Pekin, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
31,781
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,790/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,536
-1.3% year-over-year change

Pekin population

How many people live in Pekin

Pekin is home to 31,781 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Pekin locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
31,781
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
16,537
Female
48%
15,244
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,537 52% 1.8%
Female 15,244 48% -2.0%
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 Pekin is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,097 16% -5.3%
15 to 24 3,869 12.2% 7.1%
25 to 44 8,277 26% -2.2%
45 to 64 8,380 26.4% -0.2%
Over 65 6,158 19.4% 3.5%
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 Pekin, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.7% of locals are Caucasian, 3.5% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,171 98.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 253 0.8% 33.2%
Non-citizens 357 1.1% 19.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.7%
Black or African American
3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 28,833 90.7%
Black or African American 1,115 3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 125 0.4%
Asian 212 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0.1%
Two or more races 1,401 4.4%
Other 74 0.2%

Households in Pekin

A peek inside Pekin households

Pekin has 13,503 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.9% are families, while the remaining 48.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,503
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,497
Family households
7,006
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,497 48.1% 1.4%
Family households 7,006 51.9% -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 Pekin

The housing landscape of Pekin

Pekin's housing consists of 14,536 units, with 72.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,536
-1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,529 72.4%
1 unit, attached 413 2.8%
2 units 543 3.7%
3 or 4 units 768 5.3%
5 to 9 units 749 5.2%
10 to 19 units 746 5.1%
20 to 49 units 163 1.1%
50 or more units 610 4.2%
Mobile home 15 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
52
147.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pekin

In Pekin, the median construction year is 1961. About 20.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,995 20.6% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,119 7.7% 4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,929 20.2% 6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,049 14.1% -5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,086 21.2% -6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 820 5.6% -11.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 474 3.3% 10.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 762 5.2% 7.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 250 1.7% -18.6%
Built in 2020 or later 52 0.4% 147.6%
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.

Pekin occupancy rates

Out of the 13,503 occupied housing units in Pekin, 68.4% are owner-occupied, while 31.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,503
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,271
Owner occupied
9,232
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,271 31.6% -5.0%
Owner occupied 9,232 68.4% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
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.

Pekin housing costs

Housing costs in Pekin come to a median of $911 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $819.

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 Pekin
$819/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 Pekin

Pekin education at a glance

About 45.5% of the population in Pekin went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 11.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 802 3.1% -12.2%
High school diploma 11,653 45.5% 0.8%
College diploma 6,218 24.3% 8.3%
Associate degree 2,769 10.8% 2.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,852 11.1% -7.2%
Graduate degree 1,311 5.1% -3.2%
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 Pekin

How much people earn in Pekin

The average annual household income in Pekin was $78,420 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,790, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pekin
$78,420/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pekin
$60,790/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Pekin income by age

In Pekin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,168. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,847 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,030, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,780 in earnings. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,030 1.0%
25 - 44 $66,168 9.4%
45 - 64 $62,847 4.7%
Over 65 $51,780 -0.1%
Above poverty level
25,553
Below poverty level
3,743
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,553 87.2% -0.5%
Below poverty level 3,743 12.8% -1.6%

Average renter income in Pekin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pekin, their median household income was $32,484 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,484
Rent-to-income ratio
30.3%
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 Pekin

Workforce and job types in Pekin

The job market in Pekin is powered by 14,506 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 71.9% are employed by private companies, and 10.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,506
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
10,612
Blue collar
3,894
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,612 73.2% -0.6%
Blue collar 3,894 26.8% 2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
71.9%
Governmental workers
10.1%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,067 7.4% 1.4%
Private companies 10,434 71.9% 2.6%
Governmental workers 1,460 10.1% -7.2%
Not for profit companies 1,545 10.6% -7.3%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
-9.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pekin stands at 6.2%, 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 Pekin

How people get around in Pekin

In Pekin, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
1.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,929 89.8% 1.0%
Taxicab 4 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 90 0.6% -48.0%
Motorcycle 18 0.1% 260.0%
Bicycle 39 0.3% -4.9%
Walk 168 1.2% -10.2%
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 Pekin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61554 40,577 17,208 $65,194 $82,703

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FAQs about Pekin demographics 

What is the total population of Pekin?

Pekin has a total population of 31,781 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pekin?

The gender ratio in Pekin is as follows:
  • 52% males (16,537 residents)
  • 48% females (15,244 residents)

What is the median age in Pekin?

The median age in Pekin is 41.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pekin?

The age distribution in Pekin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (5,097 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (3,869 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (8,277 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (8,380 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (6,158 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pekin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pekin is as follows:
  • White: 90.7% (28,833 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.5% (1,115 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (125 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (212 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (1,401 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (74 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Pekin.

How many housing units are there in Pekin?

There are 14,536 housing units in Pekin, reflecting a -1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pekin has a total of 13,503 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pekin?

Pekin has a median household income of $60,790, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Pekin, with a workforce of 14,506 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.2% (10,612 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.8% (3,894 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (1,067 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.9% (10,434 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.1% (1,460 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (1,545 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