South Fork Bear Creek, West Illinois, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,645
-2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,469/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,559
-3.4% year-over-year change

South Fork Bear Creek population

How many people live in South Fork Bear Creek

South Fork Bear Creek is home to 3,645 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of South Fork Bear Creek locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
3,645
-2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
1,749
Female
52%
1,897
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,749 48% -7.5%
Female 1,897 52% 2.5%
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 Fork Bear Creek is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.2% are children under 15, then 8.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.2%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 847 23.2% 4.6%
15 to 24 309 8.5% -18.2%
25 to 44 915 25.1% 1.9%
45 to 64 844 23.2% -6.5%
Over 65 730 20% -2.8%
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 Fork Bear Creek, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,610 99% -2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 26 0.7% 8.3%
Non-citizens 9 0.2% 12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
96.5%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 3,518 96.5%
Black or African American 9 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.2%
Asian 2 0%
Two or more races 99 2.7%
Other 12 0.3%

Households in South Fork Bear Creek

A peek inside South Fork Bear Creek households

South Fork Bear Creek has 1,438 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69% are families, while the remaining 31% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,438
-2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
445
Family households
993
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 445 31% -1.8%
Family households 993 69% -2.4%
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 Fork Bear Creek

The housing landscape of South Fork Bear Creek

South Fork Bear Creek's housing consists of 1,559 units, with 88.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 7.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,559
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,373 88.1%
1 unit, attached 13 0.8%
2 units 22 1.4%
3 or 4 units 25 1.6%
5 to 9 units 9 0.6%
Mobile home 111 7.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
8
14.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Fork Bear Creek

In South Fork Bear Creek, the median construction year is 1963. About 29.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% 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, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 453 29.1% -5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 94 6% 16.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 142 9.1% -7.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 190 12.2% -2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 228 14.6% -9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 63 4% 5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 166 10.6% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 127 8.2% 10.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 87 5.6% -17.9%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.5% 14.3%
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 Fork Bear Creek occupancy rates

Out of the 1,438 occupied housing units in South Fork Bear Creek, 79.9% are owner-occupied, while 20.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,438
-2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
289
Owner occupied
1,149
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 289 20.1% 15.1%
Owner occupied 1,149 79.9% -5.7%
Unoccupied housing units
7.8%
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 Fork Bear Creek housing costs

Housing costs in South Fork Bear Creek come to a median of $835 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $691.

Median housing costs per month
$835/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 Fork Bear Creek
$691/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 Fork Bear Creek

South Fork Bear Creek education at a glance

About 40% of the population in South Fork Bear Creek went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 15% earned an associate degree and 15.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 31 1.2% -13.9%
High school diploma 1,069 40% -8.2%
College diploma 576 21.6% -5.0%
Associate degree 400 15% 10.2%
Bachelor's degree 403 15.1% -4.7%
Graduate degree 190 7.1% -5.0%
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 Fork Bear Creek

How much people earn in South Fork Bear Creek

The average annual household income in South Fork Bear Creek was $91,541 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,469, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Fork Bear Creek
$91,541/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Fork Bear Creek
$75,469/year
2.4% year-over-year change

South Fork Bear Creek income by age

In South Fork Bear Creek, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $100,872. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,738 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $75,417, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,112 in earnings. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $75,417 36.2%
25 - 44 $100,872 6.8%
45 - 64 $90,738 -2.8%
Over 65 $58,112 4.5%
Above poverty level
3,253
Below poverty level
224
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,253 93.6% -4.4%
Below poverty level 224 6.4% 6.7%

Employment in South Fork Bear Creek

Workforce and job types in South Fork Bear Creek

72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 61.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,249
Blue collar
482
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,249 72.2% -5.0%
Blue collar 482 27.8% -12.7%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
61.9%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 238 13.8% -12.5%
Private companies 1,072 61.9% -3.1%
Governmental workers 218 12.6% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 203 11.7% -25.1%

Transportation in South Fork Bear Creek

How people get around in South Fork Bear Creek

In South Fork Bear Creek, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
237.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,508 95.4% -8.6%
Ferryboat 1 0.1% -50.0%
Motorcycle 6 0.4% -14.3%
Walk 65 4.1% 20.4%
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 Fork Bear Creek demographics 

What is the total population of South Fork Bear Creek?

South Fork Bear Creek has a total population of 3,645 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 -2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Fork Bear Creek?

The gender ratio in South Fork Bear Creek is as follows:
  • 48% males (1,749 residents)
  • 52% females (1,897 residents)

What is the median age in South Fork Bear Creek?

The median age in South Fork Bear Creek is 37.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Fork Bear Creek?

The age distribution in South Fork Bear Creek is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.2% (847 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.5% (309 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (915 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (844 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (730 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Fork Bear Creek?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Fork Bear Creek is as follows:
  • White: 96.5% (3,518 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (99 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (12 residents)

What percentage of the population in South Fork Bear Creek are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in South Fork Bear Creek.

How many housing units are there in South Fork Bear Creek?

There are 1,559 housing units in South Fork Bear Creek, reflecting a -3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South Fork Bear Creek and what is the average household size?

South Fork Bear Creek has a total of 1,438 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Fork Bear Creek?

South Fork Bear Creek has a median household income of $75,469, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Fork Bear Creek?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.2% (1,249 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (482 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (238 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.9% (1,072 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (218 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (203 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