Cost of Living in Paxton, IL

Population 4,201 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Paxton sits on the smaller end of the Illinois city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 75 miles south of Joliet, Paxton is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Joliet's $249,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 70

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

About the Cost of Living in Paxton

The median home value in Paxton is $116,700 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $922/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,470/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 63.6°F and lows of 41.1°F. Overall, Paxton has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$116,700
62% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$196,918
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$922/mo
30% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.5x
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 70.3%
Renter-occupied 29.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$922
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,536/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
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.2%
Carpooled
7.1%
Walked
3.0%
Work from home
8.8%

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
$60,470
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,431
Unemployment Rate
1.8%
63% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
Labor Force Participation
58.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.0%
Graduate degree 5.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39
Male median age 35.8
Female median age 42.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.6°F
Avg Low
41.1°F
Annual Precip
40.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 344051647585888681675240
Low °F 162029405162646254423122
Precip" 2.542.012.583.984.334.614.443.863.283.323.192.21

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Paxton, IL?

Paxton has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Paxton, IL?

The median gross rent in Paxton is $922 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Paxton?

The median home value in Paxton is $116,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Paxton?

The median household income in Paxton is $60,470 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Paxton, IL?

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

Is Paxton, IL affordable?

Yes, Paxton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Paxton?

Paxton has average high temperatures of 63.6°F and average lows of 41.1°F. Annual precipitation is 40.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Paxton at a Glance

Population
4,201
Median Income
$60,470
Home Value
$116,700
Median Rent
$922/mo
Unemployment
1.8%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs