Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wolf Lake, IL
Thinking of moving to Wolf Lake, IL? This small, close-knit community of about 300 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $92,000 and average rents of $650. Residents enjoy a relaxed rural pace, low violent crime rates, and short commutes averaging 27 minutes. With nearby schools, access to major hospitals, and a mild climate featuring 60% sunny days each year, Wolf Lake is a great choice for those seeking tranquility and value in southern Illinois.
Demographics - Wolf Lake, IL
Demographics - Wolf Lake, IL
Wolf Lake, IL is a small community of around 300 residents, primarily white, with a median age of 43.5 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population density is low and the area has a close-knit, rural feel. A small percentage of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a largely homogenous community.
Population:
300
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wolf Lake, IL?
Wolf Lake offers a low cost of living, with median home values at $92,000 and average rents around $650. Utilities and groceries are also more affordable compared to national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. State taxes are consistent at 4.95%, further supporting financial ease for residents.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$880
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
65.7
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
93.4
Health Care:
88.6
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Wolf Lake, IL a safe place to live?
Wolf Lake experiences low violent crime rates, with a chance of 1 in 475 for such incidents, and moderate property crime rates at 1 in 87. The overall crime index is below state and national averages, helping residents feel secure in their daily lives. This contributes to the area's reputation as a safe, peaceful rural community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Wolf Lake, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy mild seasonal changes, with warm summers reaching up to 89°F and cool winters averaging lows around 25°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 60% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities most of the year. Spring and fall are especially comfortable, with moderate temperatures ideal for enjoying the local scenery.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Wolf Lake typically have a median income of $53,000, with about 16.8% of the population living below the poverty line. Most residents have a high school diploma, and unemployment remains moderate at 5.9%. With no reliance on public transportation, average commute times are about 27.5 minutes, reflecting the town's rural character.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$53,000
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wolf Lake, IL?
Wolf Lake is served by local public schools with small class sizes, such as Wolf Lake Elementary and Shawnee Junior-Senior High School, fostering a supportive learning environment. Higher education opportunities are accessible at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, just 32 miles away. These educational resources support both foundational and advanced learning for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Shawnee Junior-Senior High School
Street:
3365 State Route 3 North
Phone:
618-833-5307
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Wolf Lake Elementary School
Street:
3360 State Route 3 North
Phone:
618-833-5148
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1

Colleges
Name:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
City:
Carbondale
State:
IL
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Wolf Lake residents have access to major hospitals such as Union County Hospital in nearby Anna and Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County. Healthcare coverage is widespread, with nearly 90% insured and a physician availability rate comparable to similar rural areas. These resources ensure essential medical care is close at hand for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Union County Hospital
Address:
517 N Main St, Anna, IL 62906
Phone:
(618) 833-4511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County
Address:
1200 N One Mile Rd, Dexter, MO 63841
Phone:
(573) 624-5566
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wolf Lake, IL?
Wolf Lake's housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $92,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 74%. The rental market is stable with moderate vacancy and average rents of $650 for a two-bedroom. Home values have shown steady growth, appreciating by 4.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Wolf Lake residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services office located in Marion, IL. This nearby DMV branch offers convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration services. Online resources are also available through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website for added convenience.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address:
1102 N. Carbon St, Marion, IL 62959
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.