Is Godfrey Safe, Pros and cons of living in Godfrey

Godfrey, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Situated within the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area, the village provides a community feel while benefiting from proximity to a larger city’s resources. Its demographics show a slightly older population, with a median age of 48.4 years, suggesting a stable and established community.

The cost of living in Godfrey is generally lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal for residents. With a median household income of $94,543 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), the village offers a comfortable standard of living. This economic stability, combined with a lower cost of living, presents a compelling case for potential movers. The village’s commitment to community development is evident in its various initiatives and the resources available to businesses and residents alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Godfrey?

Godfrey presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are comparable to or lower than national averages in many categories. The overall crime rate is around 10 per 1,000 residents (NeighborhoodScout). While property crime has a slightly higher chance of occurrence compared to the national average, violent crime rates are generally on par with or below national figures.

Neighborhoods within Godfrey can vary in their safety profiles, with some areas experiencing lower crime rates than others. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 26 in the southeastern neighborhoods to 1 in 81 in the northeastern parts of the city (according to CrimeGrade.org). This suggests that while overall safety is good, localized awareness can be beneficial for residents.

Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate in Godfrey is approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average when compared to all communities across America (NeighborhoodScout). This rate includes crimes such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, murder, and rape. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Godfrey is about one in 927 (NeighborhoodScout).

While the violent crime rate is average, it’s worth noting that Godfrey’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the state average for Illinois. Specifically, violent crimes in Godfrey are 24% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This indicates a relatively secure environment regarding violent offenses.

Property Crime Rates

Godfrey’s property crime rate is reported as 9 per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout). This means there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Godfrey is about one in 114 (NeighborhoodScout).

Property crimes encompass offenses like larceny, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. While the overall crime rate in Godfrey is considered to be 11% lower than the national average, the property crime aspect warrants attention. However, year-over-year crime statistics show a 1% decrease in overall crime in Godfrey (AreaVibes).

Cost of Living in Godfrey

Godfrey offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Godfrey is approximately 10% less expensive than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive place for individuals and families.

Housing costs in Godfrey are also notably lower than the national average. The median home price in Godfrey is $181,400 (ERI Economic Research Institute), and the median monthly rent is $1,153 (Point2Homes). These figures suggest that housing is more accessible in Godfrey compared to many other areas.

Housing Costs

The housing market in Godfrey is characterized by competitive pricing and a stable entry point for buyers. The median home value in Godfrey is approximately $214,595, showing a 6.0% increase over the past year (Zillow, as of March 31, 2026). This appreciation indicates a healthy housing market.

For renters, the median gross rent in Godfrey is $1,153 per month (Point2Homes). This is considerably lower than the national average rent of $2,000 per month (Zillow). The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is also reported at $970 per month (Zumper).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other everyday expenses in Godfrey also tend to be more affordable. Food costs are more affordable than the average in the United States (ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation costs are less affordable than the average, but overall, the lower housing and food expenses contribute to a favorable cost of living.

Household bills in Godfrey are approximately 29% lower than the U.S. median (doxo). This includes expenses for housing, utilities, and other essential services. The median household in Godfrey pays about $1,489 per month on bills, which is $7,216 less per year than the U.S. median.

Job Market and Economy

Godfrey’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 8,768 residents (Point2Homes). The majority of the working population is employed in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based roles. The local economy is driven by a mix of private companies, public sector employment, and a notable percentage of self-employed individuals.

The unemployment rate in Godfrey stands at 4.6% (Point2Homes), which is a moderate figure. The broader River Bend region, which includes Godfrey, saw an unemployment rate of 3.6% in 2022 (RiverBend Growth Association). This indicates a relatively stable job market within the area.

Major Employers

While specific major employers for Godfrey are not extensively detailed in the provided search results, the broader Madison County and Greater St. Louis area host a diverse range of industries. Major sectors in the region include healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail. Lewis and Clark Community College is a significant institution in Godfrey, offering various technical programs and contributing to the local workforce development (Lewis and Clark Community College).

Manufacturing companies such as O-I (Owens-Illinois), Liberty Tire Recycling, and Cope Plastics operate within or near Godfrey, providing employment opportunities (Indeed.com). The proximity to St. Louis also offers access to a larger pool of major employers across various sectors, including healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare and SSM Health, and major corporations.

Average Salary and Income

The average annual household income in Godfrey was reported as $116,093 in 2024 (Point2Homes). The median household income was $94,543, reflecting a 1.9% increase from the previous year (Point2Homes, U.S. Census Bureau). This median income is higher than the median household income of $92,746 reported by ERI Economic Research Institute.

The average salary in Godfrey is approximately $68,328 per year, or $33 per hour (ERI Economic Research Institute). However, ZipRecruiter reports a different average annual salary of $47,412 as of April 26, 2026. Salaries in Godfrey can range significantly, with most falling between $32,000 and $58,764 annually (ZipRecruiter).

Climate in Godfrey

Godfrey experiences a classic four-season climate with distinct variations throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold, snowy, and can be windy. The village is partly cloudy year-round, offering a balanced mix of seasonal weather patterns.

