Last Updated on: 29th May 2024, 04:44 pm
Although Granite City is one of the many cities near St. Louis, MO, it Is an Illinois gem. Granite City is famous for its deep roots in the manufacturing industry and proximity to the Horseshoe Lake Fish and Wildlife Area and Cahokia Mounds. While initially Kinder (hook), Granite City’s name was changed to honor Graniteware, a prominent metal material used to construct kitchen items, which the city’s economy developed a lot of.
After its incorporation in 1896, Granite City rapidly grew. By 1906, its population was over 10,000, mostly comprised of Hungarian immigrants. The city was commonly referred to as ‘Hungary Hollow’ during this time. Today, living in Granite City is great! The cost of living is low, and the job market is impressive. Here’s everything you need to know before moving to Granite City!
Table of Contents
Where Is Granite City IL?
Where is Granite City, Illinois? Granite City is located in Madison County, just outside of St. Louis, within the nexus of four major interstate highways (44, 55, 64, and 70). It’s 10.4 miles from Granite City, IL, to St. Louis, MO, and the city is right near the Mississippi River. Nearby areas are also desirable places to live St. Charles, Belleville, and Edwardsville are all cities close to Granite City, Illinois.
Granite City has excellent public transportation options! Many residents look to MetroLink for their public transportation needs; from bus and rail to bike & ride service, Metro does it all. Madison County Transit is another viable option.
Granite City IL Population & Demographics
The population of Granite City is 27,549 and the median household income is $58,681 (national average is $75,149), making it the third-largest Madison County city with the seventh-highest median household income.
Additional Granite City demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50 males to 50 females
- Educational attainment: 89.2% have high school diplomas and 14.6% have bachelor’s degrees
- Foreign-born population: 2.6%
- Veteran population: 7.6%
- Racial and ethnic makeup: 81.2% White, 78.4% White (non-Hispanic or Latino), 11.5% Black or African American, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% two or more races, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% American Indian or Alaska Native
- Average commute: 22.8 minutes
Notable people from Granite City:
- George Becker
- John Bischoff
- Harry Boyles
10.9% of people living in Granite City have relocated here in the past year, many of whom are buying homes; the owner-to-renter ratio in Granite City is 69% vs. 31%. Many residents aren’t married—only 42% have spouses, whereas 58% are unmarried.
Is Granite City IL Safe?
According to the FBI, Granite City has a low property crime rate but a high violent crime rate.
Granite City, IL crime rate statistics:
- Granite City crime rate per 100k people: 2,026
- Illinois crime rate per 100k people: 1,985
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Granite City violent crime rate per 100k people: 779
- Illinois violent crime rate per 100k people: 426
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Granite City property crime rate per 100k people: 1,247
- Illinois property crime rate per 100k people: 1,559
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
While violent crimes do take place in Granite city more than the state and US average, thanks to the 57 sworn officers serving the Granite City Police Department, the property crime rate in Granite City, IL, is 20.0% lower than the state and 36.3% lower than the country!
Cost of Living in Granite City
Granite City, IL, has a cost of living index of 82.5, making it 17.5% more affordable than the average US city. The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four can live comfortably in Madison County with a household income of $93,539.
If you’re making a budget for your new city, you’ll want to know its cost.
Typical *Granite City living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $20.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.38
- Pound of white rice: $2.14
- Loaf of white bread: $2.29
- Dozen eggs: $2.52
- Pound of local cheese: $6.30
- Average Granite City utilities per month: $308 (per Doxo)
Granite City’s cost of living compared to the average US is far more affordable.
*The above figures are for St. Louis, meaning prices when living in Granite City may differ. The cost of living in St. Louis is 1.6% more expensive than Granite City.
Granite City Real Estate
Granite City—where homeownership dreams become a reality! Housing costs here are affordable compared to the US average; the median home price in the US is $417,700, whereas the median home price in Granite City is $105,000. Homes for sale in Granite City, IL, typically sell within 50 days and rarely go above the asking price. The average price per square foot here is $84. You can get your dream home in your favorite neighborhood for under $200,000, which is rare in today’s economy.
Renting here is also an excellent option. The average rent in Granite City is $849 for an 875-square-foot unit. The real estate market in Granite City is affordable, and while historic, the homes are in good condition, making this city a great suburb to invest in.
Granite City Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Granite City
Granite City boasts many lovely neighborhoods you can call home!
Nameoki | Family-Friendly Granite City Neighborhood
Nameoki is a family-friendly place to live in Granite City for many reasons. You will find proximity to beautiful parks like Wilson Park, ample sidewalks for safe exploring, and great schools like Highland Elementary School. It’s very desirable, making it a bit more pricey. Housing costs in Nameoki range from $200,000 to $300,000.
Maryland Place | Affordable Neighborhood in Granite City
Maryland Place is close to Nameoki, but the housing prices are far more affordable. Most houses in Maryland Place are priced below $150,000, meaning you can reap the safety and location benefits Nameoki provides minus the steep price tag. Residents love their friendly neighbors and family-friendly atmosphere.
Lincoln Place | Great for Commuters
Lincoln Place is centrally located directly off of State Road 3. If you plan to commute to St. Louis for work, Lincoln Place is the neighborhood for you! Home prices remain affordable here, too, sitting right around $100,000.
