Beardstown, IL
Population 6,047 · Illinois
About Beardstown, IL
Beardstown is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,047 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,765 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 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 Beardstown features a median home value of $80,800, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Beardstown one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $769, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,303 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,330 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (794 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Beardstown shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Beardstown have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Beardstown 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 28.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, and 7.2% Asian residents, with 26.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Beardstown, IL
Compared to national averages, Beardstown has a median household income of $58,765 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,800, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $769 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Beardstown's income is 22% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 51% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Beardstown, IL?
Beardstown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $769/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,765) that falls below the national average. However, Beardstown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Beardstown has a population of 6,047 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare Beardstown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Beardstown
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vandalia | 6,041 | $43,184 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Elburn | 6,054 | $106,506 | $358,200 | Compare |
| Mount Zion | 6,076 | $110,786 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Pontoon Beach | 6,131 | $59,375 | $137,900 | Compare |
| Braidwood | 6,175 | $83,365 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Chillicothe | 6,185 | $62,108 | $128,500 | Compare |
| Metropolis | 5,898 | $51,548 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Lakemoor | 5,878 | $96,929 | $261,300 | 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 Beardstown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Beardstown
What is the population of Beardstown, IL?
The population of Beardstown, IL is 6,047 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 Beardstown?
The median household income in Beardstown, IL is $58,765 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Beardstown?
The median home value in Beardstown, IL is $80,800, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Beardstown?
The median monthly rent in Beardstown, IL is $769, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Beardstown?
The unemployment rate in Beardstown, IL is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Beardstown, IL a good place to live?
Beardstown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,047 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Beardstown, IL?
17.4% of residents in Beardstown 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 Beardstown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Beardstown, IL: median home value is $80,800 (67% below national), median rent is $769/month, and median household income is $58,765. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Beardstown?
The poverty rate in Beardstown, IL is 13.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Beardstown, IL?
Beardstown's population is 28.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, 7.2% Asian, and 7.3% two or more races. 26.7% of residents are foreign-born.