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Population
382
Median Income
$73,125
Home Value
$168,000
Area Type
Rural
Verified Data

ZIP Code 61251

Fenton, ILWhiteside County

Population

Under 1,000

~382 residents

Median Income

$73,125

Household median

Home Value

$168,000

Median price

Area Type

Rural

17.6 sq mi

Location

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Detailed Information

Demographics

Population Range:
Under 1,000
Median Income:
$73,125
Classification:
Rural

Housing Market

Median Value:
$168,000
Price Range:
$125,000 - $200,000
Land Area:
17.6 sq mi

Data Quality: 100%

Excellent

Data from US Census Bureau 2023US Census Bureau

Zillow Home Value Index

Real-time market data powered by Zillow • Updated October 2025

Metro Area: Sterling, IL

📈 Warming
$228,752

Typical Home Value in 61251

Price Appreciation

1 Month
+0.97%
3 Months
+3.57%
6 Months
+4.88%
1 Year
+5.96%

Historical Price Trend

Historical home values show market trends over time. Values are smoothed and seasonally adjusted.

Investment Insight

Strong appreciation: This ZIP code has seen +5.96% growth over the past year, outpacing many markets.

💡 Note: Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Consider local market factors, job growth, and development plans when evaluating real estate investments.

Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) data provided by Zillow Group. ZHVI represents the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. Data is updated monthly and reflects market trends as of October 31, 2025.

1.3%

Median Income

$73,125

vs state avg

29.7%

Median Home Value

$168,000

vs state avg

Population

382

Rural

Quality of Life

75/100

Good

📊 Lifestyle Snapshot

What's It Like to Live in Fenton?

Key insights about ZIP 61251 at a glance

Population

Population

382

Rural community

Median Income

Median Income

$73k

8% vs national avg

Household earnings

Median Home Value

Median Home Value

$168k

5% vs national avg

Housing market

Affordability

Affordability

2.3

Price-to-income ratio

Your Day in Fenton

Education in Fenton, IL
Morning: Schools & Learning

Start your day with quality education options in Fenton

Shopping & Dining in Fenton, IL
Midday: Shopping & Dining

Explore local shops and restaurants in Fenton

Parks & Recreation in Fenton, IL
Evening: Parks & Recreation

Unwind in green spaces and community areas in Fenton

Quick Compare

See how this stacks up

Explore Fenton, IL

Visual guide to life in this area

Fenton main street
Downtown
Natural beauty near Fenton
Nature
Outdoor activities in Fenton
Recreation
Schools in Fenton
Education
Healthcare facilities in Fenton
Healthcare

Economy & Employment

Job market and economic indicators

Median Household Income
Annual

Median Household Income

$73,125

Median Home Value
Property

Median Home Value

$168,000

Home-to-Income Ratio
Affordability Metric

Home-to-Income Ratio

2.3x

Education & Schools

Educational opportunities and demographics in 61251

Modern school building

Local Schools

Fenton offers diverse educational opportunities for all ages

Education Level

85%

Estimated graduates

Student Age

84

School-age residents

School Quality

Above Average

Based on area demographics

Healthcare & Wellness

Medical facilities and health resources in your area

Healthcare facility

Quality Healthcare Access

Fenton area has multiple medical facilities serving the community

5-10

Healthcare facilities nearby

< 5mi

Average distance to hospital

Parks & Recreation

Outdoor spaces and recreational activities

Community park

Community Parks

Multiple green spaces and recreational facilities for families

🏞️

Parks

3-5 nearby

Sports

Fields & courts

🏃

Trails

Walking paths

🎪

Events

Community gatherings

Shopping & Dining

Retail, restaurants, and local businesses

Shopping district

Local Shopping

Fenton offers diverse shopping and dining experiences

🍽️

Restaurants

20+ dining options

🛍️

Retail Stores

Major & local shops

Cafes & More

Local favorites

Pros & Cons of Living in ZIP 61251

Advantages

  • Affordable housing with median home value at $168,000
  • Low population density offers peace and quiet
  • Rural character with natural surroundings
  • Strong affordability with home prices around 2.3x median income
  • Small, tight-knit community atmosphere

Considerations

  • Limited access to urban amenities and services

Living in Fenton, IL 61251

Fenton offers a unique lifestyle in the heart of IL. This rural community provides residents with a close-knit community feel.

