Mattoon 64 Average
Mattoon Livability #706 ranked city in Illinois#14,352 ranked city in the USARanks better than 51% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Mattoon

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

  • Schools Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

What's it like Living in Mattoon?

Located in the state of Illinois, Mattoon is a medium-sized city with a population of 17,637 inhabitants. At 95%, the majority of the Mattoon population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 0% Asian. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the Mattoon population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Mattoon 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 Mattoon can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many desirable 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. The best areas in Mattoon and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

With a livability score of 64 out of 100, Mattoon is ranked #13,552 in the United States and #680 in Illinois. Based on the scores for each individual category, Mattoon has received high marks for housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Mattoon. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), crime (D), education (D-) and employment (F).

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Mattoon apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

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 Mattoon is real estate affordability. The median home price for Mattoon homes is $148,749, which is 51.8% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Mattoon, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 31.4% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mattoon

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Compare Mattoon, IL Livability

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      Mattoon transportation information

      Statistic Mattoon Illinois National
      Average one way commute17min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.7%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.0%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home3.4%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Mattoon, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.