Fulton, IL
Population 3,457 · Illinois
About Fulton, IL
Fulton is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 3,457 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,452 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.8 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 Fulton features a median home value of $124,400, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fulton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $956, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,881 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (1,299 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (361 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fulton shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fulton have an average one-way commute time of 15.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.1% of Fulton 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 4.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fulton, IL
Compared to national averages, Fulton has a median household income of $42,452 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,400, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Fulton's income is 43% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 25% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Fulton, IL?
Fulton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,452) that falls below the national average. However, Fulton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fulton has a population of 3,457 with a median age of 48.8 years. Compare Fulton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Fulton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westville | 3,442 | $52,809 | $98,800 | Compare |
| Germantown Hills | 3,425 | $141,719 | $265,300 | Compare |
| Abingdon | 3,424 | $56,414 | $88,900 | Compare |
| New Baden | 3,493 | $77,542 | $160,600 | Compare |
| Riverton | 3,506 | $75,527 | $140,000 | Compare |
| Smithton | 3,512 | $114,453 | $251,600 | Compare |
| Hainesville | 3,524 | $126,125 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Wadsworth | 3,535 | $121,583 | $377,900 | 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 Fulton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fulton
What is the population of Fulton, IL?
The population of Fulton, IL is 3,457 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Fulton?
The median household income in Fulton, IL is $42,452 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fulton?
The median home value in Fulton, IL is $124,400, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fulton?
The median monthly rent in Fulton, IL is $956, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fulton?
The unemployment rate in Fulton, IL is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fulton, IL a good place to live?
Fulton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,457 and a median age of 48.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fulton, IL?
15.1% of residents in Fulton 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 Fulton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fulton, IL: median home value is $124,400 (49% below national), median rent is $956/month, and median household income is $42,452. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fulton?
The poverty rate in Fulton, IL is 14.7%, 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 Fulton, IL?
Fulton's population is 4.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.