Is Edwardsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, making it an appealing place to live for many. Located in Madison County, it is part of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, providing residents with access to a larger city’s amenities while maintaining a distinct community identity. The city is known for its historic architecture, vibrant downtown, and a strong sense of community engagement.

The area boasts a robust educational system, a growing job market, and a variety of recreational opportunities, contributing to its overall desirability. With its friendly atmosphere and commitment to preserving its heritage, Edwardsville presents a well-rounded living experience for families and individuals alike. This guide delves into the key aspects of life in Edwardsville, covering safety, cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics.

Is it Safe to Live in Edwardsville?

Edwardsville generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The city’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with particularly low rates for violent crimes. This suggests a secure atmosphere for daily life and community activities.

Violent crimes in Edwardsville are substantially below the national average, contributing to a feeling of security. Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, further enhancing the safety profile of the city. Residents have a low chance of becoming a victim of crime, making Edwardsville a statistically safe place to call home (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout).

Crime Statistics

The FBI’s uniform crime reports indicate that Edwardsville has a crime rate that is 66.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 91.6% lower than the national average, with property crimes being 61.2% lower than the national average. These statistics highlight a remarkably low incidence of criminal activity within the city.

The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Edwardsville is 1 in 141 (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to a crime rate of approximately 7 per 1,000 residents, which is near the average for cities of all sizes across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, the breakdown shows a strong performance in reducing violent offenses.

Housing Costs in Edwardsville

Edwardsville offers a range of housing options, with both home prices and rental rates reflecting a competitive market. The median home price in Edwardsville is approximately $280,000, showing an increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a steady appreciation in property values within the area.

For renters, the average monthly rent in Edwardsville is around $1,409 (as reported by Zillow). This figure encompasses various property types and bedroom counts, providing a general overview of rental expenses. The housing market is described as very competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly after being listed.

Home Prices

The median sale price of a home in Edwardsville was $280,000 last month, marking an 8.9% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The sale-to-list price ratio is 98.0%, suggesting that homes are generally selling close to their asking price. Homes sold above list price account for 30.4% of sales, indicating strong buyer demand in certain segments of the market.

The median listing price for homes in Edwardsville is currently around $335,000, with homes staying on the market for an average of 33 days (as reported by Redfin). This suggests a dynamic market where properties are moving, though the median sold price is lower than the median listing price, offering potential negotiation opportunities for buyers.

Rental Market

The average rent for all property types in Edwardsville is approximately $1,409 per month (as reported by Zillow). This average rent has seen a slight month-over-month increase of $9 and a year-over-year increase of $9. The rental market shows a limited number of available properties, with only 17 listed as of recent data, indicating potential competition for renters (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

The median rental price in Edwardsville is reported as $1,425 per month, showing a year-over-year decrease of 28.75% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). This decrease in rental prices could improve affordability for those looking to rent in the area, despite the limited availability of rental units.

Job Market and Economy

Edwardsville boasts a healthy job market with a low unemployment rate and a diverse range of major employers. The unemployment rate in Edwardsville is 2.9%, which is below the U.S. average of approximately 4% (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority). This indicates a strong local economy with ample employment opportunities for residents.

The median household income in Edwardsville is $86,721, which is higher than both the Madison County and Illinois state medians (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority and U.S. Census Bureau). This suggests a strong earning potential for residents, contributing to a good quality of life.

Major Employers

Several large companies and institutions form the backbone of Edwardsville’s employment landscape. Amazon North American Fulfillment is a significant employer with 4,100 employees, followed by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with 3,500 employees (as reported by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce). Anderson Healthcare is another major employer, providing jobs for 1,600 individuals.

Other key employers include U.S. Steel with 1,200 employees, and Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery with 1,100 employees (as reported by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce). The presence of these diverse industries, from logistics and education to healthcare and manufacturing, ensures a broad spectrum of job opportunities for the local workforce.

Salaries and Wages

The average annual salary for employees in Edwardsville is approximately $91,441, equating to about $44 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure reflects a competitive salary landscape, with salaries typically ranging from $80,520 to $103,234 annually, depending on the role and experience level. The median household income further supports this, standing at $86,721 (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority).

The average salary in Edwardsville is notably higher than some other sources suggest, with ZipRecruiter reporting $44,740 as the average annual salary as of May 2026. However, the higher figures from other sources like the Edwardsville Authority and ZipRecruiter’s broader analysis point to a robust earning potential, especially in specialized fields. The cost of living is considered moderate, with home prices being about 3.5 times the median household income (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority).

Climate in Edwardsville

Edwardsville experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 88°F throughout the year, with rare excursions outside of this range (as reported by Vertex AISearch). The city has a humid subtropical climate, influenced by its Midwestern location.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with May being the wettest month and January being the driest. Snowfall is common during the winter months, particularly in January. The climate is generally conducive to outdoor activities during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Temperatures

Summers in Edwardsville are warm and can be muggy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 88°F (as reported by Vertex AISearch). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September. Winters are cold and windy, with January having average low temperatures around 24°F and average highs of 40°F (as reported by Vertex AISearch).

