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

Total population
1,692
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,702/yr
12.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
842
3.8% year-over-year change

South Adams population

How many people live in South Adams

South Adams is home to 1,692 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of South Adams locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
1,692
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
856
Female
49.4%
836
Value Percent YoY change
Male 856 50.6% 2.9%
Female 836 49.4% 4.2%
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 Adams is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 6.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.2% of the population, while another 32.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
6.6%
25 to 44
18.2%
45 to 64
32.2%
Over 65
22.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 342 20.2% -2.3%
15 to 24 112 6.6% 0.9%
25 to 44 308 18.2% -8.1%
45 to 64 544 32.2% 11.2%
Over 65 386 22.8% 10.6%
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 Adams, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,665 98.4% 3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.4% 20.0%
Non-citizens 21 1.2% 16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
96%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 1,626 96%
Black or African American 2 0.1%
Asian 14 0.8%
Two or more races 49 2.9%
Other 2 0.1%

Households in South Adams

A peek inside South Adams households

South Adams has 699 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.4% are families, while the remaining 35.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
699
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
249
Family households
450
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 249 35.6% 0.4%
Family households 450 64.4% 5.9%
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 South Adams

The housing landscape of South Adams

South Adams's housing consists of 842 units, with 91% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 5.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
842
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 767 91%
1 unit, attached 10 1.2%
2 units 5 0.6%
3 or 4 units 11 1.3%
10 to 19 units 1 0.1%
Mobile home 49 5.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Adams

In South Adams, the median construction year is 1965. About 25.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% 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 211 25.1% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 49 5.8% -5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 120 14.3% 20.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 54 6.4% 3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 160 19% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 83 9.9% 36.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 56 6.7% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 49 5.8% -15.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 59 7% 1.7%
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 Adams occupancy rates

Out of the 699 occupied housing units in South Adams, 89.4% are owner-occupied, while 10.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
699
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
74
Owner occupied
625
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 74 10.6% -1.3%
Owner occupied 625 89.4% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
17.0%
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 Adams housing costs

Housing costs in South Adams come to a median of $786 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $768.

Median housing costs per month
$786/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 Adams
$768/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 Adams

South Adams education at a glance

About 41.7% of the population in South Adams went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 1.5% 90.0%
High school diploma 543 41.7% -3.0%
College diploma 301 23.1% 1.7%
Associate degree 157 12% 16.3%
Bachelor's degree 187 14.4% 10.0%
Graduate degree 96 7.4% 35.2%
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 South Adams

How much people earn in South Adams

The average annual household income in South Adams was $87,172 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,702, reflecting a +12.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Adams
$87,172/year
7.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Adams
$79,702/year
12.1% year-over-year change

South Adams income by age

In South Adams, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,867. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,938 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,875, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,232 in earnings. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,875 -4.4%
25 - 44 $92,867 13.0%
45 - 64 $88,938 9.7%
Over 65 $62,232 7.1%
Above poverty level
1,510
Below poverty level
143
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,510 91.4% 3.0%
Below poverty level 143 8.6% 5.9%

Employment in South Adams

Workforce and job types in South Adams

61% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 64.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
518
Blue collar
331
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 518 61% 5.9%
Blue collar 331 39% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
64.9%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 86 10.1% 26.5%
Private companies 551 64.9% 2.6%
Governmental workers 84 9.9% -8.7%
Not for profit companies 128 15.1% 4.9%

Transportation in South Adams

How people get around in South Adams

Commuting methods vary: 99.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% 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 755 99.1% 3.6%
Walk 7 0.9% 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.

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FAQs about South Adams demographics 

What is the total population of South Adams?

South Adams has a total population of 1,692 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Adams?

The gender ratio in South Adams is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (856 residents)
  • 49.4% females (836 residents)

What is the median age in South Adams?

The median age in South Adams is 47.

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

The age distribution in South Adams is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (342 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.6% (112 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.2% (308 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.2% (544 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.8% (386 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Adams?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Adams is as follows:
  • White: 96% (1,626 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (14 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (49 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (2 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in South Adams.

How many housing units are there in South Adams?

There are 842 housing units in South Adams, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Adams has a total of 699 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Adams?

South Adams has a median household income of $79,702, representing a +12.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Adams?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61% (518 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39% (331 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (86 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.9% (551 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (84 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (128 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