Carthage, IL
Population 2,508 · Illinois
About Carthage, IL
Carthage is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,508 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,179 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 Carthage features a median home value of $115,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carthage one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $679, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,369 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (789 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (315 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carthage shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carthage have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.5% of Carthage 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 3.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carthage Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Carthage, IL
Compared to national averages, Carthage has a median household income of $75,179 (0% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,600, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $679 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Carthage's income is 0% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 30% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Carthage, IL?
Carthage offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,179, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $115,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $679/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and a well-educated community where 37.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Carthage has a population of 2,508 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Carthage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Carthage
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altamont | 2,500 | $76,198 | $132,200 | Compare |
| Polo | 2,495 | $52,976 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Seneca | 2,525 | $91,065 | $206,400 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 2,528 | $64,464 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Richmond | 2,530 | $70,379 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Brighton | 2,536 | $74,327 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Tilton | 2,537 | $53,246 | $71,700 | Compare |
| Henry | 2,478 | $63,894 | $115,900 | 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 Carthage With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carthage
What is the population of Carthage, IL?
The population of Carthage, IL is 2,508 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 Carthage?
The median household income in Carthage, IL is $75,179 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage, IL is $115,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carthage?
The median monthly rent in Carthage, IL is $679, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carthage?
The unemployment rate in Carthage, IL is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carthage, IL a good place to live?
Carthage offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,508 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Carthage, IL?
37.5% of residents in Carthage 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 Carthage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carthage, IL: median home value is $115,600 (53% below national), median rent is $679/month, and median household income is $75,179. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carthage?
The poverty rate in Carthage, IL is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carthage, IL?
Carthage's population is 3.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.