Arlington Heights, IL
Population 76,220 · Illinois
About Arlington Heights, IL
Arlington Heights is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 76,220 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,532 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arlington Heights features a median home value of $403,200, which is 65% above the national median of $244,900. This places Arlington Heights in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,727, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,034 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (22,914 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (8,334 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arlington Heights shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arlington Heights have an average one-way commute time of 28.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
60.2% of Arlington Heights residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 21.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Arlington Heights Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Arlington Heights, IL
Compared to national averages, Arlington Heights has a median household income of $118,532 (58% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $403,200, which is 65% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,727 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Arlington Heights's income is 58% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 143% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Arlington Heights, IL?
Arlington Heights offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,532, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 60.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $403,200. However, as a mid-sized city, Arlington Heights provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Arlington Heights has a population of 76,220 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Arlington Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Arlington Heights
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evanston | 76,552 | $95,766 | $472,300 | Compare |
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,703 | $75,449 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Decatur | 70,368 | $50,809 | $97,300 | Compare |
| Cicero | 83,223 | $68,548 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Palatine | 66,548 | $95,950 | $347,900 | Compare |
| Skokie | 66,427 | $93,550 | $368,600 | 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 Arlington Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington Heights
What is the population of Arlington Heights, IL?
The population of Arlington Heights, IL is 76,220 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Arlington Heights?
The median household income in Arlington Heights, IL is $118,532 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arlington Heights?
The median home value in Arlington Heights, IL is $403,200, which is 65% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arlington Heights?
The median monthly rent in Arlington Heights, IL is $1,727, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arlington Heights?
The unemployment rate in Arlington Heights, IL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Arlington Heights, IL a good place to live?
Arlington Heights offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 76,220 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arlington Heights, IL?
60.2% of residents in Arlington Heights aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Arlington Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arlington Heights, IL: median home value is $403,200 (65% above national), median rent is $1,727/month, and median household income is $118,532. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Arlington Heights?
The poverty rate in Arlington Heights, IL is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arlington Heights, IL?
Arlington Heights's population is 4.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 21.0% of residents are foreign-born.