Is Kewanee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kewanee

Kewanee, Illinois, situated in Henry County, presents a unique blend of historical industrial roots and a community focused on a slower pace of life. Originally named by the Winnebago tribe, meaning “greater prairie-chicken,” the city has evolved significantly since its incorporation in 1854. Once a hub for manufacturing, particularly boilers, Kewanee’s economy has diversified, though its industrial heritage is still visible in its landscape and the nickname of its high school sports teams, the “Boilermakers.”

The city offers a cost of living that is notably lower than both the national and state averages, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Kewanee’s median home value is significantly below the national median, and its rental market is described as warm, indicating steady demand. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, potentially allowing residents to stretch their budgets further.

Is it Safe to Live in Kewanee?

Kewanee’s crime rates present a mixed picture. The city experiences crime rates that are higher than the national average, with both violent and property crimes contributing to this statistic. Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Kewanee is around 1 in 36, which is higher than in many other U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that residents should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions.

While the overall crime rate is a concern, it’s important to note that specific neighborhood safety can vary. Some sources indicate that violent crime in Kewanee occurs at a rate of approximately 3 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, including burglary and larceny, is also a factor, with a chance of becoming a victim around 1 in 30 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The housing market in Kewanee is characterized by its affordability. The median home value in Kewanee is considerably lower than the national average, with recent data showing it around $76,580 (as reported by Zillow). This makes homeownership more accessible compared to many other areas.

Rental prices in Kewanee are also competitive, with the market described as “warm” (as reported by Zillow). The median rent is reported to be around $797 per month (as reported by Niche), which is substantially lower than the national average for rent. This affordability in housing is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses.

Cost of Living Overview

Kewanee’s overall cost of living is approximately 5% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This figure is influenced by lower housing expenses, though food costs can be slightly above the national average. Transportation, energy, and healthcare costs are also generally lower than the national average.

When compared to the state average, Kewanee’s cost of living is about 5% higher than the Illinois state average (as reported by Salary.com). However, when considering major cities like Chicago, Kewanee is significantly less expensive, making it an appealing option for those relocating from larger metropolitan areas.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Kewanee has a history as an industrial center, with manufacturing playing a key role in its economy for over a century. While the Kewanee Boiler Corporation, a former major employer, closed in 2002, the city continues to host various manufacturing operations. Today, local factories produce consumer goods, medical supplies, and industrial equipment, including semi-trailers (as reported by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce).

Beyond manufacturing, service industries are increasingly important. A high-tech telephone calling center and a growing warehousing sector contribute to the local job market. Major employers in the area include institutions like OSF HealthCare and Peoples National Bank of Kewanee (as reported by Zippia). Walmart and McDonald’s are also significant employers within the city.

Salaries and Unemployment

The average salary in Kewanee is reported to be around $60,772 per year or $29.22 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate a slightly different average annual salary of $64,569 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). These figures represent the general earning potential within the city.

Unemployment data for Kewanee specifically is not readily available in the provided search results. However, statewide unemployment rates for Illinois can offer a general economic indicator. The Illinois unemployment rate is reported at 5.10% (as reported by YCharts), which is lower than the long-term average for the state.

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Seasons

Kewanee experiences distinct seasons. Summers are typically long, warm, humid, and wet, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 84°F and lows around 65°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season generally spans from late May to late September.

Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 41°F from late November to early March. The coldest month is typically January, with average lows around 17°F and highs near 31°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature throughout the year usually varies between 17°F and 84°F, rarely dropping below -3°F or exceeding 92°F.

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

The average annual rainfall in Kewanee is approximately 38 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Precipitation levels vary throughout the year, with summer months generally seeing more rainfall. Snowfall averages around 26 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com).

The city experiences seasonal variations in cloud cover and wind. December is typically the cloudiest month, while August is the clearest. March is the windiest month, with average wind speeds reaching up to 12.4 miles per hour, while August is the calmest (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Kewanee’s public school system, Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229, serves the city’s students. The district as a whole receives a ‘C’ rating on Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test proficiency in math is reported at 17%, and in reading at 38%.

Kewanee High School, part of this district, holds a ‘B-‘ overall Niche grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, with 8% of students proficient in math and 16% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Elementary schools like Belle Alexander Elementary School receive a ‘B-‘ rating, while others, like Irving Elementary School, have lower ratings.

Population and Demographics

As of the latest available data, Kewanee has a population of approximately 11,913 residents (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The population has seen a slight decline in recent years. The demographic makeup of Kewanee is predominantly White, accounting for about 78.7% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 13.6%, and Black residents at 3.1% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

The median age in Kewanee is 46.3 years (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey), indicating a population that is older on average compared to the national median. The median household income was $50,886 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey), with about 13.5% of families living below the poverty line.