Cairo, IL
Population 1,699 · Illinois
About Cairo, IL
Cairo is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,493 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Cairo features a median home value of $28,200, which is 88% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cairo one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $282, 76% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,173 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (398 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (215 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cairo shows an unemployment rate of 17.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cairo have an average one-way commute time of 36.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Cairo 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 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Cairo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cairo
What is the population of Cairo, IL?
The population of Cairo, IL is 1,699 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 Cairo?
The median household income in Cairo, IL is $35,493 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cairo?
The median home value in Cairo, IL is $28,200, which is 88% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cairo?
The median monthly rent in Cairo, IL is $282, which is 76% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cairo?
The unemployment rate in Cairo, IL is 17.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cairo, IL a good place to live?
Cairo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,699 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cairo, IL?
10.9% of residents in Cairo 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 Cairo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cairo, IL: median home value is $28,200 (88% below national), median rent is $282/month, and median household income is $35,493. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cairo?
The poverty rate in Cairo, IL is 21.5%, 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 Cairo, IL?
Cairo's population is 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 67.5% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.