Grand Tower, IL
Population 551 · Illinois
About Grand Tower, IL
Grand Tower is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 551 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grand Tower features a median home value of $24,500, which is 90% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Grand Tower one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 245 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (129 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (72 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grand Tower shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grand Tower have an average one-way commute time of 40.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
2.6% of Grand Tower residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grand Tower Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Grand Tower, IL
Compared to national averages, Grand Tower has a median household income of $59,375 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $24,500, which is 90% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Grand Tower's income is 21% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 85% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Grand Tower, IL?
Grand Tower offers affordable housing with a median home value of $24,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,375) that falls below the national average. However, Grand Tower’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grand Tower has a population of 551 with a median age of 24.1 years. Compare Grand Tower with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Grand Tower
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Tower
What is the population of Grand Tower, IL?
The population of Grand Tower, IL is 551 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Grand Tower?
The median household income in Grand Tower, IL is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand Tower?
The median home value in Grand Tower, IL is $24,500, which is 90% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grand Tower?
The median monthly rent in Grand Tower, IL is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Tower?
The unemployment rate in Grand Tower, IL is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grand Tower, IL a good place to live?
Grand Tower offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 551 and a median age of 24.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Grand Tower, IL?
2.6% of residents in Grand Tower 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 Grand Tower?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand Tower, IL: median home value is $24,500 (90% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $59,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Tower?
The poverty rate in Grand Tower, IL is 22.2%, 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 Grand Tower, IL?
Grand Tower's population is 6.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.