Carol Stream, IL
Population 39,427 · Illinois
About Carol Stream, IL
Carol Stream is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 39,427 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,395 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carol Stream features a median home value of $308,700, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Carol Stream in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,465, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,786 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (9,746 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (4,564 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carol Stream shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carol Stream have an average one-way commute time of 28.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.8% of Carol Stream residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 12.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 28.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carol Stream Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Carol Stream, IL
Compared to national averages, Carol Stream has a median household income of $105,395 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $308,700, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,465 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Carol Stream's income is 40% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 86% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Carol Stream, IL?
Carol Stream offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,395, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average.
Carol Stream has a population of 39,427 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Carol Stream with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Carol Stream
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Ridge | 39,241 | $138,059 | $539,300 | Compare |
| Quincy | 39,188 | $56,372 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Streamwood | 39,055 | $101,049 | $258,300 | Compare |
| Wheeling | 38,495 | $83,251 | $244,600 | Compare |
| Urbana | 38,447 | $45,854 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Crystal Lake | 40,436 | $105,428 | $287,400 | Compare |
| DeKalb | 40,464 | $46,564 | $202,900 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 40,531 | $130,479 | $350,500 | 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 Carol Stream With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carol Stream
What is the population of Carol Stream, IL?
The population of Carol Stream, IL is 39,427 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 Carol Stream?
The median household income in Carol Stream, IL is $105,395 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carol Stream?
The median home value in Carol Stream, IL is $308,700, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carol Stream?
The median monthly rent in Carol Stream, IL is $1,465, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carol Stream?
The unemployment rate in Carol Stream, IL is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carol Stream, IL a good place to live?
Carol Stream offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,427 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carol Stream, IL?
43.8% of residents in Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carol Stream, IL: median home value is $308,700 (26% above national), median rent is $1,465/month, and median household income is $105,395. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carol Stream?
The poverty rate in Carol Stream, IL is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carol Stream, IL?
Carol Stream's population is 12.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. 28.6% of residents are foreign-born.