The temperature variation throughout the year is significant. Spring and fall offer milder weather, with average daily highs between 65°F and 80°F during the more pleasant travel seasons (as reported by Vertex AISearch). The extreme temperatures are generally infrequent, with the mercury rarely dropping below 8°F or exceeding 95°F.

Rainfall and Snowfall

Edwardsville receives an average of 45 inches of precipitation annually, with the majority falling as rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May typically sees the most rainfall, with about 4.1 inches, while January receives the least, around 1.6 inches (as reported by Vertex AISearch). Wet days are more frequent from March through August.

The city experiences an average annual snowfall of about 11 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The snowy period generally spans from late November to mid-March, with January accumulating the most snow, averaging 3.5 inches (as reported by Vertex AISearch). Snowfall is minimal, with no snow typically occurring from April to November.

Education in Edwardsville

Edwardsville is served by a highly-rated public school system, Edwardsville Community Unit School District No. 7, which consistently receives strong reviews. The district is recognized for its academic rigor, offering numerous Advanced Placement (AP) classes and a wide array of extracurricular activities (as reported by Niche).

Edwardsville High School, a part of this district, is a highly-rated institution with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The school demonstrates strong performance in state test scores, with a significant percentage of students proficient in math and reading.

School District Performance

Edwardsville Community Unit School District No. 7 has earned an overall Niche grade of A, reflecting its excellent performance across various metrics. The district is particularly noted for its academics, extracurricular activities, and sports programs, earning an A+ for clubs and activities and an A+ for sports (as reported by Niche). Its strong reputation makes it a district of choice in the Metro East region.

Academically, the district is strong, with 36% of students at or above proficiency in math and 42% in reading (as reported by Niche). While the district is highly regarded, some reviews mention areas where funding could be improved, such as updated textbooks in certain subjects.

High School Academics and Extracurriculars

Edwardsville High School is recognized for its academic offerings and a wide range of student opportunities. It holds an overall Niche grade of A minus, with particular strengths in areas like athletics and STEM (as reported by Niche). The school provides a supportive environment with dedicated teachers who encourage student engagement and academic growth.

Beyond academics, students have access to a diverse selection of clubs, sports, and activities, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. The school is ranked highly within Illinois and the St. Louis area for its athletic programs, with some rankings placing it as the top public high school in Madison County (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Edwardsville

Edwardsville is a city with a population of approximately 26,474 residents, making it the 83rd most populated city in Illinois (as reported by U.S. Census data). The city has a relatively young median age of 31.8 years (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The population has seen modest growth in recent years, though projections suggest a slight stabilization.

The racial and ethnic composition of Edwardsville is predominantly White, accounting for 84.5% of the population. Black or African American residents make up 7.4%, and Hispanic residents constitute 3.5% of the population (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). This demographic makeup contributes to the city’s cultural fabric.

Population and Age Distribution

As of the most current U.S. Census data, Edwardsville has a population of 26,474 people (as reported by U.S. Census data). Projections for 2026 estimate the population to reach 27,022, assuming a consistent annual growth rate (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The median age in Edwardsville is 31.8 years, indicating a significant proportion of younger residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

The age distribution shows a healthy mix, with a substantial number of residents in the younger adult and working-age brackets. This demographic profile supports a dynamic community with a strong workforce and active social scene. The population has seen a slight increase over the past few years, though recent trends suggest a potential peak and stabilization.

Race and Ethnicity

The demographic landscape of Edwardsville is characterized by a majority White population, which comprises 84.5% of residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The second-largest ethnic group is Black or African American at 7.4%, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 3.5% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). Other racial and ethnic groups are represented in smaller percentages.

This composition reflects the broader demographic trends in the region. The U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that the White population is the most prevalent, with Black and Hispanic communities forming significant minority groups within the city. This diversity contributes to the cultural richness of Edwardsville.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Edwardsville is generally considered moderate, with housing being a significant factor. The median home value is $299,800 (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). This affordability in housing makes Edwardsville an attractive option for many.

While housing is relatively affordable, other expenses can influence the overall cost of living. The median household income of $86,721 provides a good benchmark for understanding purchasing power within the city (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority). The poverty rate is reported at 11.6%, which is lower than the U.S. average of approximately 12.5% (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority).

Affordability

Edwardsville offers a moderate level of affordability, particularly when considering housing costs relative to income. The home price to income ratio is 3.5x, suggesting that homeownership is attainable for many residents (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority). The rent affordability is also favorable, with the percentage of income spent on rent being 17.0% (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority).

The city’s unemployment rate of 2.9% is below the national average, indicating a stable job market that supports economic well-being (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority). These factors combined contribute to a generally affordable living environment for its residents.

Factors Influencing Costs

Several factors contribute to the cost of living in Edwardsville. Housing, as noted, is a primary driver, with median home values and rental prices influencing monthly expenses. Property taxes are also a consideration, with the property tax as a percentage of income being 6.4% (as reported by the Edwardsville Authority).

Transportation costs, including commute times and car ownership, also play a role. The average commute time is 22.8 minutes, which is shorter than the U.S. average, potentially saving residents time and money on daily travel (as reported by Data USA). The number of cars per household averages two, aligning with national trends.