Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wamac, IL
Thinking of moving to Wamac, IL? With a small-town vibe and a population of around 1,140, Wamac offers affordable living—median home values are just $66,800 and average rents hover near $670. Residents enjoy a quick average commute of 21 minutes, and the area sees plenty of sunny days and four distinct seasons. While the cost of living is low, newcomers should note higher property crime rates and limited higher education options, but local schools and nearby healthcare make it a practical choice for budget-conscious movers.
Demographics - Wamac, IL
Wamac, Illinois is a small, close-knit community of about 1,140 residents, with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with over 94% of the population, and maintains a modest population density, providing a quaint, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,140
Density:
1,430 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wamac, IL?
Wamac stands out for its low cost of living, with a median home value of $66,800 and average rent around $670, making it appealing for budget-conscious individuals and families. Essential expenses such as utilities and groceries are also below the national average, allowing residents to stretch their income further.
Median House Value:
$66,800
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$335
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.1
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
47.2
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
90.6
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
85.5
Crime
Is Wamac, IL a safe place to live?
While Wamac offers a quiet lifestyle, property crime rates are elevated, with a chance of 1 in 55 for property-related incidents and 1 in 308 for violent crime. Prospective residents should consider local safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs when choosing a home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
325
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,825
Crime Index:
2,150
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 308
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Wamac, IL year-round?
Residents in Wamac experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and cold winters averaging lows in the low 20s. The area enjoys about 58% sunny days and receives around 41 inches of rain annually, supporting outdoor activities throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Households in Wamac typically have modest incomes, with a median household income of $34,400 and a notable poverty rate of 26%. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute is just over 21 minutes, reflecting the city's laid-back pace and limited public transportation.
Median Income:
$23,100
Household Income:
$34,400
Family Income:
$44,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,600
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$22,200
Poverty Rate:
26.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.7%
Education
How are the schools in Wamac, IL?
Wamac offers access to nearby public schools, including Centralia High School and Centralia Junior High, both known for manageable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Kaskaskia College is just eight miles away, providing local options for continued learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Centralia High School
Street:
2100 E Calumet St
Phone:
618-532-7391
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Centralia Junior High School
Street:
900 S Pine St
Phone:
618-533-7140
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
New Horizon Christian School
Street:
12 Greenview Church Rd
Phone:
618-533-6910
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Kaskaskia College
City:
Centralia
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Wamac is supported by a nearby full-service hospital and a high health insurance coverage rate of over 91%. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, basic medical needs are well served locally, making healthcare accessible for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Centralia
Address:
400 N Pleasant Ave, Centralia, IL 62801
Phone:
(618) 436-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wamac, IL?
The Wamac housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $66,800 and a high owner-occupied rate of 71%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates create a stable environment for homebuyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$66,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located in Flora, which offers licensing, registration, and support for local drivers. The facility is conveniently reachable and provides comprehensive DMV services for Wamac community members.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
1003 E. North Ave, Flora, IL 62839
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.