Cairo, IL
Population 1,699 · Illinois
About Cairo, IL
Cairo is a small community in Illinois with a population of 1,699 residents. The median household income is $35,493 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Cairo is 43.2 years.
Housing in Cairo has a median home value of $28,200 and median monthly rent of $282. Of the 1,173 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 398 owner-occupied and 215 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Cairo is 17.5% and the poverty rate is 21.5%. 10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 36.4 minutes.
How Cairo Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Cairo, IL
Compared to national averages, Cairo has a median household income of $35,493 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $28,200, which is 88% below the national median. Monthly rent at $282 is 76% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Cairo's income is 53% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 83% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Cairo, IL?
Cairo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $28,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $282/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,493) that falls below the national average. However, Cairo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cairo has a population of 1,699 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Cairo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Cairo
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Soto | 1,701 | $52,131 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Carrier Mills | 1,702 | $50,269 | $57,300 | Compare |
| Teutopolis | 1,693 | $96,875 | $230,400 | Compare |
| Heritage Lake | 1,708 | $117,422 | $210,600 | Compare |
| Venice | 1,682 | $34,609 | $54,000 | Compare |
| Hillcrest | 1,679 | $77,609 | $151,900 | Compare |
| Greenup | 1,678 | $48,516 | $90,900 | Compare |
| Washington Park | 1,728 | $42,008 | $43,200 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cairo
What is the population of Cairo, IL?
The population of Cairo, IL is 1,699 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Cairo?
The median household income in Cairo, IL is $35,493 per year.
What is the median home value in Cairo?
The median home value in Cairo, IL is $28,200.
What is the average rent in Cairo?
The median monthly rent in Cairo, IL is $282.
What is the unemployment rate in Cairo?
The unemployment rate in Cairo, IL is 17.5%.