Des Plaines, IL
Population 59,408 · Illinois
About Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 59,408 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,303 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Des Plaines features a median home value of $318,200, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Des Plaines in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,435, 23% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,973 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (17,926 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (4,655 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Des Plaines shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Des Plaines have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.7% of Des Plaines 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 17.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 32.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Des Plaines Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Des Plaines, IL
Compared to national averages, Des Plaines has a median household income of $94,303 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $318,200, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,435 is 23% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Des Plaines's income is 26% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 92% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,303, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 38.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Des Plaines has a population of 59,408 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Des Plaines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Des Plaines
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orland Park | 57,961 | $98,979 | $349,400 | Compare |
| Oak Lawn | 57,098 | $82,493 | $267,900 | Compare |
| Berwyn | 55,888 | $75,235 | $286,000 | Compare |
| Mount Prospect | 55,648 | $103,911 | $377,000 | Compare |
| Tinley Park | 55,007 | $103,819 | $289,000 | Compare |
| Wheaton | 53,453 | $119,566 | $447,700 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 53,315 | $108,026 | $456,300 | Compare |
| Normal | 52,908 | $66,350 | $199,900 | 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 Des Plaines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Plaines
What is the population of Des Plaines, IL?
The population of Des Plaines, IL is 59,408 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 Des Plaines?
The median household income in Des Plaines, IL is $94,303 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Des Plaines?
The median home value in Des Plaines, IL is $318,200, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Des Plaines?
The median monthly rent in Des Plaines, IL is $1,435, which is 23% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Des Plaines?
The unemployment rate in Des Plaines, IL is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Des Plaines, IL a good place to live?
Des Plaines offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,408 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Des Plaines, IL?
38.7% of residents in Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Des Plaines, IL: median home value is $318,200 (30% above national), median rent is $1,435/month, and median household income is $94,303. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Des Plaines?
The poverty rate in Des Plaines, IL is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines's population is 17.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 32.6% of residents are foreign-born.