Carmi, IL
Population 4,879 · Illinois
About Carmi, IL
Carmi is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 4,879 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,051 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.7 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 Carmi features a median home value of $98,700, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carmi one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $863, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,422 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,404 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (666 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carmi shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carmi have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Carmi 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 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carmi, IL
Compared to national averages, Carmi has a median household income of $47,051 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,700, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $863 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Carmi's income is 37% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 40% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Carmi, IL?
Carmi offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $863/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,051) that falls below the national average. However, Carmi’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carmi has a population of 4,879 with a median age of 44.7 years. Compare Carmi with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Carmi
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flora | 4,860 | $50,588 | $78,400 | Compare |
| Beecher | 4,837 | $101,957 | $241,400 | Compare |
| Palos Park | 4,832 | $126,263 | $469,900 | Compare |
| Robbins | 4,956 | $37,594 | $114,200 | Compare |
| South Barrington | 5,004 | $211,083 | $986,300 | Compare |
| Milan | 5,037 | $61,188 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Hoopeston | 5,039 | $55,180 | $63,400 | Compare |
| Pinckneyville | 5,055 | $55,000 | $117,100 | 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 Carmi With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carmi
What is the population of Carmi, IL?
The population of Carmi, IL is 4,879 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 Carmi?
The median household income in Carmi, IL is $47,051 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carmi?
The median home value in Carmi, IL is $98,700, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carmi?
The median monthly rent in Carmi, IL is $863, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carmi?
The unemployment rate in Carmi, IL is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carmi, IL a good place to live?
Carmi offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,879 and a median age of 44.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carmi, IL?
12.8% of residents in Carmi 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 Carmi?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carmi, IL: median home value is $98,700 (60% below national), median rent is $863/month, and median household income is $47,051. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carmi?
The poverty rate in Carmi, IL is 20.0%, 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 Carmi, IL?
Carmi's population is 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.