
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
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.
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.
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.
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Geneseo is a small-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 6,706 inhabitants. At 97%, the majority of the Geneseo population is White; this is followed by 1% Asian and 0% Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Geneseo will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Living in Geneseo can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Geneseo and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Geneseo to Illinois and the national average.
Geneseo, IL receives 81 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #61 in Illinois and #1,271 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Geneseo ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Geneseo also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Geneseo ranks well for amenities (B), crime (B+), cost of living (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A+).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Geneseo, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Geneseo undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 92 crimes per 100,000 residents, Geneseo has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
The Geneseo unemployment rate of 1.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Geneseo excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Geneseo 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 Geneseo. Median real estate prices in Geneseo come in at $286,480, which is 7.2% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Geneseo, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 0% 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 | Geneseo | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 89.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.3% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |