Evanston, IL
Population 76,552 · Illinois
About Evanston, IL
Evanston is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 76,552 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,766 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Evanston features a median home value of $472,300, which is 93% above the national median of $244,900. This places Evanston in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,698, 46% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,914 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (17,524 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (13,863 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Evanston shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Evanston have an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
70.3% of Evanston 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 6.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 16.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Evanston Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Evanston, IL
Compared to national averages, Evanston has a median household income of $95,766 (27% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $472,300, which is 93% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,698 is 46% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Evanston's income is 28% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 185% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Evanston, IL?
Evanston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,766, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 70.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $472,300. However, as a mid-sized city, Evanston provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Evanston has a population of 76,552 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Evanston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Evanston
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 76,220 | $118,532 | $403,200 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,703 | $75,449 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Decatur | 70,368 | $50,809 | $97,300 | Compare |
| Cicero | 83,223 | $68,548 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Palatine | 66,548 | $95,950 | $347,900 | Compare |
| Skokie | 66,427 | $93,550 | $368,600 | 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 Evanston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Evanston
What is the population of Evanston, IL?
The population of Evanston, IL is 76,552 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 Evanston?
The median household income in Evanston, IL is $95,766 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Evanston?
The median home value in Evanston, IL is $472,300, which is 93% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Evanston?
The median monthly rent in Evanston, IL is $1,698, which is 46% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Evanston?
The unemployment rate in Evanston, IL is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Evanston, IL a good place to live?
Evanston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 76,552 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Evanston, IL?
70.3% of residents in Evanston 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 Evanston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Evanston, IL: median home value is $472,300 (93% above national), median rent is $1,698/month, and median household income is $95,766. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Evanston?
The poverty rate in Evanston, IL is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Evanston, IL?
Evanston's population is 6.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 14.6% two or more races. 16.5% of residents are foreign-born.