Effingham, IL
Population 12,258 · Illinois
About Effingham, IL
Effingham is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 12,258 residents. The median household income is $65,718 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Effingham is 36.9 years.
Housing in Effingham has a median home value of $166,700 and median monthly rent of $696. Of the 5,584 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,340 owner-occupied and 1,856 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Effingham is 2.2% and the poverty rate is 14.8%. 27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.3 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Effingham
What is the population of Effingham, IL?
The population of Effingham, IL is 12,258 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Effingham?
The median household income in Effingham, IL is $65,718 per year.
What is the median home value in Effingham?
The median home value in Effingham, IL is $166,700.
What is the average rent in Effingham?
The median monthly rent in Effingham, IL is $696.
What is the unemployment rate in Effingham?
The unemployment rate in Effingham, IL is 2.2%.