Charleston, IL
Population 17,212 · Illinois
About Charleston, IL
Charleston is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 17,212 residents. The median household income is $49,057 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Charleston is 28.8 years.
Housing in Charleston has a median home value of $133,700 and median monthly rent of $819. Of the 8,411 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,430 owner-occupied and 3,922 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Charleston is 5.9% and the poverty rate is 25.3%. 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.1 minutes.
Cost of Living in Charleston, IL
Compared to national averages, Charleston has a median household income of $49,057 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,700, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Charleston's income is 35% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 19% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Charleston, IL?
Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and a well-educated community where 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,057) that falls below the national average. However, Charleston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Charleston has a population of 17,212 with a median age of 28.8 years. Compare Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Charleston
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cahokia Heights | 17,173 | $37,975 | $56,900 | Compare |
| Hinsdale | 17,155 | $250,001 | $999,100 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 17,490 | $62,615 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Marion | 16,796 | $57,281 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Lemont | 17,643 | $126,100 | $447,800 | Compare |
| Bridgeview | 16,721 | $65,153 | $234,000 | Compare |
| Godfrey | 17,743 | $92,746 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Cary | 17,875 | $109,790 | $287,000 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston
What is the population of Charleston, IL?
The population of Charleston, IL is 17,212 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, IL is $49,057 per year.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, IL is $133,700.
What is the average rent in Charleston?
The median monthly rent in Charleston, IL is $819.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, IL is 5.9%.