Geneseo, IL
Population 6,577 · Illinois
About Geneseo, IL
Geneseo is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,577 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,226 per year, which is 13% 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 Geneseo features a median home value of $196,400, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Geneseo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $952, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,223 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (2,162 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (820 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Geneseo shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Geneseo have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.4% of Geneseo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Geneseo, IL
Compared to national averages, Geneseo has a median household income of $65,226 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,400, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $952 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Geneseo's income is 13% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 18% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Geneseo, IL?
Geneseo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $952/month, and a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,226) that falls below the national average. However, Geneseo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Geneseo has a population of 6,577 with a median age of 45.3 years. Compare Geneseo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Geneseo
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winthrop Harbor | 6,663 | $94,221 | $238,800 | Compare |
| Volo | 6,398 | $145,906 | $293,800 | Compare |
| Orland Hills | 6,758 | $118,281 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Johnsburg | 6,374 | $106,827 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Murphysboro | 6,804 | $42,367 | $79,600 | Compare |
| Litchfield | 6,814 | $54,190 | $100,500 | Compare |
| Monticello | 6,332 | $88,611 | $196,000 | Compare |
| Chester | 6,830 | $74,673 | $107,800 | 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 Geneseo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Geneseo
What is the population of Geneseo, IL?
The population of Geneseo, IL is 6,577 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 Geneseo?
The median household income in Geneseo, IL is $65,226 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Geneseo?
The median home value in Geneseo, IL is $196,400, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Geneseo?
The median monthly rent in Geneseo, IL is $952, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Geneseo?
The unemployment rate in Geneseo, 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 Geneseo, IL a good place to live?
Geneseo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,577 and a median age of 45.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Geneseo, IL?
33.4% of residents in Geneseo 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 Geneseo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Geneseo, IL: median home value is $196,400 (20% below national), median rent is $952/month, and median household income is $65,226. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Geneseo?
The poverty rate in Geneseo, IL is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Geneseo, IL?
Geneseo's population is 6.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.