Community Consolidated School
Street:
8020 North St
Phone:
815-629-2000
Students:
115
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4

Colleges
Name:
Rock Valley College
City:
Rockford
State:
IL
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
6,700
Name:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like SwedishAmerican Hospital and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center located nearby in Rockford. Shirland has a strong rate of health insurance coverage at 92.4%, and about 1.9 physicians are available per 1,000 residents. The area provides reliable emergency and general medical services for peace of mind.

Major Hospitals
Name:
SwedishAmerican Hospital
Address:
1401 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Phone:
(815) 968-4400
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:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shirland, IL?
The Shirland housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $148,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $825. Homeownership is high, with over 84% of residents owning their homes, and the area experiences a healthy, gradual appreciation in home values. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a steady, desirable place to settle down.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Drivers in Shirland are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located in nearby Rockford, offering convenient access to vehicle registration and licensing services. Residents can easily find DMV information and services online or by phone. The proximity of the facility helps streamline required state paperwork for new arrivals.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
3720 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
Phone:
(815) 873-0134
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.