IllinoisPop. 89,996Smaller cities
Is Champaign a Good Place to Live? Champaign, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Champaign ranks #424 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.9 min, #3 of 524) and affordable homes ($210,900, #80 of 524), and trails on high poverty (25.9%, #505 of 524) and low household income ($56,118, #470 of 524).
Champaign by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Champaign's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Champaign?
Champaign's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,123/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $238,960, 20% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Champaign | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 100 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $238,960#219 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,506/mo#335 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $210,900#264 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,123/mo#362 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24%#900 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Champaign housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Champaign is in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Champaign safe?
Champaign recorded 374 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 49% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #683 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #303 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Champaign Police Department. Property crime runs 2,086 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Champaign | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 374#683 of 1,085 | 251 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,086#732 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Champaign?
The median household in Champaign earns $56,118, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 25.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Champaign | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $56,118#1125 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.9%#1255 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Champaign?
The median resident of Champaign is 26.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #219 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Champaign | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 26.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.7%#219 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 43.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Champaign's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Champaign; its public schools have 13.5 students per teacher and spend $21,009 per pupil. 31.2% of adults are obese and 8.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Champaign | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,009#163 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.2%#472 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.2%#123 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.2%#551 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 9,912 students are enrolled in Champaign's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Champaign?
The average commute in Champaign is 14.9 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 4.5% of workers take transit and 17.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Champaign scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.4°F and winters 29.2°F, with 37 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Champaign | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 14.9 min#59 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 1.5%#26 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 58.7% | 66% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.5% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 8.9% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.6% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.3% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34.1 | 17.9 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 38.9 | 21.7 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 51.5 | 31.1 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 40.9 | 3.7 |
| May | 75.5 | 52.4 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 83.5 | 61.7 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 85 | 64.4 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 83.5 | 62.1 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 54.5 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 66.9 | 43.1 | 3 |
| Nov | 51.5 | 32.2 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 39.1 | 23.6 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Champaign Urbana Willard Airport.
| Measure | Champaign | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Champaign Urbana Willard Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Champaign?
Champaign County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Champaign County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Champaign | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#623 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Champaign County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Champaign County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0092% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0041% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0015% | 41% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Champaign compare with similar-size cities?
Champaign is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #196 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 89,996.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 min |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #1241 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 | 26.9 min |
| Westminster, CAPop. 89,860 | #856 | 52.4 | $85,541 | $2,168/mo | 334 | 27 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #571 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 | 21 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Champaign compare with the rest of Illinois?
Champaign ranks #19 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 33% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 49% above the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | … #15 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #16 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #17 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #18 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #19 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #20 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #21 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Champaign among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Champaign's score calculated?
Champaign scores 59.6 out of 100, #424 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Champaign. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Champaign's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
68.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Champaign. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Champaign's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
76.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Champaign's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
79.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Champaign. Similar-size median 56.1.
16.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Champaign. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Champaign. Similar-size median 50.0.
74.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Champaign's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
54.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Champaign's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Champaign has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Champaign
Is Champaign, IL a good place to live?
Champaign ranks #424 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.9 min, #3 of 524) and affordable homes ($210,900, #80 of 524), and trails on high poverty (25.9%, #505 of 524) and low household income ($56,118, #470 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Champaign?
Champaign's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,123/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $238,960, 20% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Champaign?
Champaign recorded 374 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 49% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #683 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #303 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Champaign Police Department. Property crime runs 2,086 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Champaign?
The median household in Champaign earns $56,118, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 25.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Champaign?
Median rent in Champaign is $1,123/mo (Census), #362 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,506/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Champaign?
The typical home value in Champaign is $238,960, up 4.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $210,900.
How are the public schools in Champaign?
There is no city graduation rate for Champaign; its public schools have 13.5 students per teacher and spend $21,009 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Champaign?
The average commute is 14.9 minutes, #59 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 1.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Champaign?
Champaign averages 52.5°F over the year, 73.4°F in summer and 29.2°F in winter, with 37 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Champaign walkable?
Champaign scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Champaign at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Champaign County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Champaign?
Champaign County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Champaign?
Champaign has 89,996 residents. The median resident of Champaign is 26.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #219 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Champaign compare with the rest of Illinois?
Champaign ranks #19 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 33% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 49% above the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Champaign?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Champaign's population of 89,996 are Germantown, MD (#123 overall), Lawton, OK (#1244 overall), Trenton, NJ (#1241 overall), Westminster, CA (#856 overall), and Fort Smith, AR (#1112 overall). Champaign is #424.