Garden Prairie, IL
Population 560 · Illinois
About Garden Prairie, IL
Garden Prairie is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 560 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,188 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 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 Garden Prairie features a median home value of $108,000, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Garden Prairie one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 158 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (135 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (23 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garden Prairie shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Garden Prairie have an average one-way commute time of 41.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Garden Prairie 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 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Garden Prairie, IL
Compared to national averages, Garden Prairie has a median household income of $42,188 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,000, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Garden Prairie's income is 44% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 35% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Garden Prairie, IL?
Garden Prairie offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,188) that falls below the national average. However, Garden Prairie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garden Prairie has a population of 560 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Garden Prairie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Prairie
What is the population of Garden Prairie, IL?
The population of Garden Prairie, IL is 560 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 Garden Prairie?
The median household income in Garden Prairie, IL is $42,188 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garden Prairie?
The median home value in Garden Prairie, IL is $108,000, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garden Prairie?
The median monthly rent in Garden Prairie, IL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garden Prairie?
The unemployment rate in Garden Prairie, IL is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Garden Prairie, IL a good place to live?
Garden Prairie offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 560 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garden Prairie, IL?
0.0% of residents in Garden Prairie 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 Garden Prairie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garden Prairie, IL: median home value is $108,000 (56% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $42,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Garden Prairie?
The poverty rate in Garden Prairie, IL is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Garden Prairie, IL?
Garden Prairie'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. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.