East St. Louis, IL
Population 18,278 · Illinois
About East St. Louis, IL
East St. Louis is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 18,278 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $30,992 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 East St. Louis features a median home value of $52,700, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes East St. Louis one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $597, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,973 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (4,039 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (3,397 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East St. Louis shows an unemployment rate of 15.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East St. Louis have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% of East St. Louis 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 0.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in East St. Louis, IL
Compared to national averages, East St. Louis has a median household income of $30,992 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $52,700, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $597 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, East St. Louis's income is 59% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 68% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in East St. Louis, IL?
East St. Louis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $52,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $597/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($30,992) that falls below the national average. However, East St. Louis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East St. Louis has a population of 18,278 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare East St. Louis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near East St. Louis
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sycamore | 18,243 | $80,837 | $254,200 | Compare |
| Franklin Park | 18,233 | $76,009 | $261,700 | Compare |
| Shorewood | 18,218 | $122,648 | $324,600 | Compare |
| Bellwood | 18,373 | $76,990 | $219,600 | Compare |
| North Aurora | 18,375 | $111,781 | $323,900 | Compare |
| Palos Hills | 18,139 | $83,969 | $259,200 | Compare |
| Bourbonnais | 18,109 | $81,017 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Bensenville | 18,576 | $78,298 | $259,300 | 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 East St. Louis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East St. Louis
What is the population of East St. Louis, IL?
The population of East St. Louis, IL is 18,278 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 East St. Louis?
The median household income in East St. Louis, IL is $30,992 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East St. Louis?
The median home value in East St. Louis, IL is $52,700, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in East St. Louis?
The median monthly rent in East St. Louis, IL is $597, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East St. Louis?
The unemployment rate in East St. Louis, IL is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East St. Louis, IL a good place to live?
East St. Louis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,278 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is East St. Louis, IL?
14.7% of residents in East St. Louis 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 East St. Louis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East St. Louis, IL: median home value is $52,700 (78% below national), median rent is $597/month, and median household income is $30,992. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in East St. Louis?
The poverty rate in East St. Louis, IL is 32.8%, 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 East St. Louis, IL?
East St. Louis's population is 0.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 94.0% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.