Decatur, IL
Population 70,368 · Illinois
About Decatur, IL
Decatur is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 70,368 residents. The median household income is $50,809 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Decatur is 39.9 years.
Housing in Decatur has a median home value of $97,300 and median monthly rent of $796. Of the 36,121 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 19,244 owner-occupied and 11,660 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Decatur is 8.9% and the poverty rate is 19.1%. 21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.4 minutes.
How Decatur Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Decatur, IL
Compared to national averages, Decatur has a median household income of $50,809 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $97,300, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $796 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Decatur's income is 32% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 41% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Decatur, IL?
Decatur offers affordable housing with a median home value of $97,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $796/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,809) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Decatur provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Decatur has a population of 70,368 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Decatur with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Decatur
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Palatine | 66,548 | $95,950 | $347,900 | Compare |
| Skokie | 66,427 | $93,550 | $368,600 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 76,220 | $118,532 | $403,200 | Compare |
| Evanston | 76,552 | $95,766 | $472,300 | Compare |
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,703 | $75,449 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Des Plaines | 59,408 | $94,303 | $318,200 | 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 Decatur
What is the population of Decatur, IL?
The population of Decatur, IL is 70,368 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Decatur?
The median household income in Decatur, IL is $50,809 per year.
What is the median home value in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur, IL is $97,300.
What is the average rent in Decatur?
The median monthly rent in Decatur, IL is $796.
What is the unemployment rate in Decatur?
The unemployment rate in Decatur, IL is 8.9%.