Champaign, IL
Population 88,822 · Illinois
About Champaign, IL
Champaign is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 88,822 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,544 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.1 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 Champaign features a median home value of $199,700, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Champaign in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,103, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 41,484 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (16,376 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (20,117 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 Champaign shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Champaign have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
53.6% of Champaign 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 4.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 16.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Champaign Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Champaign, IL
Compared to national averages, Champaign has a median household income of $57,544 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,700, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,103 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Champaign's income is 23% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 20% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Champaign, IL?
Champaign offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,103/month, and a well-educated community where 53.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,544) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Champaign provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Champaign has a population of 88,822 with a median age of 27.1 years. Compare Champaign with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Champaign
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukegan | 88,919 | $70,578 | $177,600 | Compare |
| Cicero | 83,223 | $68,548 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,703 | $75,449 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Evanston | 76,552 | $95,766 | $472,300 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 76,220 | $118,532 | $403,200 | Compare |
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Decatur | 70,368 | $50,809 | $97,300 | 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 Champaign With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Champaign
What is the population of Champaign, IL?
The population of Champaign, IL is 88,822 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 Champaign?
The median household income in Champaign, IL is $57,544 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Champaign?
The median home value in Champaign, IL is $199,700, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Champaign?
The median monthly rent in Champaign, IL is $1,103, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Champaign?
The unemployment rate in Champaign, IL is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Champaign, IL a good place to live?
Champaign offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 88,822 and a median age of 27.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Champaign, IL?
53.6% of residents in Champaign 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 Champaign?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Champaign, IL: median home value is $199,700 (18% below national), median rent is $1,103/month, and median household income is $57,544. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Champaign?
The poverty rate in Champaign, IL is 23.9%, 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 Champaign, IL?
Champaign's population is 4.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 17.1% two or more races. 16.9% of residents are foreign-born.