Belvidere, IL
Population 24,510 · Illinois
About Belvidere, IL
Belvidere is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 24,510 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,462 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Belvidere features a median home value of $153,100, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Belvidere in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $943, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,077 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (7,064 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (2,534 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belvidere shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Belvidere have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.2% of Belvidere 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 33.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 14.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Belvidere, IL
Compared to national averages, Belvidere has a median household income of $62,462 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,100, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $943 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Belvidere's income is 17% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 8% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Belvidere, IL?
Belvidere offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $943/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,462) that falls below the national average. However, Belvidere’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belvidere has a population of 24,510 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Belvidere with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Belvidere
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melrose Park | 24,513 | $64,740 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Homer Glen | 24,516 | $128,546 | $400,000 | Compare |
| Zion | 24,466 | $62,574 | $179,100 | Compare |
| Kankakee | 24,384 | $45,119 | $105,500 | Compare |
| Morton Grove | 24,687 | $106,078 | $377,000 | Compare |
| Westmont | 24,201 | $83,622 | $369,100 | Compare |
| Collinsville | 24,126 | $65,170 | $157,700 | Compare |
| South Elgin | 23,984 | $123,744 | $296,100 | 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 Belvidere With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belvidere
What is the population of Belvidere, IL?
The population of Belvidere, IL is 24,510 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 Belvidere?
The median household income in Belvidere, IL is $62,462 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belvidere?
The median home value in Belvidere, IL is $153,100, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belvidere?
The median monthly rent in Belvidere, IL is $943, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belvidere?
The unemployment rate in Belvidere, IL is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Belvidere, IL a good place to live?
Belvidere offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,510 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Belvidere, IL?
13.2% of residents in Belvidere 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 Belvidere?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belvidere, IL: median home value is $153,100 (37% below national), median rent is $943/month, and median household income is $62,462. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Belvidere?
The poverty rate in Belvidere, IL is 15.5%, 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 Belvidere, IL?
Belvidere's population is 33.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 14.1% of residents are foreign-born.