Lena, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,761
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,663/yr
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,252
0.2% year-over-year change

Lena population

How many people live in Lena

Lena is home to 2,761 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Lena locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
2,761
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
1,375
Female
50.2%
1,386
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,375 49.8% 0.4%
Female 1,386 50.2% -1.6%
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 Lena is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 22% are children under 15, then 6.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
22%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 607 22% 0.7%
15 to 24 190 6.9% 6.7%
25 to 44 701 25.4% 7.3%
45 to 64 652 23.6% -7.1%
Over 65 611 22.1% -4.8%
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 Lena, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,743 99.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 0.6% -43.8%
Racial breakdown
White
95.3%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,632 95.3%
Black or African American 13 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.5%
Two or more races 103 3.7%

Households in Lena

A peek inside Lena households

Lena has 1,197 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.7% are families, while the remaining 36.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,197
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
434
Family households
763
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 434 36.3% 7.4%
Family households 763 63.7% -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 Lena

The housing landscape of Lena

Lena's housing consists of 1,252 units, with 80.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,252
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,003 80.1%
1 unit, attached 36 2.9%
2 units 5 0.4%
3 or 4 units 29 2.3%
5 to 9 units 53 4.2%
10 to 19 units 74 5.9%
20 to 49 units 52 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lena

In Lena, the median construction year is 1971. About 28.3% 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 354 28.3% 7.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 50 4% -7.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 111 8.9% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 80 6.4% -33.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 229 18.3% 26.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 180 14.4% -20.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 98 7.8% 21.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 143 11.4% 7.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7 0.6% 0.0%
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.

Lena occupancy rates

Out of the 1,197 occupied housing units in Lena, 76.4% are owner-occupied, while 23.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,197
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
282
Owner occupied
915
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 282 23.6% 24.2%
Owner occupied 915 76.4% -3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Lena housing costs

Housing costs in Lena come to a median of $862 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $664.

Median housing costs per month
$862/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 Lena
$664/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 Lena

Lena education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Lena went to high school, while 27.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 67 3.3% -1.5%
High school diploma 721 35.2% 5.9%
College diploma 556 27.1% -4.6%
Associate degree 221 10.8% 18.8%
Bachelor's degree 332 16.2% -8.8%
Graduate degree 152 7.4% -19.6%
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 Lena

How much people earn in Lena

The average annual household income in Lena was $85,548 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,663, reflecting a -4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lena
$85,548/year
-7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lena
$72,663/year
-4.5% year-over-year change

Lena income by age

In Lena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,862 overall. Overall, 96.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $86,875 3.1%
45 - 64 $90,862 -19.9%
Over 65 $57,500 29.3%
Above poverty level
2,599
Below poverty level
84
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,599 96.9% -0.6%
Below poverty level 84 3.1% -5.6%

Average renter income in Lena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lena, their median household income was $26,667 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,667
Rent-to-income ratio
29.9%
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 Lena

Workforce and job types in Lena

The job market in Lena is powered by 1,434 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.1% run their own businesses, 53.7% are employed by private companies, and 19.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,434
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,123
Blue collar
311
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,123 78.3% -0.4%
Blue collar 311 21.7% 11.5%
Employer type
Self employees
15.1%
Private companies
53.7%
Governmental workers
19.3%
Not for profit companies
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 216 15.1% 9.6%
Private companies 770 53.7% 7.2%
Governmental workers 277 19.3% -6.4%
Not for profit companies 171 11.9% -12.8%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-7.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lena 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 Lena

How people get around in Lena

Commuting methods vary: 88.7% 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 1,272 88.7% 1.0%
Walk 7 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 Lena by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61048 3,786 1,641 $82,875 $96,877

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lena demographics 

What is the total population of Lena?

Lena has a total population of 2,761 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lena?

The gender ratio in Lena is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (1,375 residents)
  • 50.2% females (1,386 residents)

What is the median age in Lena?

The median age in Lena is 41.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lena?

The age distribution in Lena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22% (607 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.9% (190 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (701 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (652 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (611 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lena is as follows:
  • White: 95.3% (2,632 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (13 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (103 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Lena.

How many housing units are there in Lena?

There are 1,252 housing units in Lena, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lena has a total of 1,197 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lena?

Lena has a median household income of $72,663, representing a -4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Lena, with a workforce of 1,434 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.3% (1,123 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.7% (311 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.1% (216 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.7% (770 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.3% (277 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.9% (171 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