DeKalb, IL
Population 40,464 · Illinois
About DeKalb, IL
DeKalb is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 40,464 residents. The median household income is $46,564 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in DeKalb is 25.4 years.
Housing in DeKalb has a median home value of $202,900 and median monthly rent of $1,030. Of the 17,003 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 6,811 owner-occupied and 9,204 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in DeKalb is 10.6% and the poverty rate is 25.7%. 35.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about DeKalb
What is the population of DeKalb, IL?
The population of DeKalb, IL is 40,464 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in DeKalb?
The median household income in DeKalb, IL is $46,564 per year.
What is the median home value in DeKalb?
The median home value in DeKalb, IL is $202,900.
What is the average rent in DeKalb?
The median monthly rent in DeKalb, IL is $1,030.
What is the unemployment rate in DeKalb?
The unemployment rate in DeKalb, IL is 10.6%.