Atkinson, IL
Population 988 · Illinois
About Atkinson, IL
Atkinson is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 988 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,712 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Atkinson features a median home value of $116,900, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Atkinson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $725, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 538 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (403 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (123 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atkinson shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Atkinson have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.8% of Atkinson 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 1.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Atkinson, IL
Compared to national averages, Atkinson has a median household income of $53,712 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,900, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $725 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Atkinson's income is 28% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 29% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Atkinson, IL?
Atkinson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $725/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,712) that falls below the national average. However, Atkinson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atkinson has a population of 988 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Atkinson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Atkinson
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodfield | 986 | $110,417 | $254,100 | Compare |
| Oquawka | 990 | $51,477 | $87,200 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 985 | $55,208 | $76,300 | Compare |
| Lockport Heights | 984 | $107,875 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Worden | 983 | $79,732 | $136,200 | Compare |
| Windsor | 982 | $55,455 | $97,200 | Compare |
| Cuba | 979 | $41,250 | $61,900 | Compare |
| Ramsey | 998 | $50,664 | $58,000 | 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 Atkinson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atkinson
What is the population of Atkinson, IL?
The population of Atkinson, IL is 988 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Atkinson?
The median household income in Atkinson, IL is $53,712 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atkinson?
The median home value in Atkinson, IL is $116,900, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atkinson?
The median monthly rent in Atkinson, IL is $725, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atkinson?
The unemployment rate in Atkinson, IL is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Atkinson, IL a good place to live?
Atkinson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 988 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Atkinson, IL?
7.8% of residents in Atkinson 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 Atkinson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atkinson, IL: median home value is $116,900 (52% below national), median rent is $725/month, and median household income is $53,712. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Atkinson?
The poverty rate in Atkinson, IL is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Atkinson, IL?
Atkinson's population is 1.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.