Bradley, IL
Population 15,331 · Illinois
About Bradley, IL
Bradley is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 15,331 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,940 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Bradley features a median home value of $164,400, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bradley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,181, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,375 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (3,866 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,233 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bradley shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bradley have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of Bradley 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 11.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bradley, IL
Compared to national averages, Bradley has a median household income of $62,940 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,400, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,181 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Bradley's income is 16% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 1% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Bradley, IL?
Bradley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,400, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,940) that falls below the national average. However, Bradley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bradley has a population of 15,331 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Bradley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Bradley
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norridge | 15,177 | $87,579 | $361,000 | Compare |
| Dixon | 15,166 | $58,371 | $113,300 | Compare |
| Macomb | 15,006 | $39,753 | $99,800 | Compare |
| Prospect Heights | 15,681 | $91,599 | $347,500 | Compare |
| Morris | 14,775 | $72,357 | $244,400 | Compare |
| Antioch | 14,751 | $118,635 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Chatham | 14,740 | $106,030 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Hickory Hills | 14,718 | $85,541 | $278,400 | 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 Bradley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bradley
What is the population of Bradley, IL?
The population of Bradley, IL is 15,331 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 Bradley?
The median household income in Bradley, IL is $62,940 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bradley?
The median home value in Bradley, IL is $164,400, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bradley?
The median monthly rent in Bradley, IL is $1,181, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bradley?
The unemployment rate in Bradley, IL is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bradley, IL a good place to live?
Bradley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,331 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bradley, IL?
17.7% of residents in Bradley 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 Bradley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bradley, IL: median home value is $164,400 (33% below national), median rent is $1,181/month, and median household income is $62,940. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bradley?
The poverty rate in Bradley, IL is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bradley, IL?
Bradley's population is 11.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.