Is Beardstown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Beardstown

Beardstown, Illinois, nestled in Cass County, presents a unique blend of small-town charm and a surprisingly diverse community. Its location along the Illinois River has historically shaped its economy and continues to influence its character. The town offers a slower pace of life, appealing to those who appreciate a close-knit environment and a connection to its natural surroundings.

The community’s economic backbone has long been tied to agriculture and industry, with a significant presence of immigrant labor contributing to its workforce and cultural tapestry. This dynamic has fostered a unique social environment, making Beardstown a place where different cultures converge. The town’s affordability, particularly in housing, is a significant draw for residents seeking value and a lower cost of living.

Is it Safe to Live in Beardstown?

Beardstown’s crime rate is a complex picture, with some data indicating it is slightly higher than the national average, while other analyses suggest it is lower than many Illinois communities. The overall crime rate is reported to be 29.51 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (AreaVibes). However, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is reported as 1 in 484, which is lower than the state average (NeighborhoodScout).

Property crime rates are also a consideration, with a chance of being a victim of property crime being 1 in 153 (NeighborhoodScout). While some sources indicate a general crime rate that is 13% higher than the national average (AreaVibes), it’s important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city. Residents often consider the southern parts of Beardstown to be the safest areas (AreaVibes).

Housing and Cost of Living

Beardstown stands out for its affordability, especially when it comes to housing. The median home value is notably lower than both the state and national averages, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. For instance, the median home value is reported around $78,247 (BestNeighborhood.org), and another source indicates a median home value of $82,100 (Niche). This makes Beardstown a place where homeownership is more accessible compared to many other areas.

The overall cost of living in Beardstown is also significantly lower than the U.S. national average. This lower cost extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, and transportation. Monthly expenses for singles and families are considerably less than the national and state averages (Salary.com). This economic advantage is a key factor for individuals and families considering a move to Beardstown.

Housing Costs

The median home price in Beardstown is a compelling figure for potential residents. With median home values reported around $78,247 (BestNeighborhood.org) and $82,100 (Niche), it offers a stark contrast to the higher median home prices found elsewhere in Illinois and across the nation. This affordability is a significant advantage for those looking to purchase property.

Rental costs in Beardstown are also relatively low. The average cost of rent is around $625 per month, which is a fraction of what many larger cities charge (BestNeighborhood.org). Another source places the median rent at $762 per month (Niche), further emphasizing the town’s affordability for renters as well.

Cost of Living Expenses

Beardstown’s cost of living is approximately 18% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This includes savings on goods and services, groceries, healthcare, and utilities. Housing costs, in particular, are substantially lower, being 54% below the national average (AreaVibes).

For individuals and families, the monthly cost of living is estimated to be around $2,359 for singles and $5,196 for families of four (Salary.com). These figures reflect a lower financial burden compared to many other communities, making Beardstown an economically attractive place to reside.

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Beardstown is significantly influenced by its industrial and agricultural sectors. A primary employer is the JBS meatpacking plant, which plays a crucial role in the local economy and has contributed to a diverse workforce. This plant provides a substantial number of jobs, making it a central source of employment for the region (Illinois Times).

Manufacturing is another key industry in Beardstown, employing a significant portion of the workforce. Other notable sectors include retail trade and healthcare and social assistance (Data USA). The town has also seen employment growth, indicating a stable or expanding job market.

Major Employers

JBS is the largest employer in Beardstown, providing approximately 1,900 jobs and significantly impacting the local agricultural economy (Illinois Times). This single employer underscores the importance of the meatpacking industry to the town’s economic health.

Beyond JBS, manufacturing as a whole is a major employer in Beardstown (Data USA). While specific company names beyond JBS are not as prominently highlighted, the presence of manufacturing facilities contributes significantly to the employment landscape.

Salaries and Wages

The average annual salary in Beardstown is approximately $45,457, translating to about $21.85 per hour (ZipRecruiter). The median household income is reported around $60,587 (Data USA, Beardstown Authority). While this is below the state average, the lower cost of living helps to offset this difference.

Salaries in Beardstown typically range between $33,750 and $53,959 annually, depending on the occupation and experience (ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying jobs in the area include roles in maintenance, police work, and welding.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Beardstown is reported to be around 2.7% (Beardstown Authority), which is below the U.S. average. This suggests a relatively strong job market where most residents who are seeking employment are able to find it.

This low unemployment rate is a positive indicator for the economic stability of Beardstown. It reflects a healthy demand for labor within the community’s key industries.

Climate and Weather

Beardstown experiences a typical Midwestern climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters are cold and can bring snowfall. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of around 17°F in January to a high of about 86°F in July (myPerfectWeather).

