Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wood River, IL
Thinking about moving to Wood River, IL? With a population of around 10,250, this friendly Midwest city offers a low cost of living, with median home prices near $101,000 and average rents around $900. Commutes are stress-free, averaging just 21 minutes, and residents enjoy four distinct seasons and 57% sunny days a year. While crime rates are a bit above the national average, Wood River features solid public schools and easy access to local healthcare. Discover affordable living and a welcoming community in Wood River!
Demographics - Wood River, IL
Demographics - Wood River, IL
Wood River is home to about 10,250 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 40, offering a balanced gender ratio. The city’s moderate population density creates a suburban feel, and only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
10,250
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wood River, IL?
Wood River boasts a cost of living significantly below the national average, with median home values around $101,000 and typical rents at $900 per month. Affordable utility and insurance rates make the city an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$101,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
48.0
Utilities:
95.5
Transportation:
96.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Wood River, IL a safe place to live?
The city experiences a slightly higher-than-average crime rate, with a 1 in 323 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 49 chance of property crime. While residents should remain mindful, most crime is property-related, and community safety initiatives are in place.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
310
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Wood River, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 89°F and winters dipping to 21°F. Wood River receives about 40.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny days 57% of the year, making for a balanced climate.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Households in Wood River typically earn a median income of $52,300, with a poverty rate of 15.7%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is a manageable 21 minutes, contributing to the city’s relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$52,300
Family Income:
$66,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$41,100
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
15.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wood River, IL?
Wood River features several public and private school options, with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to higher education at Lewis and Clark Community College just seven miles away. The majority of residents have completed high school, supporting a strong educational foundation.

Public Schools
Name:
Eastwood Elementary School
Street:
1035 Washington Ave
Phone:
618-254-7591
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Wood River-Hartford High School
Street:
300 N Wood River Ave
Phone:
618-254-3151
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Evangelist School
Street:
620 N. Russell St
Phone:
618-254-0679
Students:
140

Colleges
Name:
Lewis and Clark Community College
City:
Godfrey
State:
IL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
6,600
Healthcare
Wood River residents have convenient access to healthcare, including general and emergency services at nearby OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and a 91% health insurance coverage rate, the community is well-supported for medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center
Address:
1 Saint Anthony's Way, Alton, IL 62002
Phone:
(618) 465-2571
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wood River, IL?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $101,000 and over 64% of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $900, and the area sees steady home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$101,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in nearby East St. Louis, offering residents convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration. Additional information and online services are available through the state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
432 S. 9th St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
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.