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Food Truck Market: ZIP 61606

Opportunity Score

61 / 100 Good

Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and food truck competition.

Market Profile

ZIP 61606 scores 14.1/20 for walkability — foot traffic is there. Income levels run 45% below the national average though, which puts real pressure on menu pricing. Value-forward concepts outperform premium ones in markets like this. Customers in this ZIP are price-conscious. That's not a reason to avoid it — it's a reason to price correctly from day one.

Market Summary

ZIP 61606 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 6,979 and household incomes below the national median ($41,023). There are 15 restaurants here but no registered food trucks — an untapped market with proven dining demand.

Area Profile

6,979

Population

$41,023

Median Income

-45% vs. national

Urban

Area Type

14.1/20

Foot Traffic

Very Car-Dependent

Median Age: 22.2 — young market, strong street food demand.

College-Educated: 16.7% — value-focused market, keep prices competitive.

Competition

Food service establishments in ZIP 61606.

Sit-Down Restaurants

11.5 per 10K residents

Fast Food / Counter

10.0 per 10K residents

Operating Costs

Local cost levels affect commissary kitchen rates, permits, and event vendor pricing.

$970

2BR Fair Market Rent

$907

Median Gross Rent

$120 K

Median Home Value

Commissary estimate: This is a moderate-cost area. Monthly commissary kitchen rentals typically run $120–$320 in markets like this.

What to Expect Here

Fixed Location Beats Roaming

High-foot-traffic areas reward consistency. If you can secure a recurring spot near offices or transit stops, build your weekly schedule around it. Regular customers drive more revenue than novelty seekers.

Price for the Market

This is a price-sensitive ZIP. Operators who succeed here lead with value — generous portions, clear value signals, combo deals. A $15 entrée is a hard sell when the median income is $41,023.

Young Market Dynamics

Median age under 32 and solid walkability is a good combination for street food. Late lunch and post-work hours tend to outperform breakfast in younger markets. Social media discovery works here too.