Granite City, IL
Population 26,670 · Illinois
About Granite City, IL
Granite City is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 26,670 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,490 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Granite City features a median home value of $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Granite City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $761, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,742 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (8,135 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (3,181 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Granite City shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Granite City have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Granite City 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 5.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Granite City, IL
Compared to national averages, Granite City has a median household income of $60,490 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,800, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $761 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Granite City's income is 19% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 40% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Granite City, IL?
Granite City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $761/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,490) that falls below the national average. However, Granite City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Granite City has a population of 26,670 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Granite City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Granite City
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batavia | 26,730 | $119,167 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Vernon Hills | 26,772 | $120,625 | $384,800 | Compare |
| Edwardsville | 26,543 | $92,671 | $286,700 | Compare |
| Oak Forest | 26,888 | $87,941 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Chicago Heights | 26,938 | $57,479 | $149,900 | Compare |
| Woodstock | 26,316 | $83,293 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,081 | $86,632 | $191,200 | Compare |
| Lockport | 26,228 | $113,252 | $298,800 | 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 Granite City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Granite City
What is the population of Granite City, IL?
The population of Granite City, IL is 26,670 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 Granite City?
The median household income in Granite City, IL is $60,490 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Granite City?
The median home value in Granite City, IL is $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Granite City?
The median monthly rent in Granite City, IL is $761, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Granite City?
The unemployment rate in Granite City, IL is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Granite City, IL a good place to live?
Granite City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,670 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Granite City, IL?
16.2% of residents in Granite City 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 Granite City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Granite City, IL: median home value is $99,800 (59% below national), median rent is $761/month, and median household income is $60,490. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Granite City?
The poverty rate in Granite City, IL is 16.4%, 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 Granite City, IL?
Granite City's population is 5.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 10.7% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.