Glen Ellyn, IL
Population 28,270 · Illinois
About Glen Ellyn, IL
Glen Ellyn is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 28,270 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $133,346 per year, which is 77% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Glen Ellyn features a median home value of $522,600, which is 113% above the national median of $244,900. This places Glen Ellyn in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,326, 14% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,330 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (8,439 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (2,394 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Glen Ellyn shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Glen Ellyn have an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes.
Education & Demographics
68.3% of Glen Ellyn 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 4.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 12.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Glen Ellyn Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Glen Ellyn, IL
Compared to national averages, Glen Ellyn has a median household income of $133,346 (77% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $522,600, which is 113% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,326 is 14% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Glen Ellyn's income is 78% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 215% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Glen Ellyn, IL?
Glen Ellyn offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $133,346, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 68.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $522,600. However, Glen Ellyn’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Glen Ellyn has a population of 28,270 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Glen Ellyn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Glen Ellyn
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lansing | 28,415 | $71,805 | $168,500 | Compare |
| Danville | 28,663 | $44,239 | $76,800 | Compare |
| Huntley | 27,859 | $86,349 | $318,500 | Compare |
| McHenry | 27,774 | $86,865 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Burbank | 28,822 | $83,975 | $258,900 | Compare |
| Lake in the Hills | 28,853 | $113,491 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Wilmette | 27,550 | $192,300 | $802,200 | Compare |
| New Lenox | 27,456 | $133,071 | $377,500 | 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 Glen Ellyn With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Glen Ellyn
What is the population of Glen Ellyn, IL?
The population of Glen Ellyn, IL is 28,270 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 Ellyn?
The median household income in Glen Ellyn, IL is $133,346 per year, which is 77% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Glen Ellyn?
The median home value in Glen Ellyn, IL is $522,600, which is 113% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Glen Ellyn?
The median monthly rent in Glen Ellyn, IL is $1,326, which is 14% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Glen Ellyn?
The unemployment rate in Glen Ellyn, IL is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Glen Ellyn, IL a good place to live?
Glen Ellyn offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 28,270 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Glen Ellyn, IL?
68.3% of residents in Glen Ellyn 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 Ellyn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Glen Ellyn, IL: median home value is $522,600 (113% above national), median rent is $1,326/month, and median household income is $133,346. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Glen Ellyn?
The poverty rate in Glen Ellyn, 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 Ellyn, IL?
Glen Ellyn's population is 4.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 12.1% of residents are foreign-born.