DeKalb, IL
Population 40,464 · Illinois
About DeKalb, IL
DeKalb is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 40,464 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,564 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.4 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 DeKalb features a median home value of $202,900, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions DeKalb in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,030, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,003 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (6,811 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (9,204 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 DeKalb shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in DeKalb have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.7% of DeKalb 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 14.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 9.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How DeKalb Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in DeKalb, IL
Compared to national averages, DeKalb has a median household income of $46,564 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,900, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,030 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, DeKalb's income is 38% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 22% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in DeKalb, IL?
DeKalb offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,030/month, and a well-educated community where 35.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,564) that falls below the national average. However, DeKalb’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
DeKalb has a population of 40,464 with a median age of 25.4 years. Compare DeKalb with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near DeKalb
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Lake | 40,436 | $105,428 | $287,400 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 40,531 | $130,479 | $350,500 | Compare |
| Romeoville | 40,996 | $100,022 | $245,200 | Compare |
| Carol Stream | 39,427 | $105,395 | $308,700 | Compare |
| Park Ridge | 39,241 | $138,059 | $539,300 | Compare |
| Belleville | 41,722 | $60,529 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Quincy | 39,188 | $56,372 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Streamwood | 39,055 | $101,049 | $258,300 | 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 DeKalb With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about DeKalb
What is the population of DeKalb, IL?
The population of DeKalb, IL is 40,464 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 DeKalb?
The median household income in DeKalb, IL is $46,564 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in DeKalb?
The median home value in DeKalb, IL is $202,900, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in DeKalb?
The median monthly rent in DeKalb, IL is $1,030, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in DeKalb?
The unemployment rate in DeKalb, IL is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is DeKalb, IL a good place to live?
DeKalb offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 40,464 and a median age of 25.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is DeKalb, IL?
35.7% of residents in DeKalb 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 DeKalb?
Key cost-of-living indicators for DeKalb, IL: median home value is $202,900 (17% below national), median rent is $1,030/month, and median household income is $46,564. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in DeKalb?
The poverty rate in DeKalb, IL is 25.7%, 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 DeKalb, IL?
DeKalb's population is 14.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 15.1% two or more races. 9.1% of residents are foreign-born.