Is Freeburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Freeburg

Is it Safe to Live in Freeburg?

Freeburg, Illinois, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes being exceptionally rare. Property crimes also occur at a much lower rate than the national average, contributing to a strong sense of security within the community.

The town ranks favorably in safety, being safer than a large majority of cities in the United States. Residents often consider the northeast part of Freeburg to be the safest area. While crime can vary by neighborhood, the likelihood of being a victim is low across the board. This low incidence of crime contributes to a peaceful atmosphere and a strong sense of well-being among those who live there.

Pros and Cons of Living in Freeburg

Freeburg offers a compelling blend of small-town charm and affordability, making it an attractive option for many. The cost of living is notably lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly lower. This affordability extends to rent, which is also substantially below the national median.

The community boasts a stable local economy, with key industries including healthcare, retail trade, and educational services. While the town is experiencing a slight population decline, it maintains a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors often know each other. The pace of life is generally slower, which can be a significant draw for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

However, Freeburg is not without its challenges. A recent announcement indicates the closure of a significant manufacturing plant by mid-2026, which will result in the loss of 110 jobs. This closure could impact the local economy and employment landscape, as the company consolidates operations to other facilities. The town’s population is also projected to continue a slight decline, which may affect future growth and development.

Community and Demographics

Freeburg is a community with a population of approximately 4,592 residents, as of the latest available data. The demographics indicate a predominantly White population, with smaller percentages of residents identifying as Two or More Races and Black or African American. The median age in Freeburg is around 45.6 years, suggesting a community with a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults.

The homeownership rate in Freeburg is notably high, at 82.2% (as reported by Data USA), which is considerably higher than the national average. This suggests a stable community where residents are invested in their homes and the area. The average commute time for residents is 22.9 minutes, with most people driving alone to work, indicating a reliance on personal vehicles for transportation.

The poverty rate in Freeburg is 6.67%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a generally stable economic situation for a significant portion of the population. The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line is White, followed by those of Two or More Races and Black individuals.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Freeburg is a significant draw, being approximately 23% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses are particularly affordable, standing 54% lower than the national average. This affordability is reflected in the median home price, which was $241,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), and the median rent, which was $1,125 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper).

The housing market offers a mix of styles, with midcentury homes and some older properties in the town center, complemented by newer subdivisions on the outskirts. The median property value was $241,200 in 2024, showing a modest increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). Renters in Freeburg experience a rent-to-income ratio of 34.8%, indicating a manageable portion of earnings dedicated to housing expenses.

Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also below the national average, further contributing to Freeburg’s appeal as an affordable place to live. For example, grocery prices are 3% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). These combined factors make Freeburg an attractive option for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets.

Job Market and Economy

Freeburg’s economy is supported by several key industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance employing the most residents, followed by Retail Trade and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The job market has seen growth, with employment increasing by 6.67% between 2023 and 2024, resulting in 2.32k employees (as reported by Data USA).

The most common occupations held by residents include management, office and administrative support, and education and library roles. The highest-paying industries in Freeburg are Wholesale Trade, Transportation & Warehousing, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). This diverse range of employment opportunities provides a stable economic foundation for the community.

However, a significant challenge looms with the planned closure of the Hubbell-Wiegmann plant by mid-2026, which will eliminate 110 jobs (as reported by KSDK). This closure is attributed to the consolidation of manufacturing and distribution into existing facilities, with labor rates cited as a potential factor. The impact of this event on the local job market will need to be monitored, though the mayor is hopeful that the facility will be occupied by another business.

Climate and Weather

Freeburg experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and muggy, with July being the hottest month, featuring average high temperatures around 89°F and lows near 68°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are very cold, snowy, and windy, with January being the coldest month, averaging highs around 41°F and lows near 24°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Throughout the year, temperatures generally range between 23°F and 89°F, with rare extremes below 9°F or above 96°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Annual precipitation averages around 44 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving approximately 5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages about 11 inches annually.

The weather is partly cloudy year-round. For outdoor activities, the most pleasant times to visit Freeburg are generally from late May to early July and again from late July to late September, based on favorable temperature and precipitation conditions (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Schools

Freeburg is served by the Freeburg Community Consolidated School District No. 70, which caters to students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. This district is highly rated, earning an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). It serves approximately 752 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that 58% of students are proficient in math and 74% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The district ranks within the top 10% of all school districts in Illinois based on combined math and reading proficiency data (as reported by Public School Review). Freeburg Elementary School and Freeburg Primary Center both received “Commendable” designations (as reported by Illinois Report Card).

For high school education, students attend Freeburg Community High School. This public school serves grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. It is rated B+ by Niche, with 41% of students proficient in math and 43% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).