Gardner, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,410
6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$88,092/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
555
5.9% year-over-year change

Gardner population

How many people live in Gardner

Gardner is home to 1,410 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.8% of Gardner locals are male, and 46.2% are female.

Total population
1,410
6.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.8%
759
Female
46.2%
651
Value Percent YoY change
Male 759 53.8% 8.1%
Female 651 46.2% 5.5%
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 Gardner is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.4% are children under 15, then 21.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 29.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.4%
15 to 24
21.9%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
29.9%
Over 65
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 160 11.4% -15.8%
15 to 24 309 21.9% 34.4%
25 to 44 356 25.2% -6.8%
45 to 64 421 29.9% 31.6%
Over 65 164 11.6% -16.8%
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 Gardner, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,382 98% 6.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23 1.6% 64.3%
Non-citizens 5 0.4% -28.6%
Racial breakdown
White
86.6%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.1%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 1,221 86.6%
Black or African American 5 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.4%
Asian 18 1.3%
Two or more races 156 11.1%
Other 4 0.3%

Households in Gardner

A peek inside Gardner households

Gardner has 513 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
513
9.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
161
Family households
352
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 161 31.4% 11.0%
Family households 352 68.6% 9.3%
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 Gardner

The housing landscape of Gardner

Gardner's housing consists of 555 units, with 77.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
555
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 430 77.5%
1 unit, attached 26 4.7%
2 units 30 5.4%
3 or 4 units 48 8.6%
5 to 9 units 4 0.7%
10 to 19 units 17 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
7
-12.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gardner

In Gardner, the median construction year is 1964. About 28.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 160 28.8% 13.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 55 9.9% 12.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 36 6.5% 12.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 11.9% 20.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 100 18% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 32 5.8% 6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 5.4% -26.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 69 12.4% 1.5%
Built in 2020 or later 7 1.3% -12.5%
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.

Gardner occupancy rates

Out of the 513 occupied housing units in Gardner, 75% are owner-occupied, while 25% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
513
9.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
128
Owner occupied
385
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 128 25% 19.6%
Owner occupied 385 75% 6.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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.

Gardner housing costs

Housing costs in Gardner come to a median of $1,221 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $979.

Median housing costs per month
$1,221/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 Gardner
$979/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 Gardner

Gardner education at a glance

About 55.6% of the population in Gardner went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4 0.4% -73.3%
High school diploma 638 55.6% 7.4%
College diploma 238 20.8% 15.0%
Associate degree 80 7% 12.7%
Bachelor's degree 165 14.4% 7.8%
Graduate degree 22 1.9% 15.8%
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 Gardner

How much people earn in Gardner

The average annual household income in Gardner was $95,966 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $88,092, reflecting a +7.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gardner
$95,966/year
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gardner
$88,092/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Gardner income by age

In Gardner, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,357 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,646 in earnings. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,750 21.8%
25 - 44 $96,250 1.4%
45 - 64 $90,357 13.7%
Over 65 $58,646 4.5%
Above poverty level
1,155
Below poverty level
226
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,155 83.6% 5.1%
Below poverty level 226 16.4% 13.0%

Average renter income in Gardner

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gardner, their median household income was $33,125 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,125
Rent-to-income ratio
35.5%
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 Gardner

Workforce and job types in Gardner

The job market in Gardner is powered by 730 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 57.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.7% run their own businesses, 80% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
730
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
418
Blue collar
312
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 418 57.3% 8.6%
Blue collar 312 42.7% 3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
4.7%
Private companies
80%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34 4.7% 0.0%
Private companies 584 80% 6.0%
Governmental workers 80 11% -5.9%
Not for profit companies 32 4.4% 77.8%
Unemployment rate
13.5%
12.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gardner stands at 13.5%, 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 Gardner

How people get around in Gardner

Commuting methods vary: 96.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% 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 689 96.9% 3.6%
Motorcycle 3 0.4% 0.0%
Bicycle 3 0.4% 0.0%
Walk 1 0.1% -50.0%
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 Gardner by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60424 2,153 812 $83,250 $95,951

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FAQs about Gardner demographics 

What is the total population of Gardner?

Gardner has a total population of 1,410 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 +6.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gardner?

The gender ratio in Gardner is as follows:
  • 53.8% males (759 residents)
  • 46.2% females (651 residents)

What is the median age in Gardner?

The median age in Gardner is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gardner?

The age distribution in Gardner is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.4% (160 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.9% (309 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (356 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.9% (421 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.6% (164 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner is as follows:
  • White: 86.6% (1,221 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (18 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.1% (156 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Gardner.

How many housing units are there in Gardner?

There are 555 housing units in Gardner, reflecting a +5.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gardner has a total of 513 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gardner?

Gardner has a median household income of $88,092, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.5% in Gardner, with a workforce of 730 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57.3% (418 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42.7% (312 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.7% (34 residents)
  • Private companies: 80% (584 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (80 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (32 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