Coal City, IL
Population 5,145 · Illinois
About Coal City, IL
Coal City is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,145 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,030 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 Coal City features a median home value of $211,600, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Coal City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,064, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,026 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (1,563 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (373 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Coal City shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Coal City have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.9% of Coal City 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 6.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Coal City, IL
Compared to national averages, Coal City has a median household income of $73,030 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,600, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,064 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Coal City's income is 3% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 28% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Coal City, IL?
Coal City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,064/month, and a low poverty rate of 4.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,030) that falls below the national average. However, Coal City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Coal City has a population of 5,145 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Coal City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Coal City
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monee | 5,104 | $89,571 | $226,400 | Compare |
| Colona | 5,189 | $76,558 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Eureka | 5,095 | $55,172 | $154,600 | Compare |
| Berkeley | 5,222 | $83,224 | $222,400 | Compare |
| Pinckneyville | 5,055 | $55,000 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Highwood | 5,243 | $101,862 | $454,500 | Compare |
| Hoopeston | 5,039 | $55,180 | $63,400 | Compare |
| Milan | 5,037 | $61,188 | $120,300 | 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 Coal City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal City
What is the population of Coal City, IL?
The population of Coal City, IL is 5,145 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 Coal City?
The median household income in Coal City, IL is $73,030 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Coal City?
The median home value in Coal City, IL is $211,600, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Coal City?
The median monthly rent in Coal City, IL is $1,064, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Coal City?
The unemployment rate in Coal City, IL is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Coal City, IL a good place to live?
Coal City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,145 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Coal City, IL?
24.9% of residents in Coal City 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 Coal City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Coal City, IL: median home value is $211,600 (14% below national), median rent is $1,064/month, and median household income is $73,030. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Coal City?
The poverty rate in Coal City, IL is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Coal City, IL?
Coal City's population is 6.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.