Monticello 82 Exceptional
Monticello Livability #66 ranked city in Illinois#1,202 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Monticello

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.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

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.

What's it like Living in Monticello?

Monticello, Illinois is a small city with a population of 5,985 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Monticello residents are White, 2% Black and 2% Asian.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Monticello, Illinois could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Monticello and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Monticello to Illinois and the national average.

With a livability score of 79/100, Monticello is ranked #1,878 in the United States and #98 in Illinois. This is a terrific score, as Monticello ranks well in multiple categories! Monticello is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Monticello has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Monticello, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 0 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Monticello boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Monticello, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.6% 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.

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

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 Monticello is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Monticello come in at $300,732, which is 2.5% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Monticello, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 25.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Monticello

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Monticello?

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Compare Monticello, IL Livability

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      Monticello transportation information

      Statistic Monticello Illinois National
      Average one way commute22min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.9%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home6.6%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Monticello, 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.