Glenwood, IL
Population 8,620 · Illinois
About Glenwood, IL
Glenwood is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 8,620 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,376 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Glenwood features a median home value of $182,900, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Glenwood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,639, 41% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,443 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (2,368 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (672 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Glenwood shows an unemployment rate of 16.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Glenwood have an average one-way commute time of 31.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.9% of Glenwood 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 4.7% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Glenwood, IL
Compared to national averages, Glenwood has a median household income of $71,376 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,900, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,639 is 41% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Glenwood's income is 5% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 10% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Glenwood, IL?
Glenwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,900, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 36.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,376) that falls below the national average. However, Glenwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Glenwood has a population of 8,620 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Glenwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Glenwood
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg | 8,608 | $48,488 | $84,800 | Compare |
| Clarendon Hills | 8,642 | $125,826 | $595,500 | Compare |
| Rock Falls | 8,683 | $48,733 | $82,400 | Compare |
| Lake Villa | 8,707 | $111,110 | $325,900 | Compare |
| Glencoe | 8,715 | $250,001 | $1,354,900 | Compare |
| Mascoutah | 8,743 | $93,902 | $226,300 | Compare |
| Monmouth | 8,794 | $59,690 | $88,100 | Compare |
| Savoy | 8,807 | $88,828 | $280,700 | 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 Glenwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Glenwood
What is the population of Glenwood, IL?
The population of Glenwood, IL is 8,620 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 Glenwood?
The median household income in Glenwood, IL is $71,376 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Glenwood?
The median home value in Glenwood, IL is $182,900, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Glenwood?
The median monthly rent in Glenwood, IL is $1,639, which is 41% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Glenwood?
The unemployment rate in Glenwood, IL is 16.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Glenwood, IL a good place to live?
Glenwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,620 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Glenwood, IL?
36.9% of residents in Glenwood 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 Glenwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Glenwood, IL: median home value is $182,900 (25% below national), median rent is $1,639/month, and median household income is $71,376. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Glenwood?
The poverty rate in Glenwood, IL is 14.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Glenwood, IL?
Glenwood's population is 4.7% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 68.6% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.