Cost of Living in Beardstown, IL

Population 6,047 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

39
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Beardstown a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $81,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Beardstown is about 45 miles west of Springfield, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Springfield's $155,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 26
Rent 59

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Beardstown

The median home value in Beardstown is $80,800 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $769/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,765/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Beardstown has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$80,800
74% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$379,217
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$769/mo
41% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 62.6%
Renter-occupied 37.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$769
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,383/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.9 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.4%
Carpooled
19.4%
Walked
1.3%
Bicycle
1.1%
Work from home
1.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$58,765
21% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,984
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
37% above avg
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Labor Force Participation
61.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.1%
Graduate degree 4.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.7
Male median age 31.7
Female median age 31.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Beardstown, IL?

Beardstown has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.

What is average rent in Beardstown, IL?

The median gross rent in Beardstown is $769 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Beardstown?

The median home value in Beardstown is $80,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Beardstown?

The median household income in Beardstown is $58,765 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Beardstown, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beardstown is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Beardstown, IL affordable?

Yes, Beardstown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.

Beardstown at a Glance

Population
6,047
Median Income
$58,765
Home Value
$80,800
Median Rent
$769/mo
Unemployment
6.6%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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