Champaign, IL
Why You’ll Love Living in Champaign, Illinois
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Champaign, Illinois, and its twin city Urbana make up a beautiful region that’s overflowing with perks. Residents have plenty of access to green spaces, a variety of delicious food, short commutes, an affordable cost of living and superb live music. Champaign-Urbana boasts jobs in thriving industries, like ag tech, education and health care. And the area is a hub for entrepreneurs. Additionally, the region makes it easy for those who relocate to find their perfect neighborhood, make friends and get plugged into their new community. In other words, it doesn’t take long for newcomers to feel at home.
Thinking of moving to Champaign, IL? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Champaign, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Champaign, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Champaign, IL, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Locals have lots to love about Champaign, IL, including the fact that every household is within walking distance of a park or open space, commute times are short, and a well-designed transit system makes getting around a breeze.
Top-notch schools also make Champaign one of the best places to live in the U.S., as the area is home to the state’s flagship university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Parkland College. Residents reap all the built-in benefits of living in a college town, with sports teams to cheer for and affordable access to theater events, museums, gardens and, at Parkland College, an out-of-this-world planetarium.
Champaign is a friendly, innovative Midwestern city with a strong economy and lots of vibrant energy from students. More than 91,000 people call Champaign home thanks to its continued affordability and family-friendly atmosphere. The city has a high employment rate for graduates and a great startup and entrepreneurial culture fueled by the tight-knit community. Diversity is also prized in Champaign, which is considered a melting pot of the Midwest. In fact, Champaign has the second-largest international population in the country. That diversity is shown throughout the city and has cultivated a community that is full of a number of international grocers, ethnic eateries, multicultural media outlets and more. The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail shares powerful stories of residents who have shaped the community and the University of Illinois welcomes and celebrates more than 11,000 international students each year.
Champaign, IL Quality of Life LivScore
Champaign, IL Top Categories
Transportation
Housing & Cost of Living
Education
Champaign ranks highest for transportation, housing and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Champaign, IL
Winters are cold for a few months, but it’s all worth it for those gorgeous summers in Champaign. The average highs and lows are 81°F and 63°F (summer) and 36°F and 20°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Champaign is 23 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Champaign is 41 inches, just slightly higher than the national average.
Champaign averages 199 sunny days a year.
Stroll the gardens and come for the cherry blossom bloom in the spring at the Arboretum, a 57-acre living lab on the University of Illinois campus. Additionally, Champaign’s park system has more than 30 gorgeous parks and green spaces throughout the city just waiting to be explored.
Things To Do in Champaign, IL
Visit the Krannert Art Museum, a treasure trove of 11,000 works of art, plus rotating exhibits showcasing the works of students from the School of Art & Design at the University of Illinois.
See lights and laser shows and gaze at the galaxies at the Staerkel Planetarium on the Parkland College campus. The planetarium offers sensory-friendly shows, and children can join the “Galaxy Club.” Cap off the day by reserving a space to go camping and stargazing at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, the state’s first International Dark Sky Park.
There are so many things that you probably didn’t know about living in Champaign, but the most remarkable is that every single home in the city is within half a mile of a park or other green space. Your pup will love it too; Champaign has its very own “bark district,” a 6.9-acre off-leash dog park with a punny name!
Shopping on North Neil Street is a must.
Farren’s Pub & Eatery is the go-to spot for a burger and beer (or a few beers, let’s be real). If you’re looking for something old-school, check out Merry Ann’s Diner, a classic 24-hour American diner serving breakfast all day and night.
The Virginia Theatre, a gorgeous historic theater and movie house, hosts intimate concerts, film series, ballet, comedy shows and more. Every April, Champaign hosts Roger Ebert’s Film Festival – aka Ebertfest. Ebert, the late Chicago Sun-Times TV and film critic, grew up in Urbana and attended the University of Illinois; he founded the festival in 1999 and the university’s College of Media has carried on his festival legacy ever since.
Choose from dozens of brews at Barrelhouse 34 while enjoying an evening with friends.
The Local and State Economy in Champaign, IL
Champaign boasts a stable economy built on industries like education, technology and manufacturing. Some of the largest employers in the area include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. KraftHeinz and Supervalu.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Champaign is 9%.
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax.
The Champaign-Urbana area is home to several health care providers, including the Carle Foundation Hospital, one of the best hospitals in the state overall. They are a leading health care provider offering patients a wide range of medical services. Other providers include the OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center and Presence Covenant Medical Center.
Champaign is best known for being the home of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Weather in Champaign, IL
Average Temperatures
62 High / 41 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
41 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
23 Inches
Quick Facts about Champaign, Illinois
- Median Home Value
- $182,568
- Median Property Tax
- $2,288
- Total Population
- 91,186
- Average Commute
- 14 min
- Median Household Income
- $53,375
- Median Rent per Month
- $853
Map of Champaign, IL
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