The average temperature in Godfrey ranges from a low of 24°F in January to a high of 88°F in July (myPerfectWeather, NOAA). The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 78°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F.

Temperature

July and August are generally the hottest months in Godfrey, with average high temperatures around 87°F (NOAA). The winter months, particularly January, see average low temperatures around 24°F (NOAA). The annual temperature range is quite broad, offering distinct seasonal experiences for residents.

The number of comfortable weather days, defined by mild temperatures and low humidity, is about 131 days per year, or approximately 4.3 months (myPerfectWeather). The most pleasant times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities are typically in mid-spring (April to June) and mid-fall (September to October).

Rainfall and Snowfall

Godfrey receives a moderate amount of annual precipitation, averaging around 42 inches (myPerfectWeather, NOAA). The wettest month is typically May, with an average rainfall of about 5 inches (myPerfectWeather). Rain falls throughout the year, with a higher chance of wet days from March through September.

Annual snowfall in Godfrey is relatively light, averaging about 13 inches (myPerfectWeather, NOAA). Most of this snow occurs between December and March, with January being the snowiest month. This amount of snowfall generally does not cause significant disruptions to daily life.

Education in Godfrey

The public school system in Godfrey serves a student population of approximately 1,016 students across three public schools (Niche). The student-teacher ratio in these schools varies, with Lewis & Clark Elementary School having a ratio of 13:1, Gilson Brown Elementary School at 11:1, and North Elementary School at 17:1 (Niche).

However, the academic performance of Godfrey’s public schools, based on proficiency scores, is below the Illinois state average. The average math proficiency score is 13%, and the reading proficiency score is 15% (Niche). These scores place Godfrey’s public schools in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools, with an average ranking of 2/10 (Niche).

School Ratings and Performance

The top-ranked public schools in Godfrey include Lewis & Clark Elementary School, Gilson Brown Elementary School, and North Elementary School (Niche). Lewis & Clark Elementary School, serving K-1 grades, has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a rating of 4 out of 5 (Niche). It reports 37% of students as proficient in math and reading.

Despite some schools receiving positive local ratings, the overall district performance indicates room for improvement. The average testing rank for Godfrey schools is low, reflecting challenges in academic achievement compared to state averages (Niche). Minority enrollment in Godfrey schools is 52% of the student body, which is slightly below the Illinois public school average (Niche).

Demographics of Godfrey

Godfrey is home to approximately 17,712 residents, with a median age of 48.4 years (Point2Homes, U.S. Census Bureau). The population is balanced, with 49.6% males and 50.4% females (Point2Homes). The village has a higher proportion of older residents, with about 25.7% of the population being 65 or older.

The racial makeup of Godfrey is predominantly White, accounting for 88.8% of the population (Point2Homes, U.S. Census Bureau). Other racial groups include African American (4.8%), Asian (0.6%), and those identifying with two or more races (5.5%). The village has a high percentage of U.S.-born citizens, at 98.6% (Point2Homes).

Age Distribution

The median age in Godfrey is 48.4 years (Point2Homes). The age distribution shows that about 14.1% of residents are children under 15, and 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.2% of the population, with a significant portion, 28.7%, falling into the 45 to 64 bracket.

This age distribution indicates a community with a substantial number of middle-aged and older adults. The higher median age suggests a potentially quieter lifestyle compared to areas with a younger demographic. The percentage of residents aged 65 and older is 25.7% (Point2Homes).

Household and Family Structure

Godfrey has approximately 7,452 households, with an average of two members per household (Point2Homes). A majority of these households, 63.9%, are families, while 36.1% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. This family-oriented structure contributes to the community’s overall character.

Historically, the village had a slightly different household composition. In 2000, 29.7% of households had children under 18, and 62.2% were married couples (Wikipedia). Currently, the data suggests a shift towards more diverse living arrangements, though families remain a significant component of the demographic makeup.

Pros and Cons of Living in Godfrey

Godfrey presents a number of advantages for potential residents, primarily centered around its affordability and quality of life. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making housing and daily expenses more manageable. The crime rate, particularly for violent offenses, is also generally favorable, contributing to a sense of security.

The community boasts a stable job market with a reasonable unemployment rate, and its proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area provides access to a broader range of employment opportunities and amenities. The village’s demographic profile, with a large percentage of older adults, suggests a potentially peaceful and established community atmosphere.

Pros

One of the most significant advantages of living in Godfrey is its affordability. Housing costs, both for buying and renting, are well below national averages (ERI Economic Research Institute, Point2Homes). This makes it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget further.

The community’s safety is another major draw. While property crime is a consideration, violent crime rates are average to below average compared to national and state figures (NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). The village also offers a generally lower cost of living, with household bills being notably less expensive than the national median (doxo).

Cons

A notable drawback for Godfrey is the performance of its public school system. Proficiency scores in math and reading are below the state average, and the schools generally rank lower than many others in Illinois (Niche, NeighborhoodScout). This could be a significant factor for families with school-aged children.

While the overall cost of living is low, transportation costs are less affordable than average (ERI Economic Research Institute). Additionally, while the median household income is substantial, the average salary reported by some sources is considerably lower, which might impact the perceived economic opportunity for some residents.