Illinois demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,694,798
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,390/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,457,452
0.3% year-over-year change

Illinois population

How many people live in Illinois

Illinois is home to 12,694,798 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Illinois locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
12,694,798
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
6,272,480
Female
50.6%
6,422,318
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,272,480 49.4% 0.0%
Female 6,422,318 50.6% 0.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Illinois is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,262,254 17.8% -1.5%
15 to 24 1,665,540 13.1% 0.6%
25 to 44 3,414,259 26.9% 0.3%
45 to 64 3,196,531 25.2% -1.1%
Over 65 2,156,214 17% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Illinois, 84% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61% of locals are Caucasian, 13.6% are African American and 6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,662,200 84% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,140,277 9% 0.8%
Non-citizens 892,321 7% 3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
61%
Black or African American
13.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
7.9%
Value Percent
White 7,742,980 61%
Black or African American 1,723,233 13.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 81,090 0.6%
Asian 762,007 6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5,302 0%
Two or more races 1,381,017 10.9%
Other 999,169 7.9%

Households in Illinois

A peek inside Illinois households

Illinois has 5,036,449 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.2% are families, while the remaining 37.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,036,449
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,905,471
Family households
3,130,978
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,905,471 37.8% 1.9%
Family households 3,130,978 62.2% -0.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Illinois

The housing landscape of Illinois

Illinois's housing consists of 5,457,452 units, with 58.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,457,452
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,178,371 58.2%
1 unit, attached 331,177 6.1%
2 units 282,393 5.2%
3 or 4 units 350,559 6.4%
5 to 9 units 342,901 6.3%
10 to 19 units 216,797 4%
20 to 49 units 201,311 3.7%
50 or more units 428,553 7.8%
Mobile home 123,263 2.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2,127 0%
Homes built since 2020
40,260
78.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Illinois

In Illinois, the median construction year is 1971. About 20.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,104,684 20.2% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 305,095 5.6% -2.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 651,893 12% -1.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 628,280 11.5% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 774,206 14.2% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 501,369 9.2% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 571,085 10.5% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 610,222 11.2% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 270,358 5% 7.3%
Built in 2020 or later 40,260 0.7% 78.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Illinois occupancy rates

Out of the 5,036,449 occupied housing units in Illinois, 67.1% are owner-occupied, while 32.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,036,449
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,657,539
Owner occupied
3,378,910
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,657,539 32.9% -0.1%
Owner occupied 3,378,910 67.1% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Illinois housing costs

Housing costs in Illinois come to a median of $1,364 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,274.

Median housing costs per month
$1,364/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Illinois
$1,274/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Illinois

Illinois education at a glance

About 31.6% of the population in Illinois went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 416,340 4.2% 0.7%
High school diploma 3,138,664 31.6% -0.4%
College diploma 2,062,298 20.8% -1.5%
Associate degree 800,969 8.1% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 2,150,772 21.7% 1.7%
Graduate degree 1,352,416 13.6% 2.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Illinois

How much people earn in Illinois

The average annual household income in Illinois was $115,638 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,390, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Illinois
$115,638/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Illinois
$83,390/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Illinois income by age

In Illinois, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,980. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,369 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $42,118, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,361 in earnings. Overall, 88.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $42,118 2.7%
25 - 44 $93,980 2.6%
45 - 64 $101,369 3.0%
Over 65 $59,361 2.4%
Above poverty level
10,834,575
Below poverty level
1,445,401
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,834,575 88.2% -0.1%
Below poverty level 1,445,401 11.8% 0.8%

Employment in Illinois

Workforce and job types in Illinois

The job market in Illinois is powered by 6,263,764 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 68.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,263,764
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
4,916,092
Blue collar
1,347,672
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,916,092 78.5% 0.5%
Blue collar 1,347,672 21.5% -0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
68.1%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 562,778 9% 1.0%
Private companies 4,262,832 68.1% -0.5%
Governmental workers 832,975 13.3% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 605,179 9.7% 1.9%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Illinois stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Illinois

How people get around in Illinois

In Illinois, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,531,664 73.6% -1.7%
Taxicab 21,311 0.4% 8.8%
Bus or trolleybus 150,278 2.4% -8.4%
Subway or elevated 123,264 2% N/A
Railroad 80,246 1.3% -9.9%
Ferryboat 543 0% 5.6%
Motorcycle 3,941 0.1% -3.3%
Bicycle 33,236 0.5% 2.5%
Walk 169,919 2.8% 1.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Illinois demographics 

What is the total population of Illinois?

Illinois has a total population of 12,694,798 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Illinois?

The gender ratio in Illinois is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (6,272,480 residents)
  • 50.6% females (6,422,318 residents)

What is the median age in Illinois?

The median age in Illinois is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Illinois?

The age distribution in Illinois is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (2,262,254 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (1,665,540 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (3,414,259 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (3,196,531 residents)
  • Over 65: 17% (2,156,214 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Illinois?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Illinois is as follows:
  • White: 61% (7,742,980 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.6% (1,723,233 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (81,090 residents)
  • Asian: 6% (762,007 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5,302 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.9% (1,381,017 residents)
  • Other: 7.9% (999,169 residents)

What percentage of the population in Illinois are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84% of the population in Illinois.

How many housing units are there in Illinois?

There are 5,457,452 housing units in Illinois, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Illinois and what is the average household size?

Illinois has a total of 5,036,449 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Illinois?

Illinois has a median household income of $83,390, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Illinois?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Illinois, with a workforce of 6,263,764 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.5% (4,916,092 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.5% (1,347,672 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (562,778 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.1% (4,262,832 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (832,975 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (605,179 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025