Braidwood, IL
Population 6,175 · Illinois
About Braidwood, IL
Braidwood is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,175 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,365 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Braidwood features a median home value of $205,900, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Braidwood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,089, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,949 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (2,101 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (448 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Braidwood shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Braidwood have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Braidwood 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 7.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Braidwood, IL
Compared to national averages, Braidwood has a median household income of $83,365 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,900, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,089 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Braidwood's income is 11% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 24% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Braidwood, IL?
Braidwood offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,365, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $205,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,089/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Braidwood has a population of 6,175 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Braidwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Braidwood
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chillicothe | 6,185 | $62,108 | $128,500 | Compare |
| Pontoon Beach | 6,131 | $59,375 | $137,900 | Compare |
| Mount Zion | 6,076 | $110,786 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Countryside | 6,294 | $78,132 | $330,700 | Compare |
| Elburn | 6,054 | $106,506 | $358,200 | Compare |
| Beardstown | 6,047 | $58,765 | $80,800 | Compare |
| Vandalia | 6,041 | $43,184 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Monticello | 6,332 | $88,611 | $196,000 | 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 Braidwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Braidwood
What is the population of Braidwood, IL?
The population of Braidwood, IL is 6,175 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 Braidwood?
The median household income in Braidwood, IL is $83,365 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Braidwood?
The median home value in Braidwood, IL is $205,900, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Braidwood?
The median monthly rent in Braidwood, IL is $1,089, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Braidwood?
The unemployment rate in Braidwood, IL is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Braidwood, IL a good place to live?
Braidwood offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,175 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Braidwood, IL?
18.2% of residents in Braidwood 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 Braidwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Braidwood, IL: median home value is $205,900 (16% below national), median rent is $1,089/month, and median household income is $83,365. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Braidwood?
The poverty rate in Braidwood, IL is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Braidwood, IL?
Braidwood's population is 7.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.