Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Frankfort, IL
Thinking of moving to West Frankfort, IL? This welcoming city of 7,463 offers a very affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $79,000 and rents averaging $730. Commute times are short at just 20.8 minutes, and the area enjoys four distinct seasons with 62% sunny days annually. Crime rates are higher than the national average, but local schools provide solid student-teacher ratios. If you value small-town living with a low cost of living and friendly community, West Frankfort is worth considering for your next home.
Demographics - West Frankfort, IL
Demographics - West Frankfort, IL
West Frankfort, Illinois, is a small city with a population of 7,463 and a median age of 40.8, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The area is predominantly White (94.2%), and about 2.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. With a gender ratio of 92 males for every 100 females, the city offers a balanced and stable demographic profile.
Population:
7,463
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Frankfort, IL?
West Frankfort boasts a notably low cost of living, with a median home value of $79,000 and average rent of $730, making homeownership and renting accessible for most residents. Utilities and everyday expenses are also lower than the national average, as reflected by a cost of living index of 74.1. State income tax is a flat 4.95%, helping families manage household budgets effectively.
Median House Value:
$79,000
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$855
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.1
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
39.2
Utilities:
98.8
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
87.3
Crime
Is West Frankfort, IL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in West Frankfort are higher than the national average, with a property crime rate of 2,310 per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of 318 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 314 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should consider taking standard safety precautions and researching local neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
318
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,310
Crime Index:
2,628
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 314
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in West Frankfort, IL year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and winters dipping to lows of 23°F. West Frankfort enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives an average of 44.2 inches of rainfall, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making the area attractive for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in West Frankfort typically have a median income of $39,700, and the area faces a higher poverty rate at 25.7%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. Educational attainment is solid, with 88.6% holding a high school diploma or higher, though only 13.5% have earned a bachelor’s degree or more.
Median Income:
$23,300
Household Income:
$39,700
Family Income:
$51,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,600
Income Male:
$34,800
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
25.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
20.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in West Frankfort, IL?
West Frankfort’s public schools, such as Frankfort Community High School and Central Junior High School, offer strong student-teacher ratios around 14:1, supporting personalized attention in classrooms. While there are no private schools in the immediate area, higher education is accessible at John A. Logan College, just 17 miles away. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment, with most residents holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Frankfort Community High School
Street:
601 E Main St
Phone:
618-937-2017
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Central Junior High School
Street:
1600 E 9th St
Phone:
618-937-2464
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Colleges
Name:
John A. Logan College
City:
Carterville
State:
IL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in West Frankfort is anchored by Franklin Hospital in nearby Benton, providing general and emergency services to the community. There are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 90.1% of people have health insurance coverage. The local healthcare index of 68.3 suggests accessible but basic medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Franklin Hospital
Address:
201 Bailey Ln, Benton, IL 62812
Phone:
(618) 439-3161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Frankfort, IL?
The housing market in West Frankfort is affordable, with a median home price of $79,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $730. The majority of homes are owner-occupied (66.2%), and the city has a relatively high rental vacancy rate of 11.1%. Home values have seen modest growth, with a 3.6% appreciation rate over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$79,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access full driver and vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located in nearby Marion. The office offers standard DMV services, including licensing and registration, and can be reached by phone or through the official Illinois Secretary of State website. Convenient access to this facility makes vehicle administration straightforward for locals.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
1905 Rendleman St, Marion, IL 62959
Phone:
(618) 993-1997
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.