The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 62905 sells for about $185,000, or $112 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 78 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $729 a month.
ZIP 62905 — Alto Pass
The housing market in 62905 remains stable with low inventory and modest price appreciation driven by its appeal as a rural, tourism-oriented destination. Sales volume is low, reflecting the tight supply and the niche nature of the local market. Buyers are primarily seeking lifestyle properties, keeping the market balanced despite broader economic headwinds.
This ZIP is ideal for nature enthusiasts, retirees, and those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle, as well as local workers who prefer a small-town community over urban centers.
Median prices moved up 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 78 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
13% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96.4% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.7% · poverty 7.3% — 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 4.5%/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 3.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 62905, Union County IL
Crime rates in Alto Pass are generally low and consistent with rural Southern Illinois trends, remaining significantly below the national average for violent and property crime.
Schools serving the area are part of the Alto Pass and Cobden school districts, which are characterized by small class sizes and community-focused educational environments.
The area faces moderate risks related to severe thunderstorms and occasional high winds, with standard flood insurance requirements for properties located near local creek basins.
Economic momentum is driven by local agriculture, tourism related to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and small-scale service industries, 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.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling to nearby hubs like Carbondale or Marion for employment, typically involving 20-30 minute drives.
The area is a gateway to the Shawnee National Forest, offering extensive hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation, alongside local wineries and small-town community parks.
The rental market is limited in depth, consisting mostly of single-family homes and small multi-family units with low turnover and stable, modest rent growth.
The economy is anchored by agriculture, viticulture, and tourism, with many residents commuting to larger regional employers in Carbondale, such as Southern Illinois University.
Public transit is minimal; the area relies on state highway access for regional connectivity.
Development is strictly managed to preserve the rural character and agricultural land use of the region.
Union County assesses property based on fair market value with a triennial reassessment cycle.
Parcels are subject to local school district taxes and county-wide emergency service levies.
Property insurance premiums are stable but reflect regional risks associated with severe weather events common in Southern Illinois.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
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 extensive hiking, camping, and scenic vistas surrounding the ZIP.
A collection of local wineries that serves as a major regional tourism anchor.
Local green space serving the immediate residential population.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.