Dekalb, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,443
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,481/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,395
2.3% year-over-year change

Dekalb population

How many people live in Dekalb

Dekalb is home to 40,443 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Dekalb locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
40,443
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
19,855
Female
50.9%
20,588
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,855 49.1% -0.9%
Female 20,588 50.9% 0.8%
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 Dekalb is 26, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 33.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 15.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
26.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
33.5%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
15.8%
Over 65
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,100 15.1% -8.0%
15 to 24 13,543 33.5% 1.3%
25 to 44 9,952 24.6% 3.1%
45 to 64 6,376 15.8% -0.9%
Over 65 4,472 11.1% 2.2%
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 Dekalb, 88.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.6% of locals are Caucasian, 14.1% are African American and 4.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.6%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 35,938 88.9% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,245 5.6% -7.2%
Non-citizens 2,260 5.6% 14.7%
Racial breakdown
White
60.6%
Black or African American
14.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
4.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.9%
Other
6.1%
Value Percent
White 24,488 60.6%
Black or African American 5,701 14.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 493 1.2%
Asian 1,675 4.1%
Two or more races 5,636 13.9%
Other 2,450 6.1%

Households in Dekalb

A peek inside Dekalb households

Dekalb has 16,388 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.3% are families, while the remaining 52.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,388
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,633
Family households
7,755
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,633 52.7% 5.5%
Family households 7,755 47.3% -1.0%
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 Dekalb

The housing landscape of Dekalb

Dekalb's housing consists of 17,395 units, with 40.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.1% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,395
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,089 40.8%
1 unit, attached 1,402 8.1%
2 units 593 3.4%
3 or 4 units 1,052 6%
5 to 9 units 2,351 13.5%
10 to 19 units 2,506 14.4%
20 to 49 units 837 4.8%
50 or more units 1,178 6.8%
Mobile home 387 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
24
-4.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dekalb

In Dekalb, the median construction year is 1976. About 14.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,477 14.2% 19.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 367 2.1% -3.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,222 7% -4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,629 15.1% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,498 20.1% 17.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,376 7.9% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,806 10.4% -23.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,443 19.8% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 553 3.2% 21.0%
Built in 2020 or later 24 0.1% -4.0%
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.

Dekalb occupancy rates

Out of the 16,388 occupied housing units in Dekalb, 42.1% are owner-occupied, while 57.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,388
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,483
Owner occupied
6,905
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,483 57.9% 3.0%
Owner occupied 6,905 42.1% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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.

Dekalb housing costs

Housing costs in Dekalb come to a median of $1,111 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,029.

Median housing costs per month
$1,111/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 Dekalb
$1,029/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 Dekalb

Dekalb education at a glance

About 30.4% of the population in Dekalb went to high school, while 29.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 17.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,412 4.3% 8.5%
High school diploma 9,992 30.4% 9.5%
College diploma 9,719 29.6% 2.9%
Associate degree 2,840 8.6% -15.2%
Bachelor's degree 5,815 17.7% -6.4%
Graduate degree 3,070 9.4% 2.1%
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 Dekalb

How much people earn in Dekalb

The average annual household income in Dekalb was $64,408 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,481, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dekalb
$64,408/year
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dekalb
$46,481/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Dekalb income by age

In Dekalb, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $48,363. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,967 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $12,811, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,079 in earnings. Overall, 75.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $12,811 -27.6%
25 - 44 $48,363 2.0%
45 - 64 $74,967 -4.5%
Over 65 $55,079 3.7%
Above poverty level
26,823
Below poverty level
8,779
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,823 75.3% -0.6%
Below poverty level 8,779 24.7% -4.0%

Average renter income in Dekalb

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dekalb, their median household income was $28,940 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,940
Rent-to-income ratio
42.7%
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 Dekalb

Workforce and job types in Dekalb

The job market in Dekalb is powered by 20,628 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 64.3% are employed by private companies, and 19% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,628
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
15,624
Blue collar
5,004
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,624 75.7% 0.4%
Blue collar 5,004 24.3% 8.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
64.3%
Governmental workers
19%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,808 8.8% 1.6%
Private companies 13,259 64.3% 3.2%
Governmental workers 3,916 19% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 1,645 8% -0.8%
Unemployment rate
10.2%
-1.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dekalb stands at 10.2%, 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 Dekalb

How people get around in Dekalb

Commuting methods vary: 83.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.1% 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 16,691 83.4% -2.3%
Taxicab 37 0.2% 208.3%
Bus or trolleybus 185 0.9% 33.1%
Railroad 36 0.2% 71.4%
Bicycle 14 0.1% -70.2%
Walk 1,613 8.1% 27.4%
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.

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

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60115 42,536 17,262 $47,043 $66,270

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FAQs about Dekalb demographics 

What is the total population of Dekalb?

Dekalb has a total population of 40,443 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 Dekalb?

The gender ratio in Dekalb is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (19,855 residents)
  • 50.9% females (20,588 residents)

What is the median age in Dekalb?

The median age in Dekalb is 26.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dekalb?

The age distribution in Dekalb is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (6,100 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 33.5% (13,543 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (9,952 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.8% (6,376 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.1% (4,472 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dekalb?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dekalb is as follows:
  • White: 60.6% (24,488 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.1% (5,701 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (493 residents)
  • Asian: 4.1% (1,675 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.9% (5,636 residents)
  • Other: 6.1% (2,450 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.9% of the population in Dekalb.

How many housing units are there in Dekalb?

There are 17,395 housing units in Dekalb, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dekalb has a total of 16,388 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dekalb?

Dekalb has a median household income of $46,481, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.8% in Dekalb, with a workforce of 20,628 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.7% (15,624 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.3% (5,004 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (1,808 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.3% (13,259 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19% (3,916 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (1,645 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