Arcola, IL
Population 2,867 · Illinois
About Arcola, IL
Arcola is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,867 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,697 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arcola features a median home value of $122,800, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Arcola one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,027 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (711 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (233 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arcola shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arcola have an average one-way commute time of 13.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Arcola residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 44.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 14.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Arcola, IL
Compared to national averages, Arcola has a median household income of $85,697 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,800, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Arcola's income is 14% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 26% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Arcola, IL?
Arcola offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,697, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $122,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.8 minutes.
Arcola has a population of 2,867 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Arcola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Arcola
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso | 2,871 | $70,063 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Newton | 2,852 | $58,564 | $98,900 | Compare |
| Savanna | 2,851 | $46,094 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Winnebago | 2,896 | $82,813 | $180,300 | Compare |
| Galena | 2,899 | $55,765 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Diamond | 2,900 | $60,000 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Heyworth | 2,818 | $90,556 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,788 | $44,181 | $51,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Arcola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arcola
What is the population of Arcola, IL?
The population of Arcola, IL is 2,867 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Arcola?
The median household income in Arcola, IL is $85,697 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arcola?
The median home value in Arcola, IL is $122,800, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arcola?
The median monthly rent in Arcola, IL is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arcola?
The unemployment rate in Arcola, IL is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Arcola, IL a good place to live?
Arcola offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,867 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arcola, IL?
18.8% of residents in Arcola aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Arcola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arcola, IL: median home value is $122,800 (50% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $85,697. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Arcola?
The poverty rate in Arcola, IL is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arcola, IL?
Arcola's population is 44.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 14.6% of residents are foreign-born.