Gays, IL
Population 173 · Illinois
About Gays, IL
Gays is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 173 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,464 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.1 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 Gays features a median home value of $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gays one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 77 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (62 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (15 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gays 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 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gays have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Gays 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 1.2% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gays, IL
Compared to national averages, Gays has a median household income of $54,464 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Gays's income is 27% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 43% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Gays, IL?
Gays offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,464) that falls below the national average. However, Gays’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gays has a population of 173 with a median age of 48.1 years. Compare Gays with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Gays
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hooppole | 174 | $41,927 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Holcomb | 175 | $54,250 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Modesto | 171 | $69,375 | $68,800 | Compare |
| Smithboro | 171 | $27,500 | $70,000 | Compare |
| Gladstone | 176 | $42,500 | $56,800 | Compare |
| Smithfield | 169 | $61,250 | $52,000 | Compare |
| West Brooklyn | 169 | $76,250 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Batchtown | 178 | $58,750 | $137,500 | 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 Gays With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gays
What is the population of Gays, IL?
The population of Gays, IL is 173 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 Gays?
The median household income in Gays, IL is $54,464 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gays?
The median home value in Gays, IL is $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gays?
The median monthly rent in Gays, IL is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gays?
The unemployment rate in Gays, 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 Gays, IL a good place to live?
Gays offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 173 and a median age of 48.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gays, IL?
14.4% of residents in Gays 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 Gays?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gays, IL: median home value is $95,000 (61% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $54,464. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gays?
The poverty rate in Gays, IL is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gays, IL?
Gays's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.