Is West Frankfort Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Frankfort

West Frankfort, Illinois, offers a glimpse into a community shaped by its rich industrial past, particularly its deep ties to coal mining. Nestled in Franklin County, this town has navigated economic shifts and demographic changes, presenting a unique profile for those considering a move. Its story is one of resilience, community spirit, and a distinct Southern Illinois character.

The town’s landscape is characterized by a blend of historical architecture and the practicalities of a working community. West Frankfort’s identity is woven with narratives of its early development, its boom periods, and the challenges that have shaped its present. Understanding these elements provides a foundation for appreciating the lifestyle and opportunities available in this Illinois city.

Is it Safe to Live in West Frankfort?

West Frankfort presents a complex picture regarding safety. The overall crime rate is reported to be around 21.25 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, which is higher than the national average (NeighborhoodScout). However, this figure can be misleading, as specific neighborhoods experience vastly different crime levels, with the southeast area generally considered the safest (NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime rates in West Frankfort are about average for communities across America when considered by population size (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also considered average for the nation (NeighborhoodScout). While some sources indicate West Frankfort’s crime rates are higher than the national average, others suggest it is safer than a significant portion of U.S. cities, highlighting the need to examine neighborhood-specific data (AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident is noted to be less than the national and state averages (NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in West Frankfort is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly below the national average (Kurby AI). This statistic suggests that serious violent offenses are less common than in many other areas. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is reported as 1 in 713 (NeighborhoodScout).

Despite the generally positive outlook on violent crime, it’s important to note that crime statistics can fluctuate. The overall crime rate in West Frankfort has seen a decrease of 1% year over year (AreaVibes). The city is considered safer than 19% of cities in the United States, with a B- grade for safety (AreaVibes).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in West Frankfort is reported at a rate of 8.708 per 1,000 residents annually (NeighborhoodScout). This rate is lower than the national average, and West Frankfort ranks in the 72nd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 72% of cities (CrimeGrade.org). The southeast neighborhoods are considered the safest for property crime, while the west neighborhoods see higher rates (NeighborhoodScout).

The cost of property crime per resident is estimated at $59 per year, which is less than the national and state averages (CrimeGrade.org). The central parts of the city experience the highest number of property crime incidents, approximately 40 per year, whereas the northeast part sees fewer, around 10 annually (NeighborhoodScout).

Exploring the Cost of Living in West Frankfort

West Frankfort is recognized for its affordability, offering a cost of living that is significantly lower than both the national and state averages (Salary.com). This economic advantage is a primary draw for individuals and families seeking to stretch their budgets further. The lower cost extends across various essential expenses, making it an attractive location for those prioritizing financial well-being.

Housing costs are a major contributor to West Frankfort’s affordability. The median home value is substantially lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible (Data USA, Kurby AI). Renting is also comparably inexpensive, with median rental prices well below the national figures (Zumper, Trulia).

Housing Costs and Homeownership

The median home value in West Frankfort is approximately $81,200 (Data USA). This figure is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (Data USA). The homeownership rate in West Frankfort stands at 61.6%, which is slightly below the national average (Data USA).

For those considering renting, the median rent in West Frankfort is around $800 to $900 per month (Zumper, Trulia, Zillow). This is substantially less than the national average rent, which is reported to be over $1,900 per month (Zillow). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $800, while a two-bedroom averages $825 (Zumper).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in West Frankfort are also budget-friendly. Food costs are about 6.7% below the national average, and energy, transportation, and healthcare expenses are also lower (Salary.com). These combined savings contribute to a lower overall monthly cost of living for both singles and families.

The total monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,030, and for a family of four, around $4,574 (Salary.com). These figures reflect a cost of living that is 4% lower than the U.S. national average and 30% lower than Illinois’s state average (Salary.com).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

West Frankfort’s economy has historically been tied to industries like coal mining, but it has diversified over time. The current job market reflects a mix of sectors, with healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing being the largest employing industries for residents (Data USA). The average annual pay in the surrounding county is around $46,819 (West Frankfort: Economy & Jobs).

The unemployment rate in West Frankfort is a notable factor, with figures reported as high as 9.0% for the county, which is above the U.S. average (West Frankfort: Economy & Jobs). This indicates a more competitive job market for those seeking employment within the immediate area. However, some residents find employment in surrounding areas, benefiting from shorter commute times.

Major Employers and Industries

Key sectors providing employment in West Frankfort include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). These industries offer a range of job opportunities for the local workforce. Public Administration and Transportation & Warehousing & Utilities are noted as the highest-paying industries in the area (Data USA).

While specific major employers are not exhaustively listed, common businesses like McDonald’s, FedEx, Kroger, Dollar General, and CVS Health operate within the city (Indeed.com). Companies such as Community Media Group and Three Angels Broadcasting Network are also part of the local business landscape (Lensa).

Wages and Income

The median household income in West Frankfort is reported to be around $47,898 (West Frankfort: Economy & Jobs). This figure is below the state median income for Illinois. The average salary in West Frankfort is approximately $45,000 per year, with an average hourly pay of $21.00 (Zippia).

The poverty rate in West Frankfort is 29.0%, which is considerably higher than the national average of 12.5% (Data USA). This statistic underscores the economic challenges faced by a portion of the population. The median income for families is lower than the per capita income, suggesting a potential disparity in earnings across different household types (Wikipedia).

Climate and Weather Patterns

West Frankfort experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers tend to be hot and muggy, while winters are cold, wet, and windy (West Frankfort Climate). Temperatures throughout the year range from an average low of 23°F in winter to a high of 88°F in summer (West Frankfort Weather Averages).

