Pontoon Beach 59 Below average
Pontoon Beach Livability #1,042 ranked city in Illinois#19,961 ranked city in the USARanks better than 31% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Pontoon Beach

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings Ratings

    AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in Pontoon Beach?

Pontoon Beach, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 5,993 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (81% White). Given that fact, Pontoon Beach could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Pontoon Beach your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Pontoon Beach, 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, crime, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Pontoon Beach and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Pontoon Beach to Illinois and the national average.

Pontoon Beach, IL receives 59/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #1,061 in Illinois and #19,725 in the USA. Compared to the US average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Pontoon Beach ranks well for housing (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Pontoon Beach. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and education (F).

The unemployment rate in Pontoon Beach has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.5%. 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.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Pontoon Beach 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 Pontoon Beach is real estate affordability. The median home price for Pontoon Beach homes is $195,374, which is 36.7% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Pontoon Beach, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 34.3% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Pontoon Beach

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Compare Pontoon Beach, IL Livability

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      Pontoon Beach transportation information

      Statistic Pontoon Beach Illinois National
      Average one way commute24min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.7%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.2%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.8%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Pontoon Beach, 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.