Cherry, IL
Population 488 · Illinois
About Cherry, IL
Cherry is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 488 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,250 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.5 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 Cherry features a median home value of $96,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cherry one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $892, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 249 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (192 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (33 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cherry shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cherry have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.5% of Cherry 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 2.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cherry, IL
Compared to national averages, Cherry has a median household income of $47,250 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $96,900, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $892 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Cherry's income is 37% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 42% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Cherry, IL?
Cherry offers affordable housing with a median home value of $96,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $892/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,250) that falls below the national average. However, Cherry’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cherry has a population of 488 with a median age of 54.5 years. Compare Cherry with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Cherry
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsdale | 489 | $84,583 | $96,700 | Compare |
| Allendale | 491 | $70,500 | $83,500 | Compare |
| Carbon Hill | 485 | $100,368 | $217,100 | Compare |
| Wilsonville | 492 | $49,038 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Roberts | 493 | $63,438 | $64,600 | Compare |
| Benson | 482 | $74,886 | $118,200 | Compare |
| Burlington | 479 | $83,250 | $283,300 | Compare |
| Enfield | 497 | $39,063 | $59,600 | 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 Cherry
What is the population of Cherry, IL?
The population of Cherry, IL is 488 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Cherry?
The median household income in Cherry, IL is $47,250 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cherry?
The median home value in Cherry, IL is $96,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cherry?
The median monthly rent in Cherry, IL is $892, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cherry?
The unemployment rate in Cherry, IL is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cherry, IL a good place to live?
Cherry offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 488 and a median age of 54.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cherry, IL?
13.5% of residents in Cherry 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 Cherry?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cherry, IL: median home value is $96,900 (60% below national), median rent is $892/month, and median household income is $47,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cherry?
The poverty rate in Cherry, IL is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cherry, IL?
Cherry's population is 2.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.