Colchester, Illinois is a small town with a distinct character, nestled in the heart of the state. You’ll find it in McDonough County, near the western border of Illinois.
This article offers a comprehensive look at the Colchester zip code — 62326 — and what the data surrounding that code can tell us about the area. ZIP code data provides insights into demographics, economics, and a general understanding of the community.
Here, we’ll explore the demographics of the Colchester zip code, examine housing statistics, review income levels, discuss local businesses, and highlight nearby cities. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Colchester, IL ZIP Code: 62326
Colchester, Illinois, has one standard ZIP code: 62326. A “standard ZIP code” is the typical five-digit code assigned to a specific geographic area for efficient mail delivery. It’s not a unique ZIP, which is assigned to a single high-volume address, like a government agency or large business.
The 62326 ZIP code covers a geographic area of roughly 77 square miles.
Geographic Context
Colchester is located in McDonough County in western Illinois. It’s a small, rural community surrounded by farmland and small towns.
Here are a few nearby cities and their approximate distances from Colchester:
- Macomb, IL: Approximately 10 miles northeast
- Bushnell, IL: Approximately 15 miles east
- Carthage, IL: Approximately 20 miles west
These nearby cities provide Colchester residents with access to a wider range of services, shopping, and employment opportunities.
Population Demographics of Colchester, IL
Let’s take a closer look at the people who call Colchester, Illinois, home. Here’s a breakdown of the population demographics within the city and its surrounding ZIP code area.
Population Size and Distribution
Within the city limits of Colchester, you’ll find a population of about 1,108 people. When you expand the area to encompass the entire ZIP code (62326), the population more than doubles to approximately 2,255 residents. This gives you a sense of the density of people in and around the town.
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Age and Gender Distribution
Colchester leans towards a slightly older population. The median age in Colchester is 46.4 years. When you break it down by gender, the median age for males is 45.4, while the median age for females is a bit higher at 47.8. This suggests a mature and established community.
Household and Family Structure
The average household size in Colchester is 2.27 people. This indicates that many households consist of couples, single individuals, or small families. The average family size is slightly larger at 2.90, suggesting that families with children are also present in the area.
Income and housing in Colchester, IL
What can you expect in terms of income and housing if you’re considering a move to Colchester, IL?
Household income
The median household income in Colchester is $65,048. This figure reflects the midpoint of incomes in the area, giving you a sense of what a typical household earns. It’s worth comparing this number to state and national averages to see how Colchester stacks up.
Keep in mind that median income is just one piece of the puzzle. Individual financial situations can vary widely, and factors like job market conditions and cost of living also play a role in overall financial well-being.
Housing characteristics
Colchester has a total of 1,109 housing units. Of these, 885 are residential mailboxes, suggesting a relatively high proportion of occupied homes.
When it comes to the types of housing available, Colchester leans heavily toward single-family homes. Of the residential units, 858 are single-family homes, while there are no multi-family delivery units, like apartments or condos. This might be a consideration if you’re looking for a particular type of housing arrangement.
Economy and Business Landscape of Colchester, IL
While Colchester may be small, it has a unique business and economic landscape. Here’s a quick look at the city’s business activity, employment numbers, and overall economic health.
Business Activity
Colchester is home to 33 businesses. These include a variety of retail and service businesses that cater to the needs of local residents. You’ll find everything from small boutiques and restaurants to auto repair shops and other service providers that help keep the town humming.
Employment and Payroll
Those 33 businesses employ a total of 481 people, which is significant for a town of Colchester’s size. The total annual payroll for Colchester businesses adds up to $28,550,000. This figure reflects the wages, salaries, and benefits paid to employees, and provides insight into the financial activity generated by the local business community.
Economic Indicators
While a detailed analysis of Colchester’s overall economic health would require a deeper dive, some conclusions can be drawn from the data available. The fact that the city has 33 businesses, employing nearly 500 people, suggests a stable, if not booming, local economy. That annual payroll of over $28 million indicates a level of economic activity that contributes to the well-being of Colchester residents and the surrounding area.
Key Takeaways
The 62326 ZIP code encompasses Colchester, Illinois, a small town with a distinct demographic and economic profile. Data shows a predominantly white population with a median age leaning towards the older side, reflecting a potentially significant retiree population. Economically, Colchester appears to be a community with a mix of blue-collar and service industry jobs and a relatively low median household income.
What makes Colchester unique is its small-town character combined with its proximity to larger regional hubs. The data suggests a close-knit community with strong local ties.
Understanding local data like ZIP code demographics is vital for community development and planning. By analyzing these trends, local leaders and organizations can make informed decisions about resource allocation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives to best serve the residents of Colchester and ensure a thriving future.