Ava, IL
Population 557 · Illinois
About Ava, IL
Ava is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 557 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,250 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 Ava features a median home value of $86,700, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ava one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $658, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 281 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (181 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (49 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ava shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ava have an average one-way commute time of 30.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.4% of Ava 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 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ava, IL
Compared to national averages, Ava has a median household income of $57,250 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,700, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $658 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Ava's income is 24% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 48% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Ava, IL?
Ava offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $658/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,250) that falls below the national average. However, Ava’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ava has a population of 557 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Ava with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Ava
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dix | 557 | $28,750 | $93,000 | Compare |
| Hecker | 556 | $80,260 | $153,700 | Compare |
| South Wilmington | 558 | $86,563 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Dawson | 555 | $82,880 | $97,500 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 559 | $138,750 | $407,300 | Compare |
| Carlock | 560 | $78,125 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Franklin | 554 | $66,250 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Garden Prairie | 560 | $42,188 | $108,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ava
What is the population of Ava, IL?
The population of Ava, IL is 557 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 Ava?
The median household income in Ava, IL is $57,250 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ava?
The median home value in Ava, IL is $86,700, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ava?
The median monthly rent in Ava, IL is $658, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ava?
The unemployment rate in Ava, IL is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ava, IL a good place to live?
Ava offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 557 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ava, IL?
6.4% of residents in Ava 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 Ava?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ava, IL: median home value is $86,700 (65% below national), median rent is $658/month, and median household income is $57,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ava?
The poverty rate in Ava, IL is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ava, IL?
Ava's population is 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.