Downers Grove, IL
Population 49,867 · Illinois
About Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 49,867 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $119,649 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Downers Grove features a median home value of $439,000, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. This places Downers Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,589, 37% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,268 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (15,329 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (5,028 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Downers Grove shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Downers Grove have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.8% of Downers Grove residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 9.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Downers Grove Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Downers Grove, IL
Compared to national averages, Downers Grove has a median household income of $119,649 (59% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $439,000, which is 79% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,589 is 37% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Downers Grove's income is 59% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 165% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Downers Grove, IL?
Downers Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $119,649, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 58.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $439,000. However, Downers Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Downers Grove has a population of 49,867 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Downers Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Downers Grove
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoffman Estates | 51,186 | $109,683 | $340,400 | Compare |
| Glenview | 47,682 | $138,758 | $598,800 | Compare |
| Normal | 52,908 | $66,350 | $199,900 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 53,315 | $108,026 | $456,300 | Compare |
| Wheaton | 53,453 | $119,566 | $447,700 | Compare |
| Plainfield | 45,705 | $142,265 | $398,000 | Compare |
| Elmhurst | 45,538 | $145,374 | $532,800 | Compare |
| Tinley Park | 55,007 | $103,819 | $289,000 | 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 Downers Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Downers Grove
What is the population of Downers Grove, IL?
The population of Downers Grove, IL is 49,867 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 Downers Grove?
The median household income in Downers Grove, IL is $119,649 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Downers Grove?
The median home value in Downers Grove, IL is $439,000, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Downers Grove?
The median monthly rent in Downers Grove, IL is $1,589, which is 37% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Downers Grove?
The unemployment rate in Downers Grove, IL is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Downers Grove, IL a good place to live?
Downers Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 49,867 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Downers Grove, IL?
58.8% of residents in Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Downers Grove, IL: median home value is $439,000 (79% above national), median rent is $1,589/month, and median household income is $119,649. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Downers Grove?
The poverty rate in Downers Grove, IL is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Downers Grove, IL?
Downers Grove's population is 3.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 9.9% of residents are foreign-born.