Is Robinson Safe, Pros and cons of living in Robinson
Robinson, Illinois, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, blending a history rooted in industry with a quiet, community-focused atmosphere. The city is situated in Crawford County and carries a rich heritage, notably tied to the oil boom and the production of the iconic Heath candy bar. This historical context shapes its local economy and community identity.
The pace of life in Robinson tends to be more relaxed than in larger metropolitan areas. It provides a sense of stability and familiarity, often appealing to those seeking a close-knit environment. This small-town charm is a significant draw for residents and visitors alike.
Is it Safe to Live in Robinson?
Robinson generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Robinson is reported to be lower than the national average, with a crime safety grade of B+ as of the latest data (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents have a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to many other U.S. cities.
Violent crime rates in Robinson are notably lower than the national average, with specific categories like murder, aggravated assault, and robbery all falling below national figures (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates also tend to be lower than the national average, though larceny/theft is the most common crime type in the area (as reported by DoorProfit).
Crime Statistics Overview
The total crime rate in Robinson is reported to be 10% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to an average of 0.36 daily crimes, with a breakdown of 0.06 violent incidents and 0.31 property-related offenses (as reported by AreaVibes). Robinson has a violent crime rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.6 per 1,000 (as reported by Kurby AI).
When comparing Robinson to other cities, its crime costs per resident are lower than the national and Illinois state averages (as reported by AreaVibes). While the north part of the city is generally considered the safest, crime can vary by neighborhood, with a chance of being a victim ranging from 1 in 42 in the southeast to 1 in 70 in the north (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Robinson
Robinson offers a cost of living that is considerably more affordable than the national average. Housing expenses, in particular, are a significant factor in this affordability, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their budgets effectively.
The overall cost of living in Robinson is approximately 11% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This figure is largely influenced by housing costs, which are about 34.8% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Costs
Housing in Robinson is notably affordable. The median home value is significantly below the national average, and rental prices are also quite competitive. This affordability extends to both homeownership and renting.
The median home value in Robinson is around $101,121, showing a decrease of 10.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Median rent prices are reported at $809 per month (as reported by Kurby AI), and some sources indicate an average rent of $400 per month, which is substantially lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes is around $229.5K, though this figure may reflect a specific market segment (as reported by realtor.com®).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Robinson also contribute to its affordability. Costs for food, energy, transportation, and healthcare are generally in line with or slightly below national averages, further enhancing the town’s cost-effectiveness.
Food expenses in Robinson are about 0.1% above average, with monthly costs around $401 for an individual (as reported by Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are approximately 6.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). These combined expenses contribute to a total monthly cost of living that is quite reasonable for both individuals and families.
Job Market and Economy
Robinson’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing and healthcare playing significant roles. The presence of major employers contributes to employment opportunities for residents, although the average salary may be lower than in larger urban centers.
The employment rate in Robinson is around 95.5%, with a workforce of approximately 2,977 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The most common employment sectors include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and educational services (as reported by Data USA). The average annual household income in Robinson was reported as $89,369 in 2024, with a median income of $73,993 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers
Several key companies form the backbone of Robinson’s employment landscape. These employers range from industrial giants to service-oriented businesses, providing a stable job market for the community.
Major employers in Robinson include Marathon Petroleum Company, which operates a significant refinery, and The Hershey Company, known for its Heath bar (as reported by Wikipedia). Other notable companies include Dana Sealing Products Corporation and various manufacturers (as reported by City of Robinson, Illinois). Walmart and McDonald’s are also significant employers in the area (as reported by Indeed.com).
Unemployment and Wages
Robinson’s unemployment rate is generally low, reflecting a healthy job market. However, the average salary may differ from national figures, a common characteristic of smaller towns.
The unemployment rate in Robinson stands at approximately 4.5% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is below the U.S. average. Some sources indicate an unemployment rate of 2.3% (as reported by Robinson Authority), also below the national average. The average annual pay in the county was $61,683 in 2024 (as reported by Robinson Authority).
Climate and Weather
Robinson experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather patterns are typical of the Midwest, offering a varied climate throughout the year.
Average temperatures in Robinson range from 20°F to 87°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). July is typically the hottest month, with an average high of 87°F, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 21°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperature and Precipitation
The town experiences warm, humid summers and cold, windy winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with certain months seeing more precipitation than others.
Annual precipitation averages around 46 inches, with April often being the wettest month, receiving about 5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The snowy period generally lasts from November to March, with January typically having the most snowfall, averaging around 4 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual rainfall for Robinson is approximately 42.6 inches (as reported by US Climate Data).
Education and Schools
Robinson is served by the Robinson Community Unit School District No. 2, which includes public schools for various grade levels. While the district has areas of strength, there are also challenges related to academic performance and student engagement.
The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, serving approximately 1,538 students (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 23% of students are proficient in math and 41% in reading (as reported by Niche). The schools in Robinson have an average ranking of 6/10, placing them in the top 50% of Illinois public schools (as reported by Niche).
School Performance
Individual schools within the district show varied performance levels. Nuttall Middle School is noted as a top-performing school, while others face challenges in academic proficiency.
Nuttall Middle School consistently ranks in the top 30% of Illinois middle schools and has a 4-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Lincoln Elementary School, however, struggles with lower proficiency rates, particularly in mathematics (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Robinson High School has a B-minus overall Niche grade, with 19% of students proficient in math and 24% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Robinson’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black or African American and other racial groups. The median age in Robinson is around 42 years, indicating a population that is aging slightly.
As of recent data, Robinson is home to approximately 7,084 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup includes about 85.2% Caucasian, 8.7% African American, and smaller percentages of other races (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age is around 42.4 years (as reported by Kurby AI).
Age and Gender Distribution
The age distribution in Robinson shows a significant portion of the population in the adult age brackets, with a notable percentage of residents aged 65 and older.
About 14.9% of residents are children under 15, while 18.4% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution shows more males than females. For every 100 females, there are approximately 144.3 males (as reported by Kurby AI).