Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge, West Illinois, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,086
-1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,281/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,246
0.4% year-over-year change

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge population

How many people live in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge is home to 2,086 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.4% of Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge locals are male, and 46.6% are female.

Total population
2,086
-1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.4%
1,113
Female
46.6%
973
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,113 53.4% 3.1%
Female 973 46.6% -7.0%
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 Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.1% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.1%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
20%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
33.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 232 11.1% -30.5%
15 to 24 206 9.9% 22.6%
25 to 44 417 20% -12.9%
45 to 64 530 25.4% 6.2%
Over 65 701 33.6% 8.7%
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 Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,066 99% -2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9 0.4% 80.0%
Non-citizens 11 0.5% 83.3%
Racial breakdown
White
93.1%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 1,942 93.1%
Black or African American 34 1.6%
Asian 3 0.1%
Two or more races 99 4.8%
Other 8 0.4%

Households in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

A peek inside Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge households

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge has 965 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
965
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
343
Family households
622
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 343 35.5% 4.3%
Family households 622 64.5% -3.9%
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 Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

The housing landscape of Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge's housing consists of 1,246 units, with 82% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 14.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,246
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,022 82%
1 unit, attached 2 0.2%
2 units 9 0.7%
3 or 4 units 26 2.1%
5 to 9 units 2 0.2%
10 to 19 units 2 0.2%
Mobile home 183 14.7%
Homes built since 2020
7
250.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

In Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge, the median construction year is 1952. About 21.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 263 21.1% 8.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 32 2.6% 18.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 98 7.9% 10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 116 9.3% -2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 300 24.1% 2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 134 10.8% -7.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 168 13.5% -27.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 92 7.4% 43.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 36 2.9% 24.1%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.6% 250.0%
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.

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge occupancy rates

Out of the 965 occupied housing units in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge, 89.7% are owner-occupied, while 10.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
965
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
99
Owner occupied
866
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 99 10.3% -9.2%
Owner occupied 866 89.7% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
22.6%
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.

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge housing costs

Housing costs in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge come to a median of $766 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $920.

Median housing costs per month
$766/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 Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge
$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 Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge education at a glance

About 57.9% of the population in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge went to high school, while 18.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 12.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 1.3% -22.6%
High school diploma 1,036 57.9% 0.2%
College diploma 328 18.3% 19.3%
Associate degree 97 5.4% -23.0%
Bachelor's degree 216 12.1% 7.5%
Graduate degree 87 4.9% 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 Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

How much people earn in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

The average annual household income in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge was $60,923 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,281, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge
$60,923/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge
$58,281/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge income by age

In Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,131. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,062, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,091 in earnings. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,062 9.9%
25 - 44 $66,131 -12.6%
45 - 64 $88,750 1.4%
Over 65 $44,091 17.6%
Above poverty level
1,837
Below poverty level
205
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,837 90% 1.4%
Below poverty level 205 10% -24.1%

Employment in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

Workforce and job types in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

58% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.6% run their own businesses, 53.3% are employed by private companies, and 19.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
462
Blue collar
335
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 462 58% -18.2%
Blue collar 335 42% 10.9%
Employer type
Self employees
15.6%
Private companies
53.3%
Governmental workers
19.1%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 124 15.6% 8.8%
Private companies 425 53.3% -14.3%
Governmental workers 152 19.1% 14.3%
Not for profit companies 96 12% -23.2%

Transportation in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

How people get around in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge

Commuting methods vary: 99% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 718 99% -9.5%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 6 0.8% 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.

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FAQs about Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge demographics 

What is the total population of Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge has a total population of 2,086 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 -1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

The gender ratio in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge is as follows:
  • 53.4% males (1,113 residents)
  • 46.6% females (973 residents)

What is the median age in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

The median age in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

The age distribution in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.1% (232 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (206 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20% (417 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (530 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.6% (701 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge is as follows:
  • White: 93.1% (1,942 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (34 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (99 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (8 residents)

What percentage of the population in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge.

How many housing units are there in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

There are 1,246 housing units in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge and what is the average household size?

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge has a total of 965 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge has a median household income of $58,281, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Oquawka State Wildlfe Refuge?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58% (462 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42% (335 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.6% (124 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.3% (425 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.1% (152 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (96 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