Dowell, IL
Population 287 · Illinois
About Dowell, IL
Dowell is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 287 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,625 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dowell features a median home value of $42,100, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dowell one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 154 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (115 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (6 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dowell shows an unemployment rate of 14.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dowell have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.7% of Dowell residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dowell Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Dowell, IL
Compared to national averages, Dowell has a median household income of $51,625 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $42,100, which is 83% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Dowell's income is 31% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 75% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Dowell, IL?
Dowell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $42,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,625) that falls below the national average. However, Dowell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dowell has a population of 287 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Dowell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Dowell
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay View Gardens | 287 | $46,875 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Buckingham | 287 | $76,250 | $116,200 | Compare |
| Broadlands | 288 | $67,917 | $114,300 | Compare |
| Easton | 286 | $62,188 | $89,100 | Compare |
| Secor | 286 | $66,250 | $96,900 | Compare |
| Loda | 289 | $61,250 | $96,300 | Compare |
| White City | 289 | $76,875 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Standard | 284 | $52,500 | $108,200 | 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.
Compare Dowell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dowell
What is the population of Dowell, IL?
The population of Dowell, IL is 287 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Dowell?
The median household income in Dowell, IL is $51,625 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dowell?
The median home value in Dowell, IL is $42,100, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dowell?
The median monthly rent in Dowell, IL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dowell?
The unemployment rate in Dowell, IL is 14.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dowell, IL a good place to live?
Dowell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 287 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dowell, IL?
7.7% of residents in Dowell 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 Dowell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dowell, IL: median home value is $42,100 (83% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $51,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dowell?
The poverty rate in Dowell, IL is 15.7%, 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 Dowell, IL?
Dowell's population is 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.