Lincoln, Lee County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,281
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,340/yr
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,357
0.9% year-over-year change

Lincoln population

How many people live in Lincoln

Lincoln is home to 13,281 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Lincoln locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
13,281
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
6,757
Female
49.1%
6,524
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,757 50.9% -1.7%
Female 6,524 49.1% -0.1%
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 Lincoln is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 17.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
17.1%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,978 14.9% 0.2%
15 to 24 2,277 17.1% -11.9%
25 to 44 3,326 25% 10.6%
45 to 64 2,755 20.7% -5.8%
Over 65 2,945 22.2% 0.9%
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 Lincoln, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.8% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,038 98.2% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 116 0.9% -30.5%
Non-citizens 127 1% 15.4%
Racial breakdown
White
88.7%
Black or African American
4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 11,786 88.7%
Black or African American 643 4.8%
Asian 88 0.7%
Two or more races 699 5.3%
Other 65 0.5%

Households in Lincoln

A peek inside Lincoln households

Lincoln has 6,102 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.9% are families, while the remaining 43.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,102
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,630
Family households
3,472
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,630 43.1% 0.5%
Family households 3,472 56.9% 3.5%
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 Lincoln

The housing landscape of Lincoln

Lincoln's housing consists of 6,357 units, with 71.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,357
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,531 71.3%
1 unit, attached 103 1.6%
2 units 190 3%
3 or 4 units 318 5%
5 to 9 units 289 4.6%
10 to 19 units 245 3.8%
20 to 49 units 92 1.4%
50 or more units 300 4.7%
Mobile home 289 4.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lincoln

In Lincoln, the median construction year is 1967. About 19.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% 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 1,261 19.8% 7.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 257 4% -19.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 825 13% -7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,284 20.2% 1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,296 20.4% 8.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 551 8.7% 9.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 467 7.4% 6.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 337 5.3% -24.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 1.2% 25.4%
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.

Lincoln occupancy rates

Out of the 6,102 occupied housing units in Lincoln, 56.8% are owner-occupied, while 43.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,102
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,633
Owner occupied
3,469
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,633 43.2% 5.1%
Owner occupied 3,469 56.8% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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.

Lincoln housing costs

Housing costs in Lincoln come to a median of $856 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $828.

Median housing costs per month
$856/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 Lincoln
$828/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 Lincoln

Lincoln education at a glance

About 49.4% of the population in Lincoln went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 100 0.9% -10.7%
High school diploma 5,339 49.4% -5.2%
College diploma 2,759 25.5% -0.6%
Associate degree 623 5.8% 5.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,239 11.5% 3.6%
Graduate degree 752 7% 17.7%
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 Lincoln

How much people earn in Lincoln

The average annual household income in Lincoln was $71,977 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,340, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lincoln
$71,977/year
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lincoln
$57,340/year
5.4% year-over-year change

Lincoln income by age

In Lincoln, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,254. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,034 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,563 in earnings. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,375 N/A
25 - 44 $59,254 9.3%
45 - 64 $66,034 -4.2%
Over 65 $51,563 16.1%
Above poverty level
10,172
Below poverty level
2,038
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,172 83.3% 1.8%
Below poverty level 2,038 16.7% -7.5%

Employment in Lincoln

Workforce and job types in Lincoln

The job market in Lincoln is powered by 6,471 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,471
-1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
4,639
Blue collar
1,832
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,639 71.7% -6.7%
Blue collar 1,832 28.3% 15.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 407 6.3% -8.5%
Private companies 4,262 65.9% -0.9%
Governmental workers 996 15.4% -3.9%
Not for profit companies 806 12.5% 3.3%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
-33.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lincoln stands at 2.9%, 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 Lincoln

How people get around in Lincoln

Commuting methods vary: 87% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% 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 5,540 87% -3.3%
Taxicab 92 1.4% 119.0%
Bus or trolleybus 33 0.5% -13.2%
Subway or elevated 10 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 14 0.2% N/A
Walk 190 3% -22.8%
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 Lincoln by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61021 22,308 8,838 $69,127 $90,180

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FAQs about Lincoln demographics 

What is the total population of Lincoln?

Lincoln has a total population of 13,281 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lincoln?

The gender ratio in Lincoln is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (6,757 residents)
  • 49.1% females (6,524 residents)

What is the median age in Lincoln?

The median age in Lincoln is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lincoln?

The age distribution in Lincoln is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (1,978 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.1% (2,277 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (3,326 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (2,755 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.2% (2,945 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lincoln?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lincoln is as follows:
  • White: 88.7% (11,786 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.8% (643 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (88 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (699 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (65 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Lincoln.

How many housing units are there in Lincoln?

There are 6,357 housing units in Lincoln, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lincoln has a total of 6,102 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lincoln?

Lincoln has a median household income of $57,340, representing a +5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.1% in Lincoln, with a workforce of 6,471 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.7% (4,639 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.3% (1,832 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (407 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (4,262 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (996 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.5% (806 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