What to know when moving to East Peoria, IL
TL;DR: East Peoria at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $76,329 and 21% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $942, making housing relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.6% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $942 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
With 26% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, East Peoria attracts a mix of educated professionals and families. The median household income of $76,329 suggests a comfortable living standard, though 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Housing is primarily owner-occupied, with 21% of the population renting, indicating a stable community. The area receives about 29.9 inches of precipitation annually, which includes 93 rainy days, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as only 0.6% of commuters use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $942 and median owner-occupied home value is $162,500, making housing relatively affordable compared to many areas.
- 26% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a more educated community.
- The poverty rate is 10.3%, indicating some economic challenges within the community.
- 21% of the population are renters, suggesting a stable owner-occupant base.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Illinois shows mixed results, with trends indicating a decrease in both violent and property crimes over recent years.
- Violent crime rate: 245.7 per 100,000, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime rate: 1549 per 100,000, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
East Peoria has access to several educational institutions, with opportunities for higher education nearby.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 6
- Notable local options include Illinois Central College and Oehrlein School of Cosmetology.
- Nearby institutions include Bradley University and Methodist College in Peoria.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Tazewell County experiences about 29.9 inches of precipitation each year, spread over approximately 93 rainy days. With an annual snowfall of 2.6 inches and around 15 snow days, the weather can be quite variable.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Peoria Riverfront Museum - 4.5 stars (1983 reviews)
- Wildlife Prairie Park - 4.5 stars (1903 reviews)
- Glen Oak Park - 4.5 stars (1702 reviews)
- Forest Park Nature Center - 4.8 stars (1128 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Tazewell County has a substantial workforce with various employment opportunities.
- Unemployment rate: 5.3% as of December 2025.
- Total employment: 59,219 individuals.
- Labor force: 62,563 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.