Glen Carbon, IL
Population 13,521 · Illinois
About Glen Carbon, IL
Glen Carbon is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 13,521 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $92,434 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Glen Carbon features a median home value of $278,200, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Glen Carbon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,088, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,734 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (3,585 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (2,017 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Glen Carbon shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Glen Carbon have an average one-way commute time of 25.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.9% of Glen Carbon 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 2.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Glen Carbon, IL
Compared to national averages, Glen Carbon has a median household income of $92,434 (23% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $278,200, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,088 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Glen Carbon's income is 23% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 68% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Glen Carbon, IL?
Glen Carbon offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $92,434, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,088/month, and a well-educated community where 51.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Glen Carbon has a population of 13,521 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Glen Carbon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Glen Carbon
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel Crest | 13,493 | $62,773 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Canton | 13,408 | $54,881 | $106,900 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 13,406 | $54,390 | $111,600 | Compare |
| Western Springs | 13,353 | $218,839 | $691,300 | Compare |
| La Grange Park | 13,227 | $119,115 | $427,800 | Compare |
| Channahon | 13,854 | $121,458 | $298,000 | Compare |
| Lincolnwood | 13,179 | $107,950 | $475,400 | Compare |
| Wood Dale | 13,926 | $90,408 | $303,400 | 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 Glen Carbon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Glen Carbon
What is the population of Glen Carbon, IL?
The population of Glen Carbon, IL is 13,521 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 Glen Carbon?
The median household income in Glen Carbon, IL is $92,434 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Glen Carbon?
The median home value in Glen Carbon, IL is $278,200, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Glen Carbon?
The median monthly rent in Glen Carbon, IL is $1,088, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Glen Carbon?
The unemployment rate in Glen Carbon, IL is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Glen Carbon, IL a good place to live?
Glen Carbon offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,521 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Glen Carbon, IL?
51.9% of residents in Glen Carbon 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 Glen Carbon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Glen Carbon, IL: median home value is $278,200 (14% above national), median rent is $1,088/month, and median household income is $92,434. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Glen Carbon?
The poverty rate in Glen Carbon, IL is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Glen Carbon, IL?
Glen Carbon's population is 2.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 9.1% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.