East St. Louis, IL
Population 18,278 · Illinois
About East St. Louis, IL
East St. Louis is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 18,278 residents. The median household income is $30,992 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in East St. Louis is 45.1 years.
Housing in East St. Louis has a median home value of $52,700 and median monthly rent of $597. Of the 10,973 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,039 owner-occupied and 3,397 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in East St. Louis is 15.3% and the poverty rate is 32.8%. 14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.5 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in East St. Louis?
The median household income in East St. Louis, IL is $30,992 per year.
What is the median home value in East St. Louis?
The median home value in East St. Louis, IL is $52,700.
What is the average rent in East St. Louis?
The median monthly rent in East St. Louis, IL is $597.
What is the unemployment rate in East St. Louis?
The unemployment rate in East St. Louis, IL is 15.3%.