The town receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. Average annual rainfall is approximately 36 inches (Livability.com), with May being the wettest month (myPerfectWeather, Illinois Report Card). Snowfall is also typical for the region, with an average of around 11 to 13 inches annually (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures

During the summer months, July is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 86°F and lows near 65°F (myPerfectWeather). The cold season sees January as the coldest month, with average highs around 35°F and lows near 18°F (myPerfectWeather).

The annual average temperature for Beardstown is around 41.9°F for the low and 63.4°F for the high (Plantmaps). The town experiences significant seasonal variations, with temperatures rarely dropping below 3°F or exceeding 94°F over the course of the year (Illinois Report Card).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Beardstown receives an average of about 37 inches of precipitation annually (myPerfectWeather). May typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 4.0 inches, while January is the driest month with about 1.0 inch (Illinois Report Card).

The period from March to September is generally wetter, with a higher chance of wet days. June has the most wet days on average (Illinois Report Card). Conversely, the drier season spans from September to March, with January having the fewest days with precipitation (Illinois Report Card).

Education and Schools

The public school system serving Beardstown is Beardstown Community Unit School District No. 15. This district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (Illinois Report Card).

State test scores indicate that a small percentage of students are proficient in math and reading. For instance, 4% of students are proficient in math, and 11% are proficient in reading (Illinois Report Card). Beardstown Junior/Senior High School has a graduation rate of 78.9% (Illinois Report Card).

School Ratings

Beardstown Community Unit School District No. 15 generally receives a C overall grade (Niche). Individual schools within the district also have mixed ratings. Beardstown Junior/Senior High School receives a C grade, while Gard Elementary School is rated C- (Niche).

While the district faces challenges in standardized test performance, some reviews highlight opportunities within the school system for clubs and academics. The district aims to prepare students for future endeavors, both socially and academically.

Demographics and Diversity

Beardstown has a population of approximately 6,169 residents (Data USA). The median age in Beardstown is around 32.7 years (Data USA, Beardstown Authority). The community is notably diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population making up about 40.3% of the residents (Data USA, Beardstown Authority).

The racial composition also includes White residents at approximately 47.4%, and Black or African American residents at about 7.4% (Data USA). A substantial portion of Beardstown’s residents, around 27.5%, were born outside of the United States, contributing to the town’s multicultural fabric (Data USA).

Population and Age

As of 2024, Beardstown’s population is around 6,169 people (Data USA). Projections suggest a slight increase, with an estimated population of 6,380 by 2026 (Data USA). The median age is 32.7 years, indicating a relatively young population (Data USA).

The town has a slightly higher male population than female, with about 91.9 males for every 100 females (Beardstown). This demographic balance is consistent across different age groups.

Race and Ethnicity

Beardstown is characterized by its diverse racial and ethnic makeup. White residents constitute about 47.4% of the population, while Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a significant 40.3% (Data USA). This blend creates a unique cultural environment within the town.

Other racial groups include Black or African American residents at approximately 7.4% (Data USA). The presence of a considerable foreign-born population, at 27.5%, further adds to the community’s diversity (Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Beardstown

Beardstown offers several advantages, primarily centered around its affordability and community feel. The low cost of living, particularly the significantly lower median home values and rental prices, makes it an economically attractive place to settle. This financial accessibility is a major draw for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets.

The town also boasts a diverse population, with a notable Hispanic community and a significant percentage of foreign-born residents. This cultural richness is celebrated through local events and contributes to a unique community atmosphere. Residents often describe a strong sense of community spirit, making it easier to integrate and feel at home.

Pros

The primary advantage of living in Beardstown is its affordability, with housing costs well below the national average (BestNeighborhood.org, Niche). This economic benefit extends to the overall cost of living, making daily expenses more manageable (Salary.com, AreaVibes).

Another significant pro is the town’s diversity. Beardstown is noted for its multicultural population, with a strong Hispanic presence and a notable foreign-born community (Data USA). This diversity fosters a rich cultural environment and a welcoming atmosphere for people from various backgrounds.

Cons

One potential drawback is the crime rate, which is reported to be slightly above the national average in some analyses (AreaVibes). While violent crime rates may be lower than the state average (NeighborhoodScout), property crime is a consideration. Residents often point to specific neighborhoods as being safer than others (AreaVibes).

While the town offers a strong sense of community, some residents express concerns about limited opportunities for career advancement. The job market, while stable with low unemployment (Beardstown Authority), may not offer the same breadth of high-paying or specialized roles found in larger metropolitan areas. This can be a deterrent for those seeking extensive professional growth.