Is Pinckneyville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pinckneyville
Pinckneyville, Illinois, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, characterized by a slower pace and a close-knit community atmosphere. Nestled in Perry County, this city provides a unique blend of affordability and a peaceful environment, making it an attractive option for those seeking a departure from the urban sprawl. Its location provides a balance between rural tranquility and accessibility to larger areas.
The town’s identity is shaped by its history and its commitment to community values. Pinckneyville is known for its quiet charm, fostering a sense of belonging among its residents. This appeal is particularly strong for first-time homebuyers, retirees, and individuals looking for a strong community connection. The town’s character is further defined by its local events and traditions that bring residents together throughout the year.
Is it Safe to Live in Pinckneyville?
Pinckneyville is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The city boasts a crime rate that is 82% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This low rate encompasses both violent and property crimes, contributing to a general sense of security for its residents.
Violent crimes in Pinckneyville are notably low, standing at 78% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes also remain well below national figures, with a rate 82.9% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics contribute to Pinckneyville being safer than 82% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in Pinckneyville presents a significant draw for potential residents due to its affordability. The median home value in Pinckneyville is approximately $133,500 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is considerably lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
The cost of living in Pinckneyville is also notably lower than the national average. Overall living costs are 3% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing expenses, in particular, are 15.1% lower than the national average, further contributing to the town’s affordability.
Home Prices and Trends
Pinckneyville’s housing market shows a median home value of $124,847, which has seen an increase of 3.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price is around $129,500, with a year-over-year price growth of 10.22% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). This indicates a stable and growing market for real estate.
The homeownership rate in Pinckneyville is high, at 84.5%, which is significantly above the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a strong preference for homeownership among residents, supported by the accessible property values.
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Pinckneyville currently shows limited availability, with reports indicating zero rental listings at times (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). When rentals are available, the average rent can vary, with some sources citing an average rent of $800 per month (as reported by Trulia), which is substantially lower than the national average.
Other data suggests a median rent of $416 (as reported by Niche) and even $100 in some reports (as reported by Zillow). These figures reflect the general affordability of the area, though the scarcity of listings might present challenges for renters.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Pinckneyville employs approximately 1,390 people, with key industries including Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Transportation & Warehousing (as reported by Data USA). While employment has seen a slight decline, the town offers opportunities across various sectors.
The average salary in Pinckneyville is around $51,277 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure provides a baseline for understanding earning potential within the local job market. For specialized roles, such as a qualified professional, the average hourly wage can be around $40.24 (as reported by Indeed).
Major Employers
Major employers in Pinckneyville include entities like the Pinckneyville Correctional Center and Pinckneyville Hospital, which are significant contributors to local employment (as reported by Census Reporter). Other key employers in the manufacturing and service sectors also play a role in the town’s economic landscape.
Companies such as Cooper B-Line and Contempri Ind. are notable in the manufacturing sector, while healthcare services provided by Pinckneyville Hospital offer substantial employment opportunities (as reported by Census Reporter). The local government, Perry County Government, is also a significant employer within the community.
Unemployment Rate
Pinckneyville has experienced a notable decrease in its unemployment rate over recent years. The unemployment rate has fallen from 8.8% in 2017 to 2.2% in 2023 (as reported by CensusDepth). This significant reduction indicates a strengthening local job market.
This downward trend in unemployment suggests improved economic conditions and increased job opportunities for residents. The recovery from the COVID-19 era has seen a consistent decline in the jobless rate, reflecting a positive economic trajectory.
Demographics and Community
Pinckneyville is home to a population of approximately 5,018 residents, with a median age of 38.8 years (as reported by Data USA). The community is characterized by a predominantly White population, followed by Black or African American residents, and a smaller Hispanic population.
The racial makeup of Pinckneyville is 67.2% White, 23.8% Black, and 7.3% Hispanic (as reported by Data USA). This composition contributes to the town’s unique cultural landscape. The citizenship rate is high, with 99.4% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Population Trends
The population of Pinckneyville has seen a slight decline in recent years, with projections indicating a continued modest decrease. The 2026 projected population is around 4,864, reflecting an annual rate of change of -1.5% (as reported by Data USA). This trend is consistent with the population changes observed since the last census.
Despite the slight population decrease, Pinckneyville maintains a strong sense of community. The town’s population density and its close-knit nature are key aspects of its residential appeal.
Climate and Weather
Pinckneyville experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, while winters can be cold with snowfall. The average high temperature is around 66°F, with average low temperatures around 46°F (as reported by Livability.com).
The average annual rainfall in Pinckneyville is approximately 46 inches, and the average annual snowfall is around 9 inches (as reported by Livability.com). These figures provide a general overview of the expected weather patterns throughout the year.
Education and Schools
Pinckneyville is served by a school district that includes elementary, middle, and high schools. Pinckneyville Middle School is noted for its strong performance, consistently ranking among the top middle schools in Illinois (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). It boasts strong test scores, particularly in English Language Arts.
Pinckneyville Elementary School also performs well, outperforming state averages in key assessments (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). While Pinckneyville Community High School shows proficiency in graduation rates, its performance on standardized college readiness tests indicates areas for improvement.
School Ratings and Performance
Pinckneyville Middle School holds a 4 or 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, with over 70% of students proficient in English Language Arts (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Pinckneyville Elementary School also receives a 4-star rating and surpasses state averages in math and reading proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Pinckneyville Community High School has a 4-year graduation rate of 89.0%, which is above the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, only 15% of students are proficient in math and 18% in reading on state assessments (as reported by Niche).