Blue Island, IL
Population 23,416 · Illinois
About Blue Island, IL
Blue Island is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 23,416 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,965 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Blue Island features a median home value of $169,800, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Blue Island in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,071, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,340 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (4,250 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (4,412 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blue Island shows an unemployment rate of 11.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Blue Island have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.3% of Blue Island 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 37.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 19.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Blue Island, IL
Compared to national averages, Blue Island has a median household income of $60,965 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,800, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,071 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Blue Island's income is 19% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 2% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Blue Island, IL?
Blue Island offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,071/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,965) that falls below the national average. However, Blue Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blue Island has a population of 23,416 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Blue Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Blue Island
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisle | 23,413 | $106,173 | $407,000 | Compare |
| Freeport | 23,636 | $48,181 | $86,100 | Compare |
| Loves Park | 23,185 | $58,633 | $144,900 | Compare |
| Maywood | 23,173 | $66,498 | $212,600 | Compare |
| Rolling Meadows | 23,981 | $100,424 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Elmwood Park | 23,982 | $84,121 | $325,000 | Compare |
| South Elgin | 23,984 | $123,744 | $296,100 | Compare |
| Machesney Park | 22,744 | $74,244 | $162,500 | 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 Blue Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Island
What is the population of Blue Island, IL?
The population of Blue Island, IL is 23,416 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 Blue Island?
The median household income in Blue Island, IL is $60,965 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blue Island?
The median home value in Blue Island, IL is $169,800, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Blue Island?
The median monthly rent in Blue Island, IL is $1,071, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blue Island?
The unemployment rate in Blue Island, IL is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Blue Island, IL a good place to live?
Blue Island offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,416 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Blue Island, IL?
19.3% of residents in Blue Island 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 Blue Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blue Island, IL: median home value is $169,800 (31% below national), median rent is $1,071/month, and median household income is $60,965. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Blue Island?
The poverty rate in Blue Island, IL is 16.1%, 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 Blue Island, IL?
Blue Island's population is 37.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 35.2% two or more races. 19.4% of residents are foreign-born.