Rantoul, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,421
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,691/yr
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,089
4.5% year-over-year change

Rantoul population

How many people live in Rantoul

Rantoul is home to 12,421 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Rantoul locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
12,421
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
5,833
Female
53%
6,588
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,833 47% 2.3%
Female 6,588 53% -3.3%
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 Rantoul is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,616 21.1% -11.0%
15 to 24 1,479 11.9% -20.9%
25 to 44 3,532 28.4% 6.0%
45 to 64 2,982 24% 5.4%
Over 65 1,812 14.6% 17.4%
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 Rantoul, 89.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.8% of locals are Caucasian, 17.9% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 24.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,152 89.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 540 4.4% -24.6%
Non-citizens 729 5.9% 8.0%
Racial breakdown
White
52.8%
Black or African American
17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
24.1%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 6,564 52.8%
Black or African American 2,218 17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.1%
Asian 105 0.8%
Two or more races 2,989 24.1%
Other 535 4.3%

Households in Rantoul

A peek inside Rantoul households

Rantoul has 5,374 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.4% are families, while the remaining 45.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,374
5.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,450
Family households
2,924
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,450 45.6% 7.3%
Family households 2,924 54.4% 4.3%
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 Rantoul

The housing landscape of Rantoul

Rantoul's housing consists of 6,089 units, with 55% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.8% 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 3.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,089
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,350 55%
1 unit, attached 539 8.8%
2 units 320 5.3%
3 or 4 units 497 8.2%
5 to 9 units 756 12.4%
10 to 19 units 178 2.9%
20 to 49 units 24 0.4%
50 or more units 206 3.4%
Mobile home 219 3.6%
Homes built since 2020
76
4.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rantoul

In Rantoul, the median construction year is 1966. About 8.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 544 8.9% 7.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 320 5.3% -13.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,274 20.9% -12.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,484 24.4% 29.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,035 17% -3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 434 7.1% 11.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 241 4% 57.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 397 6.5% 5.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 284 4.7% -3.1%
Built in 2020 or later 76 1.2% 4.1%
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.

Rantoul occupancy rates

Out of the 5,374 occupied housing units in Rantoul, 55% are owner-occupied, while 45% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,374
5.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,416
Owner occupied
2,958
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,416 45% -5.7%
Owner occupied 2,958 55% 17.2%
Unoccupied housing units
11.7%
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.

Rantoul housing costs

Housing costs in Rantoul come to a median of $902 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $890.

Median housing costs per month
$902/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 Rantoul
$890/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 Rantoul

Rantoul education at a glance

About 49% of the population in Rantoul went to high school, while 27.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 7.6% 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 279 3% -3.5%
High school diploma 4,520 49% 1.6%
College diploma 2,553 27.7% 4.0%
Associate degree 698 7.6% 8.4%
Bachelor's degree 705 7.6% 27.9%
Graduate degree 474 5.1% 4.9%
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 Rantoul

How much people earn in Rantoul

The average annual household income in Rantoul was $62,820 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,691, reflecting a -2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rantoul
$62,820/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rantoul
$48,691/year
-2.3% year-over-year change

Rantoul income by age

In Rantoul, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,333 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,417, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $31,806 in earnings. Overall, 83.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,417 0.4%
25 - 44 $57,750 5.4%
45 - 64 $51,333 4.6%
Over 65 $31,806 -28.1%
Above poverty level
9,981
Below poverty level
2,034
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,981 83.1% 1.7%
Below poverty level 2,034 16.9% -9.9%

Average renter income in Rantoul

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rantoul, their median household income was $39,692 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,692
Rent-to-income ratio
26.9%
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 Rantoul

Workforce and job types in Rantoul

The job market in Rantoul is powered by 5,163 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 57.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.3% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 19.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,163
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
2,967
Blue collar
2,196
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,967 57.5% -3.4%
Blue collar 2,196 42.5% 5.7%
Employer type
Self employees
13.3%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
19.7%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 686 13.3% 26.1%
Private companies 3,175 61.5% -6.5%
Governmental workers 1,015 19.7% 18.7%
Not for profit companies 287 5.6% -18.7%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-10.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rantoul stands at 3.2%, 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 Rantoul

How people get around in Rantoul

Commuting methods vary: 86.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 4,289 86.3% -0.4%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.1% -68.2%
Walk 70 1.4% 66.7%
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 Rantoul by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61866 13,470 5,780 $50,686 $66,322

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FAQs about Rantoul demographics 

What is the total population of Rantoul?

Rantoul has a total population of 12,421 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rantoul?

The gender ratio in Rantoul is as follows:
  • 47% males (5,833 residents)
  • 53% females (6,588 residents)

What is the median age in Rantoul?

The median age in Rantoul is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rantoul?

The age distribution in Rantoul is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (2,616 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (1,479 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (3,532 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (2,982 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (1,812 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rantoul?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rantoul is as follows:
  • White: 52.8% (6,564 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.9% (2,218 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (105 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 24.1% (2,989 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (535 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.8% of the population in Rantoul.

How many housing units are there in Rantoul?

There are 6,089 housing units in Rantoul, reflecting a +4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rantoul has a total of 5,374 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rantoul?

Rantoul has a median household income of $48,691, representing a -2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Rantoul, with a workforce of 5,163 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57.5% (2,967 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42.5% (2,196 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.3% (686 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (3,175 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.7% (1,015 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (287 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