Effingham, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,342
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,377/yr
10.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,892
5.5% year-over-year change

Effingham population

How many people live in Effingham

Effingham is home to 12,342 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Effingham locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
12,342
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
5,952
Female
51.8%
6,390
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,952 48.2% 3.2%
Female 6,390 51.8% -1.5%
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 Effingham is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,287 18.5% -8.0%
15 to 24 1,509 12.2% 9.6%
25 to 44 3,165 25.6% -0.1%
45 to 64 2,779 22.5% -1.8%
Over 65 2,602 21.1% 8.4%
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 Effingham, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,907 96.5% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 188 1.5% 11.9%
Non-citizens 247 2% -31.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.8%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 11,706 94.8%
Black or African American 82 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.2%
Asian 148 1.2%
Two or more races 296 2.4%
Other 91 0.7%

Households in Effingham

A peek inside Effingham households

Effingham has 5,423 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.4% are families, while the remaining 44.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,423
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,421
Family households
3,002
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,421 44.6% 12.9%
Family households 3,002 55.4% -1.6%
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 Effingham

The housing landscape of Effingham

Effingham's housing consists of 5,892 units, with 69.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% 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 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,892
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,069 69.1%
1 unit, attached 91 1.5%
2 units 234 4%
3 or 4 units 344 5.8%
5 to 9 units 388 6.6%
10 to 19 units 223 3.8%
20 to 49 units 241 4.1%
50 or more units 82 1.4%
Mobile home 220 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
35
29.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Effingham

In Effingham, the median construction year is 1974. About 13.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 780 13.2% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 472 8% 8.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 654 11.1% 8.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 585 9.9% 17.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,107 18.8% 14.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 651 11% -13.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 814 13.8% -15.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 524 8.9% 63.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 270 4.6% 16.4%
Built in 2020 or later 35 0.6% 29.6%
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.

Effingham occupancy rates

Out of the 5,423 occupied housing units in Effingham, 66.1% are owner-occupied, while 33.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,423
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,838
Owner occupied
3,585
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,838 33.9% -1.0%
Owner occupied 3,585 66.1% 7.3%
Unoccupied housing units
8.0%
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.

Effingham housing costs

Housing costs in Effingham come to a median of $905 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $725.

Median housing costs per month
$905/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 Effingham
$725/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 Effingham

Effingham education at a glance

About 31.2% of the population in Effingham went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 16.4% earned an associate degree and 17% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 370 3.8% -9.8%
High school diploma 3,034 31.2% -0.9%
College diploma 2,038 21% -2.8%
Associate degree 1,594 16.4% 12.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,647 17% 2.3%
Graduate degree 1,029 10.6% 17.9%
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 Effingham

How much people earn in Effingham

The average annual household income in Effingham was $86,680 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,377, reflecting a +10.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Effingham
$86,680/year
8.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Effingham
$72,377/year
10.1% year-over-year change

Effingham income by age

In Effingham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,363. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,768 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,447, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,155 in earnings. Overall, 85.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,447 3.6%
25 - 44 $85,363 21.9%
45 - 64 $79,768 -3.2%
Over 65 $43,155 -4.8%
Above poverty level
10,158
Below poverty level
1,697
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,158 85.7% 1.2%
Below poverty level 1,697 14.3% 0.6%

Average renter income in Effingham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Effingham, their median household income was $34,696 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,696
Rent-to-income ratio
25.1%
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 Effingham

Workforce and job types in Effingham

The job market in Effingham is powered by 6,335 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 72.2% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,335
5.0% year-over-year change
White collar
4,773
Blue collar
1,562
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,773 75.3% 4.4%
Blue collar 1,562 24.7% 7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
72.2%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 494 7.8% 59.4%
Private companies 4,573 72.2% 0.1%
Governmental workers 821 13% 21.6%
Not for profit companies 447 7.1% -7.1%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
23.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Effingham stands at 2.6%, 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 Effingham

How people get around in Effingham

Commuting methods vary: 84.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 5,260 84.4% 6.3%
Taxicab 39 0.6% 34.5%
Bus or trolleybus 20 0.3% -9.1%
Bicycle 18 0.3% 100.0%
Walk 113 1.8% -44.3%
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 Effingham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
62401 19,273 8,042 $82,374 $103,463

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FAQs about Effingham demographics 

What is the total population of Effingham?

Effingham has a total population of 12,342 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Effingham?

The gender ratio in Effingham is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (5,952 residents)
  • 51.8% females (6,390 residents)

What is the median age in Effingham?

The median age in Effingham is 39.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Effingham?

The age distribution in Effingham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (2,287 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (1,509 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (3,165 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (2,779 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.1% (2,602 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Effingham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Effingham is as follows:
  • White: 94.8% (11,706 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (82 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (148 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (296 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (91 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Effingham.

How many housing units are there in Effingham?

There are 5,892 housing units in Effingham, reflecting a +5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Effingham has a total of 5,423 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Effingham?

Effingham has a median household income of $72,377, representing a +10.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Effingham, with a workforce of 6,335 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.3% (4,773 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.7% (1,562 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (494 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.2% (4,573 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (821 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (447 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