Peoria, IL: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Peoria: The Data Profile (2026)

Peoria, Illinois, represents a specific archetype in the 2026 post-remote landscape: the mid-sized industrial hub pivoting toward healthcare and specialized manufacturing. With a population of 113,442, it offers the amenities of a city without the density of a major metro. The economic baseline is tight; the median income sits at $52,796, which is -29.2% below the US median of $74,580. However, this income disparity is offset by a highly educated workforce—38.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Peoria in 2026 is the "Value-Seeking Professional." This includes healthcare administrators, specialized engineers, and remote workers leveraging geo-arbitrage. They are individuals prioritizing housing affordability and low commute times over high nominal salaries.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Peoria is approximately 7.0% lower than the national average, driven almost entirely by housing costs which sit at an index of 92.0. While groceries (93.0) and transportation (94.0) offer marginal savings, the utility costs are notably competitive; electricity averages 15.87 cents/kWh, effectively matching the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $52,796 takes home approximately $3,380 monthly after taxes. With a monthly budget of $2,341, the disposable income margin is $1,039. This is a healthy ratio for the Midwest, allowing for savings or debt repayment that would be impossible in coastal markets.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Peoria is a buyer's market relative to national trends. The median home price is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership accessible. The price-to-rent ratio favors buying, as monthly mortgage payments on a median-priced home are often comparable to renting a 3-bedroom unit.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $158,000 and a median rent for a 1-bedroom of $756, the math leans toward buying if the horizon exceeds 24 months. The housing index of 92.0 indicates that real estate is undervalued compared to the broader economy. For remote workers with national-level salaries, purchasing a home here offers massive equity potential.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic narrative in Peoria is defined by stability over growth. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, slightly above the national average of 4.0% but within a standard deviation, indicating a stable, if not booming, labor market. The major employers remain anchored in healthcare (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center) and heavy machinery (Caterpillar Inc.).

RTO and Commute:
In 2026, Peoria’s "hybrid" infrastructure is a key selling point. The average commute time is 18.5 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes. For the 38.8% of the workforce engaged in hybrid or remote roles, the lack of congestion makes "RTO" days painless. There is no heavy traffic congestion index here; the flow of traffic is constant and fast.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is solid, the Quality of Life (QoL) data presents a complex picture. The city scores high on Health Score (78.9/100) but struggles with specific lifestyle risk factors, including obesity and diabetes rates that exceed national averages. However, environmental quality is excellent.

[TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics]

Safety Analysis:
Peoria maintains average safety statistics. Violent crime stands at 426 per 100k residents, slightly above the US average of 380, but property crime is lower at 1,790 per 100k compared to the national 2,000. This suggests that while interpersonal violence rates are slightly elevated, property security is better than average.

Schools and Weather:
The school systems show mixed results, with funding often tied to local property taxes. Weather-wise, the current reading of 39.0°F with rain showers is indicative of the climate: distinct seasons. Winters are cold (average lows in Jan are 18°F) and summers are humid (average highs in July are 86°F).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A median home price of $158,000 is a massive financial advantage.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 44 and PM2.5 of 6.0 µg/m³ puts Peoria in the top tier for environmental health.
• Commute: An 18.5-minute average commute drastically improves daily quality of life.
• Education: A workforce with 38.8% college education suggests a competent local labor pool.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $52,796 is -29.2% below the national average; local job growth is slow.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (36.2%) and diabetes (13.5%) suggest a challenging environment for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without personal discipline.
• Crime: Violent crime is 12% higher than the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Peoria is a Buy for 2026. It is best suited for remote workers earning a national salary or professionals in healthcare/industrial sectors. The city offers a high "floor" for quality of life due to low housing costs and excellent air quality, but it is not a destination for those seeking rapid career advancement or a vibrant, health-conscious social scene.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Peoria?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings capacity. For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a middle-class standard including housing, childcare, and discretionary spending.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Midwest cities?
Peoria offers stronger housing value than Madison, WI (where median prices are $320k) and Columbus, OH ($280k). While it lacks the cultural amenities of those larger hubs, the cost savings of roughly 50% on housing make it a superior choice for wealth accumulation.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
The violent crime rate of 426/100k requires situational awareness, though it is not a critical crisis level. It is comparable to cities like Chicago or Philadelphia but lower than St. Louis. Property crime is actually lower than average.

4. When is the best time to move or buy a home?
The housing market inventory typically peaks in late spring (May/June). However, given the current market stability and low interest rate environment of 2026, moving in Q2 or Q3 offers the best balance of inventory and moving weather (avoiding the 39°F winter lows).