Carol Stream, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
39,460
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,309/yr
-2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,052
1.8% year-over-year change

Carol Stream population

How many people live in Carol Stream

Carol Stream is home to 39,460 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Carol Stream locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
39,460
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
19,611
Female
50.3%
19,849
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,611 49.7% -0.3%
Female 19,849 50.3% 0.5%
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 Carol Stream is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,566 16.6% -4.8%
15 to 24 5,181 13.1% 0.9%
25 to 44 10,703 27.1% 0.2%
45 to 64 10,337 26.2% -0.8%
Over 65 6,673 16.9% 6.0%
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 Carol Stream, 70.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.7% of locals are Caucasian, 6.3% are African American and 19.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.7%
Non-citizens
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 27,862 70.6% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,764 19.7% 1.3%
Non-citizens 3,834 9.7% -6.5%
Racial breakdown
White
51.7%
Black or African American
6.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
19.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
13.1%
Other
8.5%
Value Percent
White 20,411 51.7%
Black or African American 2,501 6.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 283 0.7%
Asian 7,663 19.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 85 0.2%
Two or more races 5,163 13.1%
Other 3,354 8.5%

Households in Carol Stream

A peek inside Carol Stream households

Carol Stream has 14,487 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.3% are families, while the remaining 28.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,487
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,164
Family households
10,323
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,164 28.7% 3.6%
Family households 10,323 71.3% 0.3%
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 Carol Stream

The housing landscape of Carol Stream

Carol Stream's housing consists of 15,052 units, with 47.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
15,052
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,175 47.7%
1 unit, attached 2,648 17.6%
2 units 55 0.4%
3 or 4 units 510 3.4%
5 to 9 units 1,068 7.1%
10 to 19 units 1,881 12.5%
20 to 49 units 857 5.7%
50 or more units 850 5.6%
Mobile home 8 0%
Homes built since 2020
81
-40.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carol Stream

In Carol Stream, the median construction year is 1984. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 237 1.6% 48.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 107 0.7% 4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 582 3.9% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,336 8.9% 5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,428 22.8% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,809 32% 2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,077 20.4% -4.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,202 8% 3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 193 1.3% 62.2%
Built in 2020 or later 81 0.5% -40.9%
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.

Carol Stream occupancy rates

Out of the 14,487 occupied housing units in Carol Stream, 67.3% are owner-occupied, while 32.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,487
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,743
Owner occupied
9,744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,743 32.7% 3.9%
Owner occupied 9,744 67.3% -0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Carol Stream housing costs

Housing costs in Carol Stream come to a median of $1,684 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,529.

Median housing costs per month
$1,684/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 Carol Stream
$1,529/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 Carol Stream

Carol Stream education at a glance

About 26.8% of the population in Carol Stream went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 28.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,509 4.8% 34.4%
High school diploma 8,386 26.8% 0.6%
College diploma 6,159 19.7% 1.6%
Associate degree 2,498 8% 5.2%
Bachelor's degree 8,920 28.5% -1.4%
Graduate degree 3,851 12.3% 0.7%
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 Carol Stream

How much people earn in Carol Stream

The average annual household income in Carol Stream was $123,606 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,309, reflecting a -2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carol Stream
$123,606/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carol Stream
$102,309/year
-2.9% year-over-year change

Carol Stream income by age

In Carol Stream, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $109,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $123,671 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $125,022, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,768 in earnings. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $125,022 4.1%
25 - 44 $109,250 -8.6%
45 - 64 $123,671 -0.8%
Over 65 $59,768 4.2%
Above poverty level
36,311
Below poverty level
2,505
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 36,311 93.6% 0.8%
Below poverty level 2,505 6.4% -6.3%

Average renter income in Carol Stream

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carol Stream, their median household income was $64,989 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$64,989
Rent-to-income ratio
28.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Carol Stream

Workforce and job types in Carol Stream

The job market in Carol Stream is powered by 21,342 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 73.3% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,342
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
16,807
Blue collar
4,535
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,807 78.8% -1.9%
Blue collar 4,535 21.2% 4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
73.3%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,676 7.8% 4.1%
Private companies 15,645 73.3% -2.4%
Governmental workers 2,461 11.5% -0.8%
Not for profit companies 1,560 7.3% 14.0%
Unemployment rate
3.9%
-7.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carol Stream stands at 3.9%, 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 Carol Stream

How people get around in Carol Stream

Commuting methods vary: 81.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,004 81.4% -1.5%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0% -40.0%
Subway or elevated 30 0.1% N/A
Railroad 349 1.7% -27.4%
Bicycle 43 0.2% 95.5%
Walk 188 0.9% -6.9%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Carol Stream by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60188 42,307 15,350 $103,628 $125,732

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FAQs about Carol Stream demographics 

What is the total population of Carol Stream?

Carol Stream has a total population of 39,460 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carol Stream?

The gender ratio in Carol Stream is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (19,611 residents)
  • 50.3% females (19,849 residents)

What is the median age in Carol Stream?

The median age in Carol Stream is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carol Stream?

The age distribution in Carol Stream is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (6,566 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (5,181 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (10,703 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (10,337 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.9% (6,673 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carol Stream?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carol Stream is as follows:
  • White: 51.7% (20,411 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.3% (2,501 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (283 residents)
  • Asian: 19.4% (7,663 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (85 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.1% (5,163 residents)
  • Other: 8.5% (3,354 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.6% of the population in Carol Stream.

How many housing units are there in Carol Stream?

There are 15,052 housing units in Carol Stream, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carol Stream has a total of 14,487 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carol Stream?

Carol Stream has a median household income of $102,309, representing a -2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carol Stream?

The employment rate is 96.1% in Carol Stream, with a workforce of 21,342 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.8% (16,807 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.2% (4,535 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (1,676 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.3% (15,645 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (2,461 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (1,560 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