Cost of Living in Mount Vernon, IL
Population 14,492 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Mount Vernon is a smaller Illinois community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $52,751 and housing costs ($90,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 8.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Mount Vernon lies roughly 75 miles east of the nearest major metro, St. Louis. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mount Vernon
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $89,700 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $893/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,751/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, 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, Mount Vernon has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mount Vernon, IL?
Mount Vernon has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Mount Vernon, IL?
The median gross rent in Mount Vernon is $893 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mount Vernon?
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $89,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mount Vernon?
The median household income in Mount Vernon is $52,751 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mount Vernon, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mount Vernon is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Mount Vernon, IL affordable?
Yes, Mount Vernon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
Mount Vernon at a Glance
- Population
- 14,492
- Median Income
- $52,751
- Home Value
- $89,700
- Median Rent
- $893/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Illinois Rankings
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