Carbondale, IL
Population 21,813 · Illinois
About Carbondale, IL
Carbondale is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 21,813 residents. The median household income is $29,670 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Carbondale is 24.9 years.
Housing in Carbondale has a median home value of $124,800 and median monthly rent of $750. Of the 12,275 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 2,633 owner-occupied and 7,231 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Carbondale is 9.3% and the poverty rate is 36.9%. 46.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.9 minutes.
Cost of Living in Carbondale, IL
Compared to national averages, Carbondale has a median household income of $29,670 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,800, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Carbondale's income is 60% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 25% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Carbondale, IL?
Carbondale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month, and a well-educated community where 46.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($29,670) that falls below the national average. However, Carbondale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carbondale has a population of 21,813 with a median age of 24.9 years. Compare Carbondale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Carbondale
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darien | 21,855 | $109,354 | $386,400 | Compare |
| Geneva | 21,299 | $136,621 | $415,800 | Compare |
| Yorkville | 22,350 | $108,775 | $314,200 | Compare |
| Bloomingdale | 22,388 | $98,891 | $363,100 | Compare |
| Montgomery | 21,205 | $96,985 | $270,700 | Compare |
| Villa Park | 22,456 | $94,698 | $313,100 | Compare |
| East Peoria | 22,485 | $71,763 | $160,800 | Compare |
| South Holland | 21,016 | $87,378 | $201,200 | 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 Carbondale
What is the population of Carbondale, IL?
The population of Carbondale, IL is 21,813 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale, IL is $29,670 per year.
What is the median home value in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale, IL is $124,800.
What is the average rent in Carbondale?
The median monthly rent in Carbondale, IL is $750.
What is the unemployment rate in Carbondale?
The unemployment rate in Carbondale, IL is 9.3%.