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 mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 12,310 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 95% of Effingham residents are White, 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Effingham. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Effingham is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Effingham and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Effingham to Illinois and the national average.
Effingham, IL receives 74/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #185 in Illinois and #3,750 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Effingham ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Effingham does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F), crime (F) and education (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The unemployment rate in Effingham has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.16%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and 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.
Effingham real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Effingham. Median real estate prices in Effingham come in at $136,300, which is 22% 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 2.6, which is 13.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| 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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