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| Metric | Dixon Unit School District 170 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,100/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Dixon Unit School District 170
Zip code 61021 in Dixon Unit, Illinois is served by Dixon Unit School District 170 for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Dixon Unit School District 170’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Per-pupil spending at Dixon Unit School District 170 runs approximately $17,100 annually, placing it near the Illinois state average of approximately $17,000 and above the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
Dixon Unit School District 170 is a mid-sized district with 5 schools serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Dixon Unit School District 170 3 out of 10 — below average among Illinois public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Illinois is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Dixon Unit School District 170 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Illinois benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 61021
Children in zip code 61021 are assigned to Dixon Unit School District 170 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 61021, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Dixon Unit School District 170 at (815)284-7722 or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Illinois districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Dixon Unit
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Dixon Unit School District 170 serves zip code 61021, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 61021. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Illinois, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Dixon Unit School District 170 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 61021.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Dixon Unit School District 170 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 61021 data.