Firstly why Champaign, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Champaign
• State: Illinois
• Population: 88,332 people
• Champaign’s quick summary would be Champaign folks know that Green Street buzzes with Illini pride and that Memorial Stadium is hopping on game days.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: 4000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 350

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of Illinois attracting students and academics

Perk #1: Champaign Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 43%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $63,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Champaign is $54,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-9000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Champaign’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,000
• Property Tax %: 1.74%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Campustown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, Mahomet, and probably could include Rantoul
• Avg. Age of Homes in Champaign: 45 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Champaign’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Champaign are  Education, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Champaign Job Scene: strong job market primarily in education and research
• The General Tech Scene: home to the University of Illinois, vibrant tech ecosystem focused on innovation and education ,
• Champaign Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Champaign: 9%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 110 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 12

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Champaign

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-57 connects Champaign to major regional routes
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: congestion near the university
• Transportation Score: 48 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Champaign: 50,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Champaign: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: University of Illinois Willard

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Champaign’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Champaign is best described as features warm summers and cold winters marked by a continental climate with distinctive seasonal changes and rainfall distribution throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Champaign i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
• Spring Weather in Champaign can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Champaign are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Champaign is usually cool with bright days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 15 days in summer
• Days in a row in Champaign below Freezing: 21
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained through regulations
• Champaign Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by seasonal factors

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Champaign Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Champaign 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Champaigns’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Champaign Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Champaign Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Champaign only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Champaign only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Champaign’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Champaign’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Champaign’s Water Quality Score: 72

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Champaign

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to a university with a vibrant arts and culture scene
• You might enjoy concerts at the Krannert Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Champaign  boasts a vibrant college-town nightlife with a variety of bars clubs and entertainment options

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Champaign

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local restaurants and a vibrant college-town atmosphere
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Champaign
• The Popular Sports Team is Champaign Urbana
• Top Level Political Climate in Champaign can be described as liberal college town focused on social and environmental issues
• Champaign’s Longer standing religious establishment is Champaign Church of Christ

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Champaign Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Champaign has 30 Parks?
• Parkland College Park is Champaign’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Champaign Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Champaign Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Champaign can be described as energetic college-town pace with vibrant arts and culture scene
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Champaign hiking local trails community sports events visiting parks
• The Cities people commute to from Champaign are Springfield 93 miles away Urbana 3 miles away Rantoul 26 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Champaign or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: congestion near the university. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Champaign’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Campustown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Champaign are Springfield 93 miles away Urbana 3 miles away Rantoul 26 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Champaign has 21 days in a row below freezing and 15 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Champaign people have an average (positive or negative) $-9000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   350 homeless people living in Champaign. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town focused on social and environmental issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Champaign.

Retiree & Senior Life in Champaign

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might receive property tax exemptions aimed at lowering housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Atrium of Champaign
• Champaign Senior Center features arts classes exercise programs and educational workshops

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Champaign, Illinois?

If Champaign, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Champaign, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!