Effingham, IL
Population 12,258 · Illinois
About Effingham, IL
Effingham is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 12,258 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,718 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Effingham features a median home value of $166,700, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Effingham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $696, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,584 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (3,340 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,856 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Effingham shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Effingham have an average one-way commute time of 13.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.8% of Effingham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Effingham, IL
Compared to national averages, Effingham has a median household income of $65,718 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $166,700, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $696 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Effingham's income is 12% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 1% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Effingham, IL?
Effingham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $166,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $696/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,718) that falls below the national average. However, Effingham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Effingham has a population of 12,258 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Effingham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Effingham
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | Compare |
| Streator | 12,274 | $54,953 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Kewanee | 12,280 | $49,668 | $70,000 | Compare |
| Justice | 12,372 | $58,514 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Centralia | 12,009 | $47,308 | $81,600 | Compare |
| Winnetka | 12,508 | $250,001 | $1,206,300 | Compare |
| Rantoul | 12,515 | $49,821 | $109,200 | Compare |
| Northlake | 12,547 | $77,564 | $242,400 | 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 Effingham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Effingham
What is the population of Effingham, IL?
The population of Effingham, IL is 12,258 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 Effingham?
The median household income in Effingham, IL is $65,718 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Effingham?
The median home value in Effingham, IL is $166,700, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Effingham?
The median monthly rent in Effingham, IL is $696, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Effingham?
The unemployment rate in Effingham, IL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Effingham, IL a good place to live?
Effingham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,258 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Effingham, IL?
27.8% of residents in Effingham 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 Effingham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Effingham, IL: median home value is $166,700 (32% below national), median rent is $696/month, and median household income is $65,718. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Effingham?
The poverty rate in Effingham, IL is 14.8%, 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 Effingham, IL?
Effingham's population is 1.9% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.