Elmhurst, IL
Population 45,538 · Illinois
About Elmhurst, IL
Elmhurst is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 45,538 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $145,374 per year, which is 93% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elmhurst features a median home value of $532,800, which is 118% above the national median of $244,900. This places Elmhurst in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,877, 61% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,732 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (13,445 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (3,418 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elmhurst shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Elmhurst have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
63.0% of Elmhurst 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 6.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 10.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elmhurst Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Elmhurst, IL
Compared to national averages, Elmhurst has a median household income of $145,374 (93% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $532,800, which is 118% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,877 is 61% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Elmhurst's income is 94% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 221% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Elmhurst, IL?
Elmhurst offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $145,374, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 63.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $532,800. However, Elmhurst’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elmhurst has a population of 45,538 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Elmhurst with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Elmhurst
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield | 45,705 | $142,265 | $398,000 | Compare |
| Lombard | 43,722 | $97,253 | $321,200 | Compare |
| Glenview | 47,682 | $138,758 | $598,800 | Compare |
| Buffalo Grove | 42,824 | $129,820 | $392,900 | Compare |
| Moline | 42,235 | $63,959 | $141,900 | Compare |
| Belleville | 41,722 | $60,529 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Downers Grove | 49,867 | $119,649 | $439,000 | Compare |
| Romeoville | 40,996 | $100,022 | $245,200 | 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 Elmhurst With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elmhurst
What is the population of Elmhurst, IL?
The population of Elmhurst, IL is 45,538 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 Elmhurst?
The median household income in Elmhurst, IL is $145,374 per year, which is 93% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elmhurst?
The median home value in Elmhurst, IL is $532,800, which is 118% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elmhurst?
The median monthly rent in Elmhurst, IL is $1,877, which is 61% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elmhurst?
The unemployment rate in Elmhurst, IL is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elmhurst, IL a good place to live?
Elmhurst offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 45,538 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elmhurst, IL?
63.0% of residents in Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elmhurst, IL: median home value is $532,800 (118% above national), median rent is $1,877/month, and median household income is $145,374. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Elmhurst?
The poverty rate in Elmhurst, IL is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Elmhurst, IL?
Elmhurst's population is 6.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 10.3% of residents are foreign-born.