Cost of Living in Wadsworth, IL

Population 3,535 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

106
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wadsworth is a smaller Illinois community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $121,583 and housing costs ($378,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Wadsworth is about 35 miles northeast of Elgin, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% higher than Elgin's $252,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 124
Rent 80

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

About the Cost of Living in Wadsworth

The median home value in Wadsworth is $377,900 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,052/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $121,583/year is 63% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 57.2°F and lows of 39.3°F. Overall, Wadsworth has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$377,900
24% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$212,845
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,052/mo
20% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.9x
Favors renting
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 96.7%
Renter-occupied 3.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,052
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,666/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
32.2 min
19% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.5%
Carpooled
1.0%
Work from home
15.4%

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
$121,583
63% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,105
Unemployment Rate
12.7%
165% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Labor Force Participation
66.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.2%
Graduate degree 17.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.1
Male median age 40.6
Female median age 37.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.2°F
Avg Low
39.3°F
Annual Precip
35.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 313444566777818073614836
Low °F 161827364656626154433122
Precip" 1.411.522.223.773.924.453.483.593.573.252.261.86

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
74.9%
Good air days/yr
179
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
243
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wadsworth, IL?

Wadsworth has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wadsworth, IL?

The median gross rent in Wadsworth is $1,052 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wadsworth?

The median home value in Wadsworth is $377,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wadsworth?

The median household income in Wadsworth is $121,583 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wadsworth, IL?

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

Is Wadsworth, IL affordable?

Wadsworth is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Wadsworth?

Wadsworth has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 39.3°F. Annual precipitation is 35.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wadsworth at a Glance

Population
3,535
Median Income
$121,583
Home Value
$377,900
Median Rent
$1,052/mo
Unemployment
12.7%
Avg High Temp
57.2°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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