Carbon Cliff, IL
Population 2,248 · Illinois
About Carbon Cliff, IL
Carbon Cliff is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,248 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,000 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 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 Carbon Cliff features a median home value of $124,600, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carbon Cliff one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $972, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 889 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (429 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (411 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carbon Cliff shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carbon Cliff have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.8% of Carbon Cliff 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 13.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carbon Cliff, IL
Compared to national averages, Carbon Cliff has a median household income of $55,000 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,600, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $972 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Carbon Cliff's income is 27% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 25% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Carbon Cliff, IL?
Carbon Cliff offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $972/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,000) that falls below the national average. However, Carbon Cliff’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carbon Cliff has a population of 2,248 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Carbon Cliff with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Carbon Cliff
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmwood | 2,254 | $87,644 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Lake Summerset | 2,240 | $105,588 | $226,700 | Compare |
| Casey | 2,258 | $48,631 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Sumner | 2,229 | $51,458 | $61,200 | Compare |
| Nokomis | 2,213 | $57,625 | $78,400 | Compare |
| Wayne | 2,284 | $169,583 | $674,000 | Compare |
| Hinckley | 2,286 | $81,625 | $267,600 | Compare |
| Tremont | 2,300 | $77,420 | $200,600 | 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 Carbon Cliff With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Cliff
What is the population of Carbon Cliff, IL?
The population of Carbon Cliff, IL is 2,248 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 Carbon Cliff?
The median household income in Carbon Cliff, IL is $55,000 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carbon Cliff?
The median home value in Carbon Cliff, IL is $124,600, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carbon Cliff?
The median monthly rent in Carbon Cliff, IL is $972, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carbon Cliff?
The unemployment rate in Carbon Cliff, IL is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carbon Cliff, IL a good place to live?
Carbon Cliff offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,248 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carbon Cliff, IL?
7.8% of residents in Carbon Cliff 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 Carbon Cliff?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carbon Cliff, IL: median home value is $124,600 (49% below national), median rent is $972/month, and median household income is $55,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carbon Cliff?
The poverty rate in Carbon Cliff, IL is 17.3%, 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 Carbon Cliff, IL?
Carbon Cliff's population is 13.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 11.9% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.