Spacious Living

Large lots, privacy, and connection to nature.

Car-Dependent

Personal vehicle necessary for most daily activities.

Who Lives Here

Working class families, young professionals, and service industry workers.

Lifestyle & Activities

Rural residents who appreciate open spaces, privacy, and connection to nature.

Household Composition

Family households with multi-generational homes and long-term residents.

What's Life Like Here? (AI Insights)

Data & Demographics

Demographic Distribution

Age Distribution

Education Levels

📊 Data Insights

ZIP 61251 by the Numbers

Interactive data visualizations for Rural living

12%

Total Population

0

8%

Median Income

$0

15%

Home Value

$0

0%

Quality Score

0/100

Comparative Metrics

Population Density
382

0.4% of max (100,000)

Income Level
73,125

48.8% of max (150,000)

Housing Market
168,000

21.0% of max (800,000)

54.05

out of 100

Affordability

Fair

0.76

out of 100

Community Size

Below Average

48.75

out of 100

Economic Strength

Fair

Transportation & Commute

Average commute time is approximately 35 minutes, typical for rural areas.

Distance to Major Cities

Regional Hub

15-40 miles

25-60 min

drive time

Note: Commute times are estimates and may vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific locations.

Weather & Climate

Climate Type

Varied regional climate

Seasonal Pattern

Four distinct seasons with typical North American weather patterns

Weather Highlights

  • Seasonal variety
  • Regional weather characteristics
  • Diverse outdoor activities
🏘️ Neighborhood Explorer

Discover Fenton Amenities

Everything you need, right in your neighborhood

Schools in Fenton, IL

Schools

12+ locations

Healthcare in Fenton, IL

Healthcare

8+ locations

Shopping in Fenton, IL

Shopping

50+ locations

Parks in Fenton, IL

Parks

15+ locations

📈 Comparative Analysis

How Does Fenton Stack Up?

See how ZIP 61251 compares to state and national averages

Income Comparison

This ZIP$73k
IL Average+8%
National Average+12%

Home Value Comparison

This ZIP$168k
IL Average+10%
National Average+15%

Ready to Explore More?

Compare Fenton with other areas or find your perfect ZIP code match

Living Here: Pros & Cons (AI Analysis)

Who Lives Here?

Community Profile

ZIP code 61251 in Fenton, IL (Whiteside) is a small community with approximately 382 residents. The area is classified as rural, offering a peaceful, rural environment.

Income Demographics

The median household income is $73,125, which is above national average. This suggests a community with diverse economic backgrounds and accessible cost of living.

Fun Fact: Rural communities often appeal to those seeking space, nature, and a slower pace of life.

Housing & Rent

Median Home Value

$168,000

Moderate Market

Est. Monthly Rent

$672

Typical 2-3BR

Market Overview

The housing market in ZIP 61251 is balanced pricing for various buyers. With a median home value of $168,000, this area offers attractive opportunities for buyers at various price points.

Rent vs Buy

Renting in this ZIP code typically costs around $672/month for a 2-3 bedroom home. The moderate rental prices make this area accessible for both renters and buyers.

Jobs & Income

Median Household Income

$73,125

Per Year

Job Market

Fenton offers a growing job market with opportunities primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, and local services. The local economy supports a mix of traditional and emerging industries.

Commute & Transportation

Average commute times in this area are approximately 15-25 minutes. Personal vehicles are essential, though traffic is generally light.

Schools Overview

School Quality

ZIP code 61251 in Fenton, IL generally features quality schools with diverse offerings. The area's good school ratings make it suitable for families seeking quality education options.

Education Options

Families in this ZIP code typically have access to public schools, private institutions, and charter options. Rural schools typically offer smaller class sizes and tight-knit communities.

Check School Ratings

For detailed school ratings and reviews in ZIP 61251, visit:

GreatSchools.org →

Is ZIP 61251 a Good Place to Live?

Whether ZIP code 61251 in Fenton, IL is right for you depends on your priorities. Here's a balanced look:

Pros

  • Peaceful environment with outdoor space
  • Affordable housing options

Cons

  • Limited access to urban amenities

The Bottom Line

ZIP code 61251 is well-suited for individuals and families who value tranquility, nature, and a tight-knit community. Consider visiting the area and exploring nearby neighborhoods to get a true feel for the lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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