Edwardsville, IL
Population 26,543 · Illinois
About Edwardsville, IL
Edwardsville is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 26,543 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $92,671 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Edwardsville features a median home value of $286,700, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Edwardsville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,231, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,353 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (6,646 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (2,994 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Edwardsville shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Edwardsville have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.3% of Edwardsville 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 1.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Edwardsville, IL
Compared to national averages, Edwardsville has a median household income of $92,671 (23% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,700, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,231 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Edwardsville's income is 23% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 73% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Edwardsville, IL?
Edwardsville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $92,671, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Edwardsville has a population of 26,543 with a median age of 32.3 years. Compare Edwardsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Edwardsville
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite City | 26,670 | $60,490 | $99,800 | Compare |
| Batavia | 26,730 | $119,167 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Woodstock | 26,316 | $83,293 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Vernon Hills | 26,772 | $120,625 | $384,800 | Compare |
| Lockport | 26,228 | $113,252 | $298,800 | Compare |
| Oak Forest | 26,888 | $87,941 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Chicago Heights | 26,938 | $57,479 | $149,900 | Compare |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,081 | $86,632 | $191,200 | 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 Edwardsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Edwardsville
What is the population of Edwardsville, IL?
The population of Edwardsville, IL is 26,543 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 Edwardsville?
The median household income in Edwardsville, IL is $92,671 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Edwardsville?
The median home value in Edwardsville, IL is $286,700, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Edwardsville?
The median monthly rent in Edwardsville, IL is $1,231, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Edwardsville?
The unemployment rate in Edwardsville, IL is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Edwardsville, IL a good place to live?
Edwardsville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,543 and a median age of 32.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Edwardsville, IL?
54.3% of residents in Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Edwardsville, IL: median home value is $286,700 (17% above national), median rent is $1,231/month, and median household income is $92,671. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Edwardsville?
The poverty rate in Edwardsville, IL is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Edwardsville, IL?
Edwardsville's population is 1.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 7.2% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.