Cost of Living in Scales Mound, IL

With a cost of living index of 70, Scales Mound, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and 10% below the Illinois state average of 80. Scales Mound is a small community of 441 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Scales Mound's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $774 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $158,000 (48% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Scales Mound is $66,765, which is 11% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Scales Mound. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.2°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 22°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches spread over roughly 118 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.