Cost of Living in South Jacksonville, IL

Population 3,255 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

46
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

South Jacksonville is a smaller Illinois community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $53,438 and housing costs ($137,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 9.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

South Jacksonville is about 30 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 12% lower than Springfield's $155,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 48

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

About the Cost of Living in South Jacksonville

The median home value in South Jacksonville is $137,100 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $631/month, 52% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,438/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, 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, South Jacksonville has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$137,100
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$119,324
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$631/mo
52% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.1x
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 67.7%
Renter-occupied 32.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$631
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,245/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
17.4 min
36% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.1%
Carpooled
11.6%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
6.2%

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
$53,438
28% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,632
Unemployment Rate
9.9%
107% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Labor Force Participation
55.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.9%
Graduate degree 8.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 48.3
Male median age 43.8
Female median age 51.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Jacksonville, IL?

South Jacksonville has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.

What is average rent in South Jacksonville, IL?

The median gross rent in South Jacksonville is $631 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Jacksonville?

The median home value in South Jacksonville is $137,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in South Jacksonville?

The median household income in South Jacksonville is $53,438 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Jacksonville, IL?

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

Is South Jacksonville, IL affordable?

Yes, South Jacksonville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.

South Jacksonville at a Glance

Population
3,255
Median Income
$53,438
Home Value
$137,100
Median Rent
$631/mo
Unemployment
9.9%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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