South Mcdonough, West Illinois, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,750
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,500/yr
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,382
0.2% year-over-year change

South McDonough population

How many people live in South McDonough

South McDonough is home to 4,750 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of South McDonough locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
4,750
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
2,324
Female
51.1%
2,426
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,324 48.9% -0.6%
Female 2,426 51.1% 1.0%
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 South McDonough is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 23.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 19.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
23.1%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
19.7%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 777 16.4% 4.2%
15 to 24 1,096 23.1% 2.3%
25 to 44 1,063 22.4% -0.6%
45 to 64 934 19.7% -0.4%
Over 65 879 18.5% -3.9%
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 South McDonough, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5.5% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,596 96.8% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 77 1.6% -33.0%
Non-citizens 76 1.6% 40.7%
Racial breakdown
White
87.4%
Black or African American
5.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 4,150 87.4%
Black or African American 260 5.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Asian 95 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.1%
Two or more races 201 4.2%
Other 36 0.8%

Households in South McDonough

A peek inside South McDonough households

South McDonough has 2,091 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.4% are families, while the remaining 49.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,091
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,038
Family households
1,054
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,038 49.6% 1.7%
Family households 1,054 50.4% -0.4%
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 South McDonough

The housing landscape of South McDonough

South McDonough's housing consists of 2,382 units, with 67.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.6% 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 6.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,382
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,614 67.8%
1 unit, attached 86 3.6%
2 units 53 2.2%
3 or 4 units 106 4.4%
5 to 9 units 113 4.7%
10 to 19 units 140 5.9%
20 to 49 units 36 1.5%
50 or more units 86 3.6%
Mobile home 148 6.2%
Homes built since 2020
10
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South McDonough

In South McDonough, the median construction year is 1965. About 25.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% 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 605 25.4% -5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 135 5.7% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 227 9.5% 24.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 323 13.6% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 416 17.5% 0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 137 5.8% -20.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 212 8.9% 0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 196 8.2% -3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 122 5.1% 37.1%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.4% 100.0%
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.

South McDonough occupancy rates

Out of the 2,091 occupied housing units in South McDonough, 66.2% are owner-occupied, while 33.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,091
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
708
Owner occupied
1,384
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 708 33.9% -3.5%
Owner occupied 1,384 66.2% 2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
12.2%
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.

South McDonough housing costs

Housing costs in South McDonough come to a median of $767 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $790.

Median housing costs per month
$767/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 South McDonough
$790/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 South McDonough

South McDonough education at a glance

About 33.8% of the population in South McDonough went to high school, while 26.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 113 3% 16.5%
High school diploma 1,292 33.8% 1.4%
College diploma 1,016 26.6% -6.7%
Associate degree 405 10.6% 8.0%
Bachelor's degree 570 14.9% -2.9%
Graduate degree 428 11.2% -1.8%
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 South McDonough

How much people earn in South McDonough

The average annual household income in South McDonough was $71,488 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,500, reflecting a -3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South McDonough
$71,488/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in South McDonough
$61,500/year
-3.9% year-over-year change

South McDonough income by age

In South McDonough, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,708 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,750 in earnings. Overall, 81.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,625 5.4%
25 - 44 $56,250 -9.2%
45 - 64 $92,708 2.4%
Over 65 $53,750 11.8%
Above poverty level
3,493
Below poverty level
792
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,493 81.5% 2.6%
Below poverty level 792 18.5% -11.2%

Employment in South McDonough

Workforce and job types in South McDonough

71.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 60.5% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,641
Blue collar
641
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,641 71.9% -0.9%
Blue collar 641 28.1% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
60.5%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 255 11.2% 4.5%
Private companies 1,382 60.5% -0.7%
Governmental workers 485 21.2% -1.8%
Not for profit companies 161 7% 0.6%

Transportation in South McDonough

How people get around in South McDonough

In South McDonough, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 93.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-11.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,915 93.7% 0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0.3% 20.0%
Motorcycle 3 0.2% -25.0%
Bicycle 18 0.9% 20.0%
Walk 102 5% -16.4%
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.

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FAQs about South McDonough demographics 

What is the total population of South McDonough?

South McDonough has a total population of 4,750 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South McDonough?

The gender ratio in South McDonough is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (2,324 residents)
  • 51.1% females (2,426 residents)

What is the median age in South McDonough?

The median age in South McDonough is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in South McDonough?

The age distribution in South McDonough is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (777 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.1% (1,096 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (1,063 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.7% (934 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (879 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South McDonough?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South McDonough is as follows:
  • White: 87.4% (4,150 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.5% (260 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (95 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (201 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (36 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in South McDonough.

How many housing units are there in South McDonough?

There are 2,382 housing units in South McDonough, 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 South McDonough and what is the average household size?

South McDonough has a total of 2,091 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South McDonough?

South McDonough has a median household income of $61,500, representing a -3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South McDonough?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.9% (1,641 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.1% (641 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (255 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.5% (1,382 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (485 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (161 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