Is Mascoutah Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mascoutah

Mascoutah, Illinois, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, making it an attractive location for those seeking a community feel within reach of larger metropolitan areas. This St. Clair County city provides a unique living experience, balancing a relaxed pace of life with access to amenities and employment opportunities. Its strategic location and community-focused atmosphere contribute to its appeal for families and individuals alike.

The city is named after the Mascouten tribe of Algonquian-speaking Native Americans, reflecting its historical roots in the region. Mascoutah has evolved over time, from its establishment in 1837 as Mechanicsburg to its current status as a well-regarded community in the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis. This rich history shapes its identity and contributes to the character of the town.

Is it Safe to Live in Mascoutah?

Mascoutah is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The city boasts a strong safety record, with violent crime rates well below national and state benchmarks (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes). This low incidence of crime contributes to a sense of security for its residents.

Specifically, the overall crime rate in Mascoutah is substantially lower than the national average, with violent crimes reported at a rate of 45 per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates also remain well below national averages, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a secure community (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often note the northwest part of the city as being particularly safe, with a lower chance of being a victim of violent crime in these areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Climate and Weather

Mascoutah experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 23°F to a high of 90°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of 44 inches, with about 11 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summer months, particularly July and August, can be uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 90°F and lows near 68°F. Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 42°F and lows of 24°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Demographics and Diversity

Mascoutah is home to a population of approximately 8,816 residents, making it the 246th most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 (as reported by Census Data). The city’s population is predominantly White, accounting for about 77.9% of residents (as reported by Census Data). Hispanic residents make up approximately 10% of the population, followed by those identifying as two or more races at 5.5% (as reported by Census Data).

The city has seen an increase in its Hispanic population share since the 2020 census, growing from 5.1% to 10.0% (as reported by Census Data). While Mascoutah is less diverse than Illinois overall, there has been a noted increase in racial diversity since the 2020 census (as reported by Census Data).

Education and Schools

Mascoutah’s public school system, Mascoutah Community Unit School District No. 19, is highly regarded. Mascoutah High School has earned recognition, being ranked as the #1 High School in the Illinois Metro East for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report (as reported by Mascoutah School District 19). The high school is also ranked among the top public high schools in Illinois by Niche (as reported by Niche).

Mascoutah Elementary School is ranked in the top 8% of Illinois elementary schools, receiving a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Mascoutah Middle School also ranks well within the state, contributing to the district’s strong overall academic reputation (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Mascoutah presents a balanced picture for both buyers and sellers. The median listing price for a home is approximately $304,950, with homes selling in a median of 26 days (as reported by realtor.com®). However, there has been a year-over-year price decrease of 19.64% (as reported by realtor.com®).

For renters, the median rent stands at $1,500 per month (as reported by realtor.com®). The overall cost of living in Mascoutah is very close to the national average, with housing costs being slightly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

Mascoutah’s economy is supported by various industries, with Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance being the most common employment sectors for residents (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Mascoutah is approximately $52,454, which equates to about $25.22 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The city has a total of 222 businesses, with leading industries in Manufacturing, Health Care and Social Services, Education, and Retail (as reported by ZoomProspector). Major employers in the area include companies like Boeing, McDonald’s, and Dollar General, providing diverse employment opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com).

Pros and Cons of Living in Mascoutah

Mascoutah offers a compelling mix of advantages for its residents. The city’s low crime rates and highly-rated school district are significant draws for families seeking a safe and nurturing environment. Its suburban rural mix feel provides a comfortable lifestyle, while its proximity to larger cities offers access to more extensive amenities and job markets.

However, some residents may find the town’s amenities limited, with a few essential services and a reliance on nearby larger cities for entertainment and specialized shopping. While the cost of living is reasonable, the job market, though diverse, may not offer the same breadth of high-paying opportunities as a major metropolitan center.