Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Effingham is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 12,644 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Effingham is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Effingham offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Effingham could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Effingham and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Effingham is 77/100 and the city is ranked in the 90th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Effingham is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Effingham also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Effingham has higher than average rankings for the following: housing (A+). Effingham does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and education (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Effingham, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Effingham market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Effingham is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Effingham come in at $240,142, which is 22.2% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Effingham, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 14.3% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Effingham | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.1% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.8% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.0% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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