Joy, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
387
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,250/yr
-12.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
190
5.0% year-over-year change

Joy population

How many people live in Joy

Joy is home to 387 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Joy locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
387
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
191
Female
50.6%
196
Value Percent YoY change
Male 191 49.4% 6.7%
Female 196 50.6% -1.0%
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 Joy is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 16.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.8% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
16.3%
25 to 44
31.8%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 77 19.9% -6.1%
15 to 24 63 16.3% 61.5%
25 to 44 123 31.8% 5.1%
45 to 64 66 17% -9.6%
Over 65 58 15% -12.1%
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 Joy, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 370 95.6% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.5% 100.0%
Non-citizens 15 3.9% 87.5%
Racial breakdown
White
91.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 354 91.5%
Two or more races 9 2.3%
Other 24 6.2%

Households in Joy

A peek inside Joy households

Joy has 169 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.4% are families, while the remaining 45.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
169
9.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
77
Family households
92
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 77 45.6% 24.2%
Family households 92 54.4% -1.1%
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 Joy

The housing landscape of Joy

Joy's housing consists of 190 units, with 84.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
190
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 160 84.2%
5 to 9 units 4 2.1%
Mobile home 24 12.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 1%
Homes built since 2020
1
-50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Joy

In Joy, the median construction year is 1945. About 49.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% 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 94 49.5% 17.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2 1% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 17 9% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 12.1% -11.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 21 11% 16.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13 6.8% -7.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10 5.3% -9.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5 2.6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4 2.1% -33.3%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.5% -50.0%
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.

Joy occupancy rates

Out of the 169 occupied housing units in Joy, 83.4% are owner-occupied, while 16.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
169
9.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
28
Owner occupied
141
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 28 16.6% -3.5%
Owner occupied 141 83.4% 11.9%
Unoccupied housing units
11.1%
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.

Joy housing costs

Housing costs in Joy come to a median of $911 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $965.

Median housing costs per month
$911/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 Joy
$965/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 Joy

Joy education at a glance

About 62.6% of the population in Joy went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 5.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 181 62.6% 0.6%
College diploma 58 20.1% 1.8%
Associate degree 28 9.7% 16.7%
Bachelor's degree 15 5.2% 87.5%
Graduate degree 7 2.4% -22.2%
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 Joy

How much people earn in Joy

The average annual household income in Joy was $67,832 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,250, reflecting a -12.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Joy
$67,832/year
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Joy
$56,250/year
-12.9% year-over-year change

Joy income by age

In Joy, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,188 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,146, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,813 in earnings. Overall, 87.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,146 -24.9%
25 - 44 $65,000 -1.5%
45 - 64 $92,188 -9.5%
Over 65 $47,813 2.9%
Above poverty level
334
Below poverty level
47
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 334 87.7% 6.7%
Below poverty level 47 12.3% -19.0%

Average renter income in Joy

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Joy, their median household income was $63,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,000
Rent-to-income ratio
18.4%
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 Joy

Workforce and job types in Joy

The job market in Joy is powered by 214 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 50% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 50% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
214
15.1% year-over-year change
White collar
107
Blue collar
107
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 107 50% 11.5%
Blue collar 107 50% 18.9%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
82.7%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 177 82.7% 12.0%
Governmental workers 24 11.2% 60.0%
Not for profit companies 13 6.1% 62.5%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
-61.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Joy stands at 2.3%, 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 Joy

How people get around in Joy

Commuting methods vary: 94% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 187 94% 18.4%
Walk 1 0.5% 0.0%
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 Joy by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61260 737 371 $41,645 $65,545

Explore more communities

FAQs about Joy demographics 

What is the total population of Joy?

Joy has a total population of 387 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 +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Joy?

The gender ratio in Joy is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (191 residents)
  • 50.6% females (196 residents)

What is the median age in Joy?

The median age in Joy is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Joy?

The age distribution in Joy is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (77 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.3% (63 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.8% (123 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (66 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (58 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Joy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Joy is as follows:
  • White: 91.5% (354 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (9 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Joy.

How many housing units are there in Joy?

There are 190 housing units in Joy, reflecting a +5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Joy has a total of 169 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Joy?

Joy has a median household income of $56,250, representing a -12.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.7% in Joy, with a workforce of 214 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 50% (107 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 50% (107 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.7% (177 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (24 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (13 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