IllinoisPop. 112,169Mid-size cities
Is Peoria a Good Place to Live? Peoria, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Peoria ranks #1153 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #215 of 256 mid-size cities and #27 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($156,200, #12 of 256) and short commutes (17.9 min, #16 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,256 per 100,000, #232 of 235) and high poverty (21%, #221 of 256).
Peoria by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Peoria'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 Peoria?
Peoria's cost of living index is 91.2, 9% below the US level of 100 and #253 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,005/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $138,052, 54% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Peoria | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.2#253 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $138,052#26 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,266/mo#136 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $156,200#97 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,005/mo#219 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.3%#487 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Peoria 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. Peoria is in the Peoria, IL metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Peoria safe?
Peoria recorded 1,256 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.8 times the US rate of 328 and 5 times Illinois's 251. That ranks #1066 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #232 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Peoria Police Department. Property crime runs 3,979 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Peoria | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,256#1066 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,979#1042 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Peoria?
The median household in Peoria earns $59,410, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Peoria | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $59,410#1060 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21%#1146 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Peoria?
The median resident of Peoria is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 37.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #530 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Peoria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 37.7%#530 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 57.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Peoria's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Peoria; its public schools have 15.7 students per teacher and spend $18,057 per pupil. 36.2% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Peoria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,057#339 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.2%#890 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.3%#557 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 13,373 students are enrolled in Peoria's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Peoria?
The average commute in Peoria is 17.9 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 1.7% of workers take transit and 11.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Peoria scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.5°F and winters 28.8°F, with 37.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Peoria | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.9 min#186 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.6% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.7% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.6% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 33.6 | 17.6 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 38.7 | 21.4 | 2 |
| Mar | 51.2 | 31.6 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 63.7 | 42.1 | 4 |
| May | 74.2 | 52.8 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 62.4 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 86.3 | 66.3 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 64.4 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 78.4 | 56.3 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 65.4 | 44.4 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 50.8 | 33 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 38.5 | 23.2 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at General Wayne A Downing International A.
| Measure | Peoria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 28.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 37.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at General Wayne A Downing International A.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Peoria?
Peoria County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Peoria County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
| Measure | Peoria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#323 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Peoria County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Peoria County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0065% | 76% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.016% | 75% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0021% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 37% 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 Peoria compare with similar-size cities?
Peoria is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #215 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 112,169.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #1153 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 | 17.9 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #988 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 | 32.1 min |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 min |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #642 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 | 37.4 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #1247 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 | 19.4 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 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 Peoria compare with the rest of Illinois?
Peoria ranks #27 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 29% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 54% 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 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | … #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #25 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #26 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #27 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #28 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #29 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Peoria among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Peoria's score calculated?
Peoria scores 46.5 out of 100, #1153 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Peoria. Similar-size median 52.9.
37.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Peoria's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
14.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Peoria. Similar-size median 53.8.
45.8 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Peoria's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Peoria's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
84.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Peoria. Similar-size median 51.2.
27.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Peoria. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Peoria. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Peoria's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
64.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Peoria's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Peoria 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 Peoria
Is Peoria, IL a good place to live?
Peoria ranks #1153 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #215 of 256 mid-size cities and #27 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($156,200, #12 of 256) and short commutes (17.9 min, #16 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,256 per 100,000, #232 of 235) and high poverty (21%, #221 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Peoria?
Peoria's cost of living index is 91.2, 9% below the US level of 100 and #253 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,005/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $138,052, 54% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Peoria?
Peoria recorded 1,256 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.8 times the US rate of 328 and 5 times Illinois's 251. That ranks #1066 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #232 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Peoria Police Department. Property crime runs 3,979 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Peoria?
The median household in Peoria earns $59,410, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Peoria?
Median rent in Peoria is $1,005/mo (Census), #219 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,266/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Peoria?
The typical home value in Peoria is $138,052, up 5.6% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $156,200.
How are the public schools in Peoria?
There is no city graduation rate for Peoria; its public schools have 15.7 students per teacher and spend $18,057 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Peoria?
The average commute is 17.9 minutes, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Peoria?
Peoria averages 52.7°F over the year, 74.5°F in summer and 28.8°F in winter, with 37.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Peoria walkable?
Peoria scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Peoria at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Peoria County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Peoria?
Peoria County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Peoria?
Peoria has 112,169 residents. The median resident of Peoria is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 37.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #530 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Peoria compare with the rest of Illinois?
Peoria ranks #27 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 29% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 54% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Peoria?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Peoria's population of 112,169 are Beaumont, TX (#1291 overall), Miami Gardens, FL (#988 overall), Lansing, MI (#1201 overall), Gresham, OR (#882 overall), and Murrieta, CA (#642 overall). Peoria is #1153.