c.1878 Five Bedroom Illinois Italian Villa – The Sarah Martin House Under $145K

Pros & Cons of Living in Monmouth, IL

Pros

Affordable Cost of Living & Housing

• Overall living costs are notably lower—about 30% below the U.S. average and 25% below the Illinois state average.

• Housing is very affordable:

  • Typical home value: $85,800–$90,000, with rents around $650–$700/month—substantially lower than state/national figures.

Community & Historic Character

• A close-knit, “sparse suburban” environment with strong community ties and a neighborhood feel.

• Rich in history and architecture: downtown includes the Monmouth Courthouse Commercial Historic District with Italianate, Queen Anne, Art Deco, and more styles; Wyatt Earp’s birthplace is a museum here.

Education & College Presence

• Above-average local schools: Monmouth–Roseville High School earns a B+, and schools overall rate well in Niche’s evaluations.

• The presence of Monmouth College—an accredited liberal arts institution with around 727 students—adds cultural and educational vibrancy

Outdoor Amenities & Festivals

• Plenty of parks and green spaces (e.g., Harmon Park, Citizens Lake), plus community events like the Prime Beef Festival and a popular parade

• Walkability is high in many parts of the city, and average commute times are short (~15 minutes).

Strong Community Initiatives

• Ongoing investments in downtown revitalization, including multimillion-dollar streetscape enhancements (sidewalks, lighting, landscaping) and historic building restorations.

• Niche overall grade: B, with high marks in cost of living (A), diversity (A–), and commute (A–).

• Affordable and safe environment with friendly residents.
  

Cons

Economic & Employment Challenges

• Employment opportunities are limited; local job market weaker compared to urban areas.
  
  

Mixed School Performance

• Though high schools fare well, standardized testing proficiency in math (≈23%) and reading (≈25%) are well below state and national levels.

Crime Concerns

• While some rankings show Monmouth as safe and affordable, detailed data show elevated property crime rates:

  • Violent crime is average, but property crime rate is higher than 90% of similarly sized communities (1 in 78 chance).

• Niche’s Crime & Safety grade is C+.

Demographic & Infrastructure Limitations

• Small, declining population (from 9,444 in 2010 to ~8,900 in 2020), which may affect long-term economic vitality.

• Limited local amenities—nightlife is rated B+, but services, shopping, and entertainment options are relatively modest.

• Public transit is limited, and some areas may lack proximity to shops and services.