Is Fishhook Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fishhook

Fishhook, Illinois, is a small, unincorporated community nestled within Pike County. It offers a glimpse into a quieter, more rural way of life, far removed from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers. This community, while small, provides a unique living experience for those seeking tranquility and a connection to the land.

The character of Fishhook is deeply intertwined with its rural setting. Life here moves at a different pace, prioritizing community and a simpler existence. For prospective residents, understanding the nuances of such a locale is key to appreciating its charm and suitability as a place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Fishhook?

Crime Overview

Fishhook generally presents a safe environment for its residents. It ranks in the 92nd percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than the vast majority of cities. This high safety ranking suggests a low incidence of crime compared to national averages.

Specifically, the assault rate in Fishhook is notably low, at 0.4749 per 1,000 residents. The cost associated with assault per resident is also significantly less than both the national and state averages, further underscoring the community’s safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Community Safety Perceptions

Residents generally consider the southwest part of Fishhook to be the safest area within the community. This perception aligns with the statistical data, reinforcing the idea that certain areas may offer even greater peace of mind.

The chance of being a victim of assault varies by neighborhood, with the southwest areas being the safest. This localized safety information can be valuable for those considering specific areas within Fishhook for their residence.

Cost of Living in Fishhook

Housing Expenses

Housing costs in Fishhook are relatively modest. The median housing cost per month is $752, with the median gross rent set at $744 per month (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). This is considerably lower than the state average, making it an attractive option for those mindful of their budget.

Home prices in Fishhook are also quite affordable, with a median cost of $116,022. This figure is significantly lower than the Illinois state average of $242,002 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Income and Affordability

The average annual household income in Fishhook was $82,978 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The median income stood at $75,556, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Housing affordability is further supported by these income levels. Households that rent pay approximately 13.37% of their income on rent, indicating a reasonable balance between earnings and housing expenses (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The working population in Fishhook is primarily engaged in professional or administrative positions, with 66.7% employed in these fields. A smaller portion, 33.3%, works in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

The community has a very small population, with only 7 residents as of the latest Census data. This small size means that local employment opportunities are limited, and many residents may commute to surrounding areas for work.

Major Employers and Salary Information

Specific major employers within Fishhook are not detailed due to its small population. However, Fishhook Inc. (a company, not necessarily located in Fishhook, IL) reported an average annual salary of $91,314 as of April 2026 (as reported by Fishhook Inc.). This figure represents a broad average and may not reflect local employment conditions.

For the broader Illinois region, the average salary for full-time workers was $88,653, with a median salary of $65,289 (as reported by Census Data). The average rent in Illinois is $1,709 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Weather Patterns

Fishhook experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. Daily high temperatures can reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit in the summer, with lows in the mid-60s (as reported by AccuWeather). Winter temperatures are considerably colder, with highs struggling to get above freezing and lows dropping into the teens Fahrenheit.

The area sees a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. Summer months can bring thunderstorms, with a chance of rain often around 20-30% on any given day, and occasional heavier rainfall events (as reported by TheWeatherNetwork.com, WeatherBug).

Seasonal Considerations

Summers in Fishhook are generally warm and can be humid. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times of year for outdoor activities. Winters are cold, with snow common, requiring preparation for winter weather conditions.

The chance of rain can increase significantly during certain periods, particularly in the spring and summer. Residents should be prepared for varying weather conditions throughout the year.

Schools and Education

Educational Attainment

Within Fishhook, educational attainment shows a varied profile. Approximately 60% of the population has attended high school, while 20% have pursued college studies (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Additionally, 20% of the residents hold a bachelor’s degree, and another portion has earned an associate degree. This indicates a population with a foundational level of education, with some pursuing higher learning.

School District Information

As Fishhook is a very small, unincorporated community, it does not have its own dedicated school district. Residents’ children typically attend schools in nearby districts, such as those within Pike County or surrounding areas. Information on specific school ratings for Fishhook itself is not available due to its unincorporated status.

For the state of Illinois, school rankings are available through resources like Niche and SchoolDigger, which provide data on performance metrics and student achievement across various districts (as reported by Niche, SchoolDigger).

Demographics and Community

Population and Household Structure

Fishhook is characterized by its extremely small population, numbering just 7 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. The community consists of 3 households, with an average of 2 members per household (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Of these households, 66.7% are classified as families, while the remaining percentage comprises individuals living alone or with non-relatives. Approximately 66.7% of the occupied housing units are owner-occupied, with 33.3% being renter-occupied (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Demographic Breakdown

The gender distribution in Fishhook shows 57.1% males and 42.9% females. The community’s population has seen a 16.7% increase compared to the previous year, though this is based on a very small number of residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

In terms of age and income, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $84,865, while those aged 45 to 64 earn a median of $76,389 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). Importantly, 100% of the locals live above the poverty line (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Pros and Cons of Living in Fishhook

Advantages of Fishhook Living

The primary advantage of living in Fishhook is the exceptionally low cost of living, particularly concerning housing. The median home price is significantly below the state average, making homeownership attainable for many (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Furthermore, the community offers a high degree of safety, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The peaceful, rural environment provides a tranquil setting for those seeking to escape the stresses of urban life (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Challenges of Fishhook Living

The most significant drawback of Fishhook is its extremely small population and limited local amenities. With only seven residents, the community offers very few services or employment opportunities, likely necessitating a commute for work and shopping (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

The lack of diverse local employers and the minimal population size mean that social and economic opportunities are restricted. Educational resources for children would also rely on surrounding communities, as Fishhook itself does not host schools (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).