Equality, IL
Population 539 · Illinois
About Equality, IL
Equality is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 539 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,500 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Equality features a median home value of $84,500, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Equality one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $419, 64% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 292 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (194 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (44 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Equality shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Equality have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.3% of Equality residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Equality Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Equality, IL
Compared to national averages, Equality has a median household income of $42,500 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,500, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $419 is 64% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Equality's income is 43% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 49% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Equality, IL?
Equality offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $419/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,500) that falls below the national average. However, Equality’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Equality has a population of 539 with a median age of 45.3 years. Compare Equality with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
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 Equality
What is the population of Equality, IL?
The population of Equality, IL is 539 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Equality?
The median household income in Equality, IL is $42,500 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Equality?
The median home value in Equality, IL is $84,500, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Equality?
The median monthly rent in Equality, IL is $419, which is 64% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Equality?
The unemployment rate in Equality, IL is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Equality, IL a good place to live?
Equality offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 539 and a median age of 45.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Equality, IL?
7.3% of residents in Equality 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 Equality?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Equality, IL: median home value is $84,500 (65% below national), median rent is $419/month, and median household income is $42,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Equality?
The poverty rate in Equality, IL is 16.9%, 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 Equality, IL?
Equality's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.