Wood River, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,279
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,703/yr
-4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,112
2.8% year-over-year change

Wood River population

How many people live in Wood River

Wood River is home to 10,279 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.9% of Wood River locals are male, and 48.1% are female.

Total population
10,279
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.9%
5,337
Female
48.1%
4,942
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,337 51.9% -0.1%
Female 4,942 48.1% -0.6%
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 Wood River is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 27.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
27.7%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,602 15.6% -10.6%
15 to 24 1,587 15.4% 7.6%
25 to 44 2,554 24.8% -11.7%
45 to 64 2,845 27.7% 6.7%
Over 65 1,691 16.4% 13.5%
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 Wood River, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,068 98% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 83 0.8% -12.6%
Non-citizens 128 1.2% 26.7%
Racial breakdown
White
87.1%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 8,955 87.1%
Black or African American 529 5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 47 0.5%
Asian 2 0%
Two or more races 703 6.8%
Other 43 0.4%

Households in Wood River

A peek inside Wood River households

Wood River has 4,573 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.1% are families, while the remaining 43.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,573
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,006
Family households
2,567
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,006 43.9% 9.3%
Family households 2,567 56.1% -2.1%
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 Wood River

The housing landscape of Wood River

Wood River's housing consists of 5,112 units, with 78.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,112
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,020 78.6%
1 unit, attached 37 0.7%
2 units 231 4.5%
3 or 4 units 251 4.9%
5 to 9 units 275 5.4%
10 to 19 units 94 1.8%
20 to 49 units 119 2.3%
50 or more units 68 1.3%
Mobile home 17 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wood River

In Wood River, the median construction year is 1955. About 28.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.5% 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 1,438 28.1% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 590 11.5% 7.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,128 22.1% 7.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 650 12.7% -11.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 576 11.3% 39.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 185 3.6% 2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 151 3% -9.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 104 2% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 290 5.7% -1.0%
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.

Wood River occupancy rates

Out of the 4,573 occupied housing units in Wood River, 66.8% are owner-occupied, while 33.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,573
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,517
Owner occupied
3,056
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,517 33.2% 9.2%
Owner occupied 3,056 66.8% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Wood River housing costs

Housing costs in Wood River come to a median of $951 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $936.

Median housing costs per month
$951/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 Wood River
$936/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 Wood River

Wood River education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Wood River went to high school, while 27.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 9.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 166 2% 11.4%
High school diploma 3,854 46.4% 1.7%
College diploma 2,309 27.8% 8.6%
Associate degree 776 9.3% -9.9%
Bachelor's degree 814 9.8% 8.1%
Graduate degree 385 4.6% -11.3%
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 Wood River

How much people earn in Wood River

The average annual household income in Wood River was $77,340 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,703, reflecting a -4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wood River
$77,340/year
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wood River
$62,703/year
-4.9% year-over-year change

Wood River income by age

In Wood River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,552. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,868 overall. Overall, 86.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $86,552 6.1%
45 - 64 $70,868 -5.2%
Over 65 $50,417 7.6%
Above poverty level
8,546
Below poverty level
1,364
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,546 86.2% -1.4%
Below poverty level 1,364 13.8% 5.7%

Average renter income in Wood River

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wood River, their median household income was $33,431 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,431
Rent-to-income ratio
33.6%
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 Wood River

Workforce and job types in Wood River

The job market in Wood River is powered by 5,252 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 76.3% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,252
-2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
3,483
Blue collar
1,769
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,483 66.3% -1.4%
Blue collar 1,769 33.7% -4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
76.3%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 280 5.3% 6.1%
Private companies 4,008 76.3% -3.0%
Governmental workers 580 11% -2.4%
Not for profit companies 384 7.3% -4.0%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
-45.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wood River 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 Wood River

How people get around in Wood River

Commuting methods vary: 90.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 4,652 90.6% -2.5%
Bus or trolleybus 15 0.3% -53.1%
Bicycle 23 0.4% -71.6%
Walk 36 0.7% 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 Wood River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
62095 10,726 4,777 $65,013 $78,994

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FAQs about Wood River demographics 

What is the total population of Wood River?

Wood River has a total population of 10,279 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wood River?

The gender ratio in Wood River is as follows:
  • 51.9% males (5,337 residents)
  • 48.1% females (4,942 residents)

What is the median age in Wood River?

The median age in Wood River is 40.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wood River?

The age distribution in Wood River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (1,602 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (1,587 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (2,554 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.7% (2,845 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (1,691 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wood River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wood River is as follows:
  • White: 87.1% (8,955 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (529 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (47 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (703 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (43 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Wood River?

There are 5,112 housing units in Wood River, reflecting a +2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wood River has a total of 4,573 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wood River?

Wood River has a median household income of $62,703, representing a -4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wood River?

The employment rate is 97.1% in Wood River, with a workforce of 5,252 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.3% (3,483 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.7% (1,769 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (280 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.3% (4,008 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (580 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (384 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