The city receives an average of 46 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall contributing around 11 inches (West Frankfort Weather Averages). The humidity can be noticeable during the summer months, particularly from July to August (West Frankfort Weather Averages).

Seasonal Temperatures

During the summer, July is typically the hottest month, with average daily highs reaching 88°F and lows around 68°F (West Frankfort Climate). The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September (West Frankfort Climate).

Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average daily highs around 42°F and lows near 27°F (West Frankfort Climate). The cold season typically extends from late November through February, bringing very cold temperatures and windy conditions (West Frankfort Climate).

Precipitation and Snowfall

West Frankfort receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging 46 inches (West Frankfort Weather Averages). The wettest month is typically April, with about 5 inches of rain (West Frankfort Weather Averages). The period from March to August is generally wetter, with a higher chance of rainy days (West Frankfort Climate).

Snowfall averages around 11 inches annually (West Frankfort Weather Averages). January usually sees the fewest wet days, while May experiences the most (West Frankfort Climate). The overall climate risk for West Frankfort is rated as “Relatively Moderate” (Kurby AI).

Educational Opportunities in West Frankfort

West Frankfort is served by several public schools, including Frankfort Community High School, Central Junior High School, and Frankfort Intermediate School (Niche). These schools cater to students from elementary through high school levels. The overall testing performance of public schools in the 62896 zip code is below the Illinois state average (Niche).

Math proficiency scores average around 11%, and reading proficiency scores are about 23%, compared to state averages of 27% and 30%, respectively (Niche). These figures suggest areas for improvement within the local school system. The student-teacher ratio in West Frankfort’s public schools is approximately 11:1 for high school and junior high, and 13:1 for intermediate school (Niche).

Public School Performance

Frankfort Community High School holds a B-minus rating on Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 (Niche). Central Junior High School and Frankfort Intermediate School both have C ratings (Niche). The public schools in the 62896 zip code are ranked in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools (Niche).

Minority enrollment in these schools is around 6% of the student body, which is lower than the Illinois state average (Niche). While specific test score data varies by school, the overall proficiency levels in math and reading indicate a need for enhanced academic support and resources.

School District Information

The Frankfort Community Unit School District No. 168 serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (Niche). This district has a student population of 1,517 and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (Niche). State test scores for the district show 14% proficiency in math and 27% in reading (Niche).

While the district aims to provide educational services, the performance metrics suggest that students may face academic challenges. The town’s history is also marked by educational institutions like Morthland College, though it is no longer in operation (Data USA).

Demographics and Population Overview

West Frankfort is home to approximately 7,118 residents, with a median age of 39 years (Data USA, Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight decline in recent years, with projections indicating a continued downward trend (ZoomProspector). The majority of the population is White, making up about 96% of residents (Point2Homes, ZoomProspector).

The demographic makeup includes a significant portion of older adults, with about 14.8% of the population being 65 or older (Point2Homes). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more males than females (Point2Homes, ZoomProspector).

Population Trends and Diversity

West Frankfort’s population has decreased by approximately 2.63% since the most recent census, which recorded 7,258 residents in 2020 (ZoomProspector). The population is projected to continue declining at a rate of about -0.45% annually (ZoomProspector). The town’s population density is relatively low, contributing to a sparse suburban feel (Niche).

The racial composition is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of residents identifying with two or more races, Black or African American, and other races (ZoomProspector). The Hispanic or Latino population represents a small fraction of the overall demographic, at about 1.4% (ZoomProspector).

Age and Household Composition

The median age in West Frankfort is 39 years, with a distribution showing 20.6% of the population under 15, and 14.8% aged 65 and over (Point2Homes). Adults aged 25-44 constitute 25.6% of the population, while those aged 45-64 make up 25.8% (Point2Homes).

West Frankfort has around 2,978 households, with an average of two members per household (Point2Homes). A majority of these households are considered families (57.8%), while the remainder are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (42.2%) (Point2Homes). The homeownership rate is 61.6% (Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in West Frankfort

West Frankfort offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. Its primary appeal lies in its affordability, particularly in housing costs, which are significantly lower than national and state averages (Salary.com). This makes it an accessible option for first-time homebuyers, retirees, and those looking to escape high urban living expenses.

The town also boasts a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, which can be attractive to those seeking a quieter lifestyle. However, challenges exist, including a higher poverty rate and a competitive job market with an above-average unemployment rate (Data USA, West Frankfort: Economy & Jobs).

Advantages of West Frankfort

The most significant advantage of living in West Frankfort is its affordability. Housing, in particular, is remarkably inexpensive, with median home values and rental prices substantially below the national average (Data USA, Zumper). This financial accessibility allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the burden of high living costs.

Furthermore, West Frankfort offers a sparse suburban feel and a generally safe environment, especially in certain neighborhoods (Niche, NeighborhoodScout). The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of local pride, stemming from its historical roots and tight-knit population.

Disadvantages of West Frankfort

Despite its affordability, West Frankfort faces economic challenges. The unemployment rate is higher than the national average, and the median household income is below the state average (West Frankfort: Economy & Jobs, Data USA). The poverty rate is also notably high, indicating economic disparities within the community (Data USA).

Educational outcomes in the local public schools are another area of concern, with proficiency scores below the state average (Niche). While violent crime is relatively low, property crime exists, and specific neighborhoods experience higher crime rates than others (NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade.org). Some residents also mention pockets of drug use and homelessness as negative aspects (Niche).