Granite City Weather & Climate
What’s the weather in Granite City, Illinois? The Koppen climate classification for Granite City is Dfa – Humid Continental Hot Summers With Year Round Precipitation; the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are very cold and very snowy. The average annual rainfall here is 42 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 12 inches.
Granite City weather is enjoyable in the spring and summer, as it can get very cold in the winter. The best time to visit Granite City is from late May to early July and from late July to late September. The average high in the cold season is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high in the warm season is 79 degrees.
Things to Do in Granite City IL
In addition to its welcoming community, Granite City boasts various attractions and shopping options. Popular malls here are Nameoki Shopping Center LP and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. Explore things to do in Granite City, Illinois, below!
Horseshoe Lake State Park
Explore Horseshoe Lake State Park’s 2,960 acres of natural bliss. There are playgrounds, watersport activities, bird-watching trails, and camping areas. This is an attraction for the whole family to enjoy!
3321 IL-111, Granite City, IL 62040, (618) 931-0270
Alfresco Performing Arts Center
Catch mesmerizing shows at Granite City’s very own performing arts center, The Alfresco! Talented actors recreate classics like Sweeney Todd while the whole community watches in awe. This is one of the most fun things to do in Granite City, IL; The Alfresco has a rich history and is beloved by many living in Granite City.
2041 Delmar Ave, Granite City, IL 62040
Happy Trails Farm
Whether you’re interested in boarding your horse or throwing a kid’s birthday party, Happy Trails is an excellent Granite City attraction. During your visit, you can take group lessons, ride a pony, or attend educational programs.
1108 Old Rock Rd, Granite City, IL 62040, (618) 601-4645
Additional Attractions in & Near Granite City
Granite City Parks and Recreation maintains the parks in the city limits. You can keep track of any updates or upcoming events on their website and special events calendar.
Restaurants in Granite City IL
Granite City, IL, isn’t known for a specific food, but the city does provide plenty of options! You will find anything from Mexican cuisine to Italian.
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
El Rodeo is one of the most popular restaurants in Granite City. Customers adore its Tex-Mex menu and rave about its fajitas and margaritas.
2642 Madison Ave, Granite City, IL 62040, (618) 451-7672
Apple Tree Family Restaurant
With over 1,000 positive reviews, Apple Tree is one of the most popular Granite City restaurants! Popular menu items are fried chicken, gyro, and biscuits & gravy. Regulars appreciate the friendly atmosphere and quick service.
3717 Nameoki Rd # I, Granite City, IL 62040, (618) 451-6260
Patrick’s Bar & Grill
If you need a night out after moving to Granite City, you may find yourself at Patrick’s, a beloved bar and grill. There are pool tables, live music, and great eats here!
2900 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL 62040, (618) 501-1818
Granite City Jobs
Alongside its strong sense of community, Granite City has a great economy. There are many businesses in Granite City, but some residents commute to nearby St. Louis for work. According to the data provided by the Granite City economic website, of the 13,324 daytime employees working in Granite City, 20% work in educational, health & social services, 13.5% work in manufacturing, and 12.1% are retail trade workers. U.S. Steel, ASF-Keystone/Amsted Rail, and Gateway Regional Medical Center are the top three employers for people who reside in Granite City. The city is in a prime region if you plan to work in manufacturing or healthcare.
There are many jobs in Granite City hiring, but especially in its leading industries. If you work in the public sector, consider applying to city of Granite City jobs!
The average hourly rate in Granite City is $22, and the average salary is $46,000; these figures are quite impressive compared to its low cost of living.
Granite City Schools
Granite City Community Unit School District #9 (Granite City School District) serves K-12 public school students living in Granite City. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1, and the district has nine schools. All teachers are certified, and most (98.3%) have three or more years of experience.
Thanks to its focus on personalized learning and student success, GCSD #9 offers various educational programs and extracurricular activities to meet its students’ diverse needs and interests. Athletics are a huge part of the district’s efforts to increase camaraderie and student involvement.
Schools within the Granite City limits are Maryville Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, Coolidge Junior High School, and Granite City High School.
Granite City, Illinois, USA, is located near notable colleges, too! University College at Washington University and Southwestern Illinois College are within 10 miles of the city! St. Louis Community College is a great option for those considering a more affordable route to their four-year degree.
The nearest library to Granite City, IL, is St. Louis Public Library—Central Library, which was established in 1855 and boasts beautiful architecture and ample community resources.
Granite City Statistics & Information
- Granite City county: Madison County
- Granite City area: 20.58 square miles
- Granite City zip code: 62040
- Granite City area code: 618
- Granite City elevation: 423 feet
- Granite City time zone: Central Standard Time (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Granite City: St. Louis Downtown Airport is 11.3 miles from Granite City
Granite City IL Map
Explore more of this lovely city with this map of Granite City, IL.
The convenience of living in Granite City is unmatched. The economy is stable, and the cost of living is low, making it ideal for young professionals or growing families. If moving to Granite City is in your future, call Federal Companies at (800) 747-4100 for top Granite City movers! While moving costs in St. Louis and its surrounding areas can vary, Federal Companies is flexible and affordable.
