Berkeley, IL
Population 5,222 · Illinois
About Berkeley, IL
Berkeley is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,222 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,224 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Berkeley features a median home value of $222,400, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Berkeley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,292, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,056 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (1,677 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (320 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Berkeley shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Berkeley have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Berkeley 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 38.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 17.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Berkeley, IL
Compared to national averages, Berkeley has a median household income of $83,224 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $222,400, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,292 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Berkeley's income is 11% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 34% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Berkeley, IL?
Berkeley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,224, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $222,400, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.6%, better than the national average.
Berkeley has a population of 5,222 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Berkeley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Berkeley
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highwood | 5,243 | $101,862 | $454,500 | Compare |
| Colona | 5,189 | $76,558 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Pana | 5,277 | $45,083 | $82,000 | Compare |
| Coal City | 5,145 | $73,030 | $211,600 | Compare |
| Grandwood Park | 5,311 | $124,847 | $313,000 | Compare |
| Posen | 5,331 | $71,994 | $172,800 | Compare |
| Monee | 5,104 | $89,571 | $226,400 | Compare |
| Eureka | 5,095 | $55,172 | $154,600 | 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 Berkeley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Berkeley
What is the population of Berkeley, IL?
The population of Berkeley, IL is 5,222 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 Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley, IL is $83,224 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley, IL is $222,400, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Berkeley?
The median monthly rent in Berkeley, IL is $1,292, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Berkeley?
The unemployment rate in Berkeley, IL is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Berkeley, IL a good place to live?
Berkeley offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,222 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Berkeley, IL?
20.7% of residents in Berkeley 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 Berkeley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Berkeley, IL: median home value is $222,400 (9% below national), median rent is $1,292/month, and median household income is $83,224. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Berkeley?
The poverty rate in Berkeley, IL is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Berkeley, IL?
Berkeley's population is 38.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 25.8% two or more races. 17.1% of residents are foreign-born.