The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 61048 sells for about $245,000, or $138 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 42 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $664 a month.
ZIP 61048 — Lena
The housing market in 61048 remains stable with low inventory and modest price appreciation consistent with rural Illinois trends. Demand is driven by local residents and those seeking affordable housing, though limited new construction keeps the market tight. Overall, the market reflects a steady, low-volatility environment.
This ZIP is best suited for families and individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with lower housing costs compared to major metropolitan areas, though it requires a commute for most professional employment.
Median prices moved up 4.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 42 days on market with 3.1 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.3% · poverty 3.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 61048, Stephenson County IL
Crime rates in this rural Illinois area are generally low and remain stable, consistently tracking below regional and national averages.
Schools serving the area are primarily part of smaller rural districts, generally maintaining stable performance metrics consistent with regional expectations.
The area faces standard Midwestern climate risks, including seasonal severe thunderstorms and occasional winter weather impacts; flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas.
Economic momentum is modest, driven largely by local agricultural, manufacturing, and small-business sectors with limited large-scale industrial development.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Illinois) — Property Tax Assessment (Fair Cash Value): Property is assessed at 33 1/3% of its fair cash value. The tax bill is calculated by multiplying the equalized assessed value (EAV) by the aggregate tax rate of the local taxing districts.
Residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commutes, with travel times averaging approximately 25.7 minutes to reach nearby employment hubs.
Recreational opportunities are centered on rural outdoor activities, local parks, and community-based facilities, with limited large-scale commercial shopping or entertainment venues within a 3-mile radius.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and stable demand, with limited turnover and minimal presence of short-term rental platforms.
The local economy is anchored by agriculture, regional manufacturing, and small-scale service industries, with many residents commuting to nearby Freeport for employment.
Transportation is almost exclusively dependent on private vehicle use, with access to regional highway corridors connecting to larger employment centers.
There are no major large-scale commercial or residential developments currently approved or under construction within this ZIP code.
The county appraisal district conducts annual assessments based on market value, with property tax rates determined by local taxing bodies.
Parcels are subject to standard county, township, and school district tax levies without significant special district (MUD/PID) assessments.
Property insurance premiums are generally stable, reflecting the area's low-risk profile for major natural disasters.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter profile for ZCTA 61048.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Provides basic outdoor recreation and green space for residents.
Informal trails utilized for walking and outdoor exercise.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.