Hillsboro, IL
Population 5,693 · Illinois
About Hillsboro, IL
Hillsboro is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,693 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,158 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hillsboro features a median home value of $95,800, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hillsboro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $841, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,890 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,250 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (470 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hillsboro shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hillsboro have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.5% of Hillsboro 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 2.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hillsboro, IL
Compared to national averages, Hillsboro has a median household income of $48,158 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,800, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $841 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Hillsboro's income is 36% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 42% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Hillsboro, IL?
Hillsboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $841/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,158) that falls below the national average. However, Hillsboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hillsboro has a population of 5,693 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Hillsboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Hillsboro
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genoa | 5,685 | $79,343 | $201,600 | Compare |
| Northfield | 5,683 | $180,492 | $807,700 | Compare |
| East Alton | 5,729 | $46,926 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Du Quoin | 5,780 | $47,632 | $78,000 | Compare |
| Carlinville | 5,574 | $52,738 | $108,000 | Compare |
| Carterville | 5,822 | $65,238 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Lake Bluff | 5,834 | $205,735 | $739,400 | Compare |
| Peoria Heights | 5,834 | $62,083 | $118,000 | 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 Hillsboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillsboro
What is the population of Hillsboro, IL?
The population of Hillsboro, IL is 5,693 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 Hillsboro?
The median household income in Hillsboro, IL is $48,158 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hillsboro?
The median home value in Hillsboro, IL is $95,800, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hillsboro?
The median monthly rent in Hillsboro, IL is $841, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hillsboro?
The unemployment rate in Hillsboro, IL is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hillsboro, IL a good place to live?
Hillsboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,693 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hillsboro, IL?
12.5% of residents in Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hillsboro, IL: median home value is $95,800 (61% below national), median rent is $841/month, and median household income is $48,158. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hillsboro?
The poverty rate in Hillsboro, IL is 15.8%, 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 Hillsboro, IL?
Hillsboro's population is 2.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 11.7% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.