Carbondale, IL
Population 21,813 · Illinois
About Carbondale, IL
Carbondale is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 21,813 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $29,670 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.9 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 Carbondale features a median home value of $124,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carbondale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $750, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,275 total housing units, 27% are owner-occupied (2,633 units) and 73% are renter-occupied (7,231 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carbondale shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 36.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carbondale have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.3% of Carbondale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Carbondale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbondale
What is the population of Carbondale, IL?
The population of Carbondale, IL is 21,813 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale, IL is $29,670 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale, IL is $124,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Carbondale?
The median monthly rent in Carbondale, IL is $750, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carbondale?
The unemployment rate in Carbondale, IL is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carbondale, IL a good place to live?
Carbondale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,813 and a median age of 24.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Carbondale, IL?
46.3% of residents in Carbondale aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Carbondale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carbondale, IL: median home value is $124,800 (49% below national), median rent is $750/month, and median household income is $29,670. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Carbondale?
The poverty rate in Carbondale, IL is 36.9%, 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 Carbondale, IL?
Carbondale's population is 4.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 27.6% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.