Cost of Living in West Frankfort, IL

Population 7,156 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

35
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

West Frankfort's median household income of $48,143 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). At 12.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, West Frankfort lies roughly 75 miles west of the nearest major metro, Evansville. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Evansville's $129,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 24
Rent 51

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

About the Cost of Living in West Frankfort

The median home value in West Frankfort is $72,500 — 76% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $673/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,143/year is 35% lower 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%. Overall, West Frankfort has a cost of living index of 35 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$72,500
76% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$99,655
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$673/mo
49% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.0x
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 63.5%
Renter-occupied 36.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$673
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,287/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
25.4 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.7%
Carpooled
7.9%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
3.6%
Work from home
4.6%

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
$48,143
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,743
Unemployment Rate
12.7%
164% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.2%
Labor Force Participation
59.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.0%
Graduate degree 5.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.9
Male median age 39.2
Female median age 41.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Frankfort, IL?

West Frankfort has a cost index of 35 (100 = national average). It is 65% below the national average.

What is average rent in West Frankfort, IL?

The median gross rent in West Frankfort is $673 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Frankfort?

The median home value in West Frankfort is $72,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Frankfort?

The median household income in West Frankfort is $48,143 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Frankfort, IL?

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

Is West Frankfort, IL affordable?

Yes, West Frankfort is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 35 — about 65% below the US national average of 100.

West Frankfort at a Glance

Population
7,156
Median Income
$48,143
Home Value
$72,500
Median Rent
$673/mo
Unemployment
12.7%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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