Mattoon 64 Average
Mattoon Livability #680 ranked city in Illinois#13,552 ranked city in the USARanks better than 53% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Mattoon

PROS
  • 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

    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

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

  • Commute

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

  • 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

    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

    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.

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What's it like Living in Mattoon?

Mattoon is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 17,273 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Mattoon population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 0% Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Mattoon, only 48% of the population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Mattoon. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Mattoon, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Mattoon and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Mattoon to Illinois and the national average.

Using data and statistics Mattoon has received a livability score of 64 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 57th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Mattoon ranks well for housing (B+). On a less positive note, Mattoon does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F), education (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Mattoon, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 22.78% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Mattoon an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Mattoon 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Mattoon. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Mattoon are affordable. Median real estate prices in Mattoon come in at $84,400, which is 51.7% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mattoon, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 30% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mattoon

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How Do You Rate The Livability In 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).