Hamilton, IL
Population 2,738 · Illinois
About Hamilton, IL
Hamilton is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,738 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,487 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hamilton features a median home value of $105,600, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hamilton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $888, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,277 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (838 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (323 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hamilton shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hamilton have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of Hamilton 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 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hamilton, IL
Compared to national averages, Hamilton has a median household income of $53,487 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,600, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $888 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Hamilton's income is 29% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 36% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Hamilton, IL?
Hamilton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $888/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,487) that falls below the national average. However, Hamilton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hamilton has a population of 2,738 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Hamilton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Hamilton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLeansboro | 2,750 | $46,589 | $72,200 | Compare |
| Oakbrook Terrace | 2,714 | $70,586 | $315,600 | Compare |
| Bushnell | 2,763 | $55,368 | $69,100 | Compare |
| Pawnee | 2,706 | $77,977 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Venetian Village | 2,704 | $91,786 | $216,900 | Compare |
| Lena | 2,778 | $76,076 | $154,000 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,788 | $44,181 | $51,200 | Compare |
| Mount Morris | 2,679 | $38,162 | $117,600 | 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 Hamilton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamilton
What is the population of Hamilton, IL?
The population of Hamilton, IL is 2,738 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 Hamilton?
The median household income in Hamilton, IL is $53,487 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hamilton?
The median home value in Hamilton, IL is $105,600, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hamilton?
The median monthly rent in Hamilton, IL is $888, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hamilton?
The unemployment rate in Hamilton, IL is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hamilton, IL a good place to live?
Hamilton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,738 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hamilton, IL?
22.7% of residents in Hamilton 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 Hamilton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hamilton, IL: median home value is $105,600 (57% below national), median rent is $888/month, and median household income is $53,487. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hamilton?
The poverty rate in Hamilton, IL is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hamilton, IL?
Hamilton's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.