Brick c.1926 Illinois Craftsman Bungalow Under $130K

206 Roosevelt Ave, Kewanee, IL 61443   $129,900

• Contact Realtor: Mari Halliday
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros of Kewanee, IL

1. Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

   • Kewanee’s overall cost of living is about 23.2% below the U.S. average.

   • Housing is especially affordable: a typical home costs ~$57,200 in many reports.

   • Renting is also much cheaper than U.S. averages.

2. Variety and Character of Housing Stock

   • There is a broad mix: older historic homes (Victorian, brick bungalows) and more modern subdivisions.

   • Some properties are available at very low prices (e.g. two‑bedroom homes for modest prices).

3. Small Town / Community Feel

   • With ~12,200 people (est. 2023), the city has the feel of a small, tight‑knit community.

   • Local events, parks, and community traditions (e.g. “Hog Days,” holiday lighting) add to sense of identity.

4. Reasonable Commute / Location Advantages

   • The average one‑way commute is ~17 minutes, much less than many U.S. norms.

   • Kewanee has an Amtrak station, providing rail connection to Chicago and beyond.

   • It is relatively well located relative to larger metro areas (Quad Cities, Peoria).

5. Growing Diversity

   • In recent years, Kewanee’s Black population increased ~40%, and its Hispanic population ~34%.

   • The city reactivated a Human Relations Commission to advocate for inclusion and equity.

6. Business / Economic Incentives

   • The city promotes itself as business‑friendly: lower costs, available industrial land, railroad access, and incentive programs.

   • Kewanee is part of regional economies (Quad Cities / Peoria area), which may offer access to broader markets.

Cons / Challenges

1. Crime / Safety Issues (Mixed Safety Profile)

   • Kewanee ranks in the 44th percentile for safety — safer than 44% of U.S. cities, but less safe than 56%.

   • Its crime rate is ~25.97 per 1,000 residents in a normal year.

   • Some sources note that “crime (F)” is one of the weaker scores for Kewanee in area‑by‑area rankings.

   • Note: some local sources (Nextdoor) claim very low rates, though those may use different metrics or reporting.

2. Economic / Income & Poverty Concerns

   • The median household income is only ~$39,392, significantly below state and national averages.

   • The poverty rate is relatively high — ~22.8% in some reports.

   • Some job sectors are limited locally, so many residents may need to commute or accept lower wages.

3. Declining Home Values & Population Decline

   • Kewanee was listed among U.S. cities where home values are falling more quickly.

   • The population has seen a small decline in recent years. From 2020 to 2023, the estimated population dropped by ~2.2%.

   • Between 2010 and 2020, there was also a slight decline in population.

4. Weak Scores in Education & Amenities

   • School system performance in reading and math is rated lower in some local data.

   • Some local sources indicate that amenities (shops, entertainment, specialty services) are not plentiful or may not be conveniently located.

   • Many amenities may require driving (not walkable).

5. Tax Burden

   • Some reports flag high property tax and high sales tax as drawbacks in the Kewanee township region.

   • While housing is cheap, relative tax burdens on that property may reduce the financial benefit.

6. Infrastructure / Upside Risk in Some Neighborhoods

   • Because of aging housing stock, some homes may need maintenance or updating. (Historic homes can have charm but also upkeep costs.)

   • Some parts of the city see more crime than others (crime concentration in central neighborhoods).