Harvey, IL
Population 19,831 · Illinois
About Harvey, IL
Harvey is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 19,831 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,091 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harvey features a median home value of $86,100, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Harvey one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $968, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,381 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (3,953 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (3,192 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harvey shows an unemployment rate of 12.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harvey have an average one-way commute time of 31.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.1% of Harvey 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 32.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 18.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Harvey, IL
Compared to national averages, Harvey has a median household income of $41,091 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,100, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $968 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Harvey's income is 45% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 48% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Harvey, IL?
Harvey offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $968/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,091) that falls below the national average. However, Harvey’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harvey has a population of 19,831 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Harvey with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Harvey
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mokena | 19,906 | $129,017 | $377,100 | Compare |
| Crest Hill | 19,754 | $71,408 | $222,600 | Compare |
| Lake Zurich | 19,727 | $139,959 | $418,300 | Compare |
| Evergreen Park | 19,498 | $95,738 | $255,700 | Compare |
| Homewood | 19,471 | $96,522 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Frankfort | 20,417 | $153,714 | $461,600 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 19,235 | $108,429 | $314,000 | Compare |
| Lake Forest | 19,190 | $228,120 | $909,800 | 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 Harvey With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harvey
What is the population of Harvey, IL?
The population of Harvey, IL is 19,831 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 Harvey?
The median household income in Harvey, IL is $41,091 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harvey?
The median home value in Harvey, IL is $86,100, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harvey?
The median monthly rent in Harvey, IL is $968, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harvey?
The unemployment rate in Harvey, IL is 12.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harvey, IL a good place to live?
Harvey offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,831 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Harvey, IL?
10.1% of residents in Harvey 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 Harvey?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harvey, IL: median home value is $86,100 (65% below national), median rent is $968/month, and median household income is $41,091. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harvey?
The poverty rate in Harvey, IL is 25.2%, 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 Harvey, IL?
Harvey's population is 32.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 57.1% two or more races. 18.5% of residents are foreign-born.