Paw Paw, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
932
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,156/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
436
2.1% year-over-year change

Paw Paw population

How many people live in Paw Paw

Paw Paw is home to 932 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.4% of Paw Paw locals are male, and 45.6% are female.

Total population
932
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.4%
507
Female
45.6%
425
Value Percent YoY change
Male 507 54.4% 2.0%
Female 425 45.6% 2.7%
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 Paw Paw is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 6.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.6% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
6.8%
25 to 44
27.6%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 168 18% -12.9%
15 to 24 63 6.8% 31.2%
25 to 44 257 27.6% -12.6%
45 to 64 238 25.5% 11.7%
Over 65 206 22.1% 26.4%
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 Paw Paw, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 901 96.7% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 26 2.8% 8.3%
Non-citizens 5 0.5% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.4%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 880 94.4%
Black or African American 6 0.6%
Two or more races 22 2.4%
Other 24 2.6%

Households in Paw Paw

A peek inside Paw Paw households

Paw Paw has 380 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.4% are families, while the remaining 41.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
380
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
158
Family households
222
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 158 41.6% 9.0%
Family households 222 58.4% -0.5%
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 Paw Paw

The housing landscape of Paw Paw

Paw Paw's housing consists of 436 units, with 82.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
436
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 358 82.1%
1 unit, attached 10 2.3%
2 units 14 3.2%
5 to 9 units 50 11.5%
10 to 19 units 4 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Paw Paw

In Paw Paw, the median construction year is 1962. About 36.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% 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 159 36.5% -3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 16 3.7% -20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 23 5.3% 64.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 99 22.7% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 48 11% 54.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15 3.4% -6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 42 9.6% -19.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 29 6.6% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 1.2% N/A
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.

Paw Paw occupancy rates

Out of the 380 occupied housing units in Paw Paw, 75.5% are owner-occupied, while 24.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
380
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
93
Owner occupied
287
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 93 24.5% -12.3%
Owner occupied 287 75.5% 9.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
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.

Paw Paw housing costs

Housing costs in Paw Paw come to a median of $938 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $920.

Median housing costs per month
$938/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 Paw Paw
$920/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 Paw Paw

Paw Paw education at a glance

About 42.6% of the population in Paw Paw went to high school, while 35.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 1.1% 166.7%
High school diploma 323 42.6% 16.6%
College diploma 270 35.6% -5.6%
Associate degree 60 7.9% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 68 9% 17.2%
Graduate degree 29 3.8% 3.6%
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 Paw Paw

How much people earn in Paw Paw

The average annual household income in Paw Paw was $76,098 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 $65,156, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Paw Paw
$76,098/year
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Paw Paw
$65,156/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Paw Paw income by age

In Paw Paw, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,406. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,625 overall. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $59,406 4.7%
45 - 64 $95,625 1.3%
Over 65 $55,000 -10.6%
Above poverty level
853
Below poverty level
77
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 853 91.7% -0.6%
Below poverty level 77 8.3% 57.1%

Average renter income in Paw Paw

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Paw Paw, their median household income was $52,647 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$52,647
Rent-to-income ratio
21%
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 Paw Paw

Workforce and job types in Paw Paw

The job market in Paw Paw is powered by 395 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 79.5% are employed by private companies, and 6.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
395
-3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
244
Blue collar
151
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 244 61.8% -1.2%
Blue collar 151 38.2% -7.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
79.5%
Governmental workers
6.6%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 32 8.1% -21.9%
Private companies 314 79.5% -3.1%
Governmental workers 26 6.6% 4.0%
Not for profit companies 23 5.8% 15.0%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-9.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Paw Paw stands at 4.6%, 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 Paw Paw

How people get around in Paw Paw

Commuting methods vary: 88.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% 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 347 88.5% -5.2%
Bicycle 2 0.5% 0.0%
Walk 17 4.3% 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 Paw Paw by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61353 1,282 484 $66,719 $83,909

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FAQs about Paw Paw demographics 

What is the total population of Paw Paw?

Paw Paw has a total population of 932 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 +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Paw Paw?

The gender ratio in Paw Paw is as follows:
  • 54.4% males (507 residents)
  • 45.6% females (425 residents)

What is the median age in Paw Paw?

The median age in Paw Paw is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Paw Paw?

The age distribution in Paw Paw is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (168 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.8% (63 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.6% (257 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (238 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (206 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Paw Paw?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Paw Paw is as follows:
  • White: 94.4% (880 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (6 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: 2.4% (22 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Paw Paw.

How many housing units are there in Paw Paw?

There are 436 housing units in Paw Paw, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Paw Paw has a total of 380 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Paw Paw?

Paw Paw has a median household income of $65,156, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Paw Paw, with a workforce of 395 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.8% (244 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.2% (151 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (32 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.5% (314 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.6% (26 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (23 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