Geneva, IL
Population 21,299 · Illinois
About Geneva, IL
Geneva is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 21,299 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $136,621 per year, which is 82% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Geneva features a median home value of $415,800, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. This places Geneva in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,805, 55% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,457 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (6,862 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (1,337 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Geneva shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Geneva have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
63.8% of Geneva 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 6.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Geneva, IL
Compared to national averages, Geneva has a median household income of $136,621 (82% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $415,800, which is 70% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,805 is 55% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Geneva's income is 82% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 151% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Geneva, IL?
Geneva offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $136,621, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 63.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $415,800. However, Geneva’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Geneva has a population of 21,299 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Geneva with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Geneva
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | 21,205 | $96,985 | $270,700 | Compare |
| South Holland | 21,016 | $87,378 | $201,200 | Compare |
| Dolton | 20,979 | $58,706 | $140,500 | Compare |
| Park Forest | 20,898 | $62,305 | $106,200 | Compare |
| East Moline | 20,837 | $63,328 | $135,300 | Compare |
| Carbondale | 21,813 | $29,670 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Darien | 21,855 | $109,354 | $386,400 | Compare |
| Grayslake | 20,707 | $113,697 | $293,900 | 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 Geneva With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Geneva
What is the population of Geneva, IL?
The population of Geneva, IL is 21,299 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 Geneva?
The median household income in Geneva, IL is $136,621 per year, which is 82% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Geneva?
The median home value in Geneva, IL is $415,800, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Geneva?
The median monthly rent in Geneva, IL is $1,805, which is 55% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Geneva?
The unemployment rate in Geneva, IL is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Geneva, IL a good place to live?
Geneva offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 21,299 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Geneva, IL?
63.8% of residents in Geneva 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 Geneva?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Geneva, IL: median home value is $415,800 (70% above national), median rent is $1,805/month, and median household income is $136,621. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Geneva?
The poverty rate in Geneva, IL is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Geneva, IL?
Geneva's population is 6.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.