South Jacksonville 71 Excellent
South Jacksonville Livability #325 ranked city in Illinois#6,705 ranked city in the USARanks better than 77% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in South Jacksonville

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in South Jacksonville?

South Jacksonville, Illinois is a small-sized city with a population of 3,235 people. At 93%, the majority of the South Jacksonville population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 1% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, South Jacksonville is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in South Jacksonville, 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 crime, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Jacksonville and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Jacksonville to Illinois and the national average.

South Jacksonville, IL receives 71 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #297 in Illinois and #5,954 in the USA. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that South Jacksonville ranks well for crime (A), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, South Jacksonville does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In South Jacksonville, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.1% 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.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in South Jacksonville can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Assuming that South Jacksonville meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in South Jacksonville. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in South Jacksonville are simply unattainable. The median home price for South Jacksonville homes is $217,468, which is 29.5% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in South Jacksonville, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 20% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Jacksonville

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How Do You Rate The Livability In South Jacksonville?

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Compare South Jacksonville, IL Livability

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      South Jacksonville transportation information

      Statistic South Jacksonville Illinois National
      Average one way commute20min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work86.7%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.3%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The South Jacksonville, 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.