Carlinville, IL
Population 5,574 · Illinois
About Carlinville, IL
Carlinville is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,574 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,738 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carlinville features a median home value of $108,000, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carlinville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $736, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,432 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,381 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (796 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carlinville shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carlinville have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.6% of Carlinville 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 2.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carlinville, IL
Compared to national averages, Carlinville has a median household income of $52,738 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,000, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $736 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Carlinville's income is 30% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 35% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Carlinville, IL?
Carlinville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $736/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,738) that falls below the national average. However, Carlinville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carlinville has a population of 5,574 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Carlinville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Carlinville
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Valley | 5,508 | $63,964 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 5,507 | $63,514 | $216,400 | Compare |
| Northfield | 5,683 | $180,492 | $807,700 | Compare |
| Genoa | 5,685 | $79,343 | $201,600 | Compare |
| Candlewick Lake | 5,459 | $94,820 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 5,693 | $48,158 | $95,800 | Compare |
| East Alton | 5,729 | $46,926 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Lake Holiday | 5,402 | $112,250 | $235,300 | 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 Carlinville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlinville
What is the population of Carlinville, IL?
The population of Carlinville, IL is 5,574 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 Carlinville?
The median household income in Carlinville, IL is $52,738 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carlinville?
The median home value in Carlinville, IL is $108,000, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carlinville?
The median monthly rent in Carlinville, IL is $736, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carlinville?
The unemployment rate in Carlinville, IL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carlinville, IL a good place to live?
Carlinville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,574 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carlinville, IL?
22.6% of residents in Carlinville 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 Carlinville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carlinville, IL: median home value is $108,000 (56% below national), median rent is $736/month, and median household income is $52,738. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carlinville?
The poverty rate in Carlinville, IL is 25.2%, 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 Carlinville, IL?
Carlinville's population is 2.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.