Jacksonville, IL
Population 17,490 · Illinois
About Jacksonville, IL
Jacksonville is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 17,490 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,615 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jacksonville features a median home value of $128,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jacksonville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $703, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,828 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (4,165 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (2,556 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jacksonville shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jacksonville have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Jacksonville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Jacksonville, IL
Compared to national averages, Jacksonville has a median household income of $62,615 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,300, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $703 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Jacksonville's income is 17% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 23% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Jacksonville, IL?
Jacksonville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $703/month, and short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,615) that falls below the national average. However, Jacksonville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jacksonville has a population of 17,490 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Jacksonville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Jacksonville
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemont | 17,643 | $126,100 | $447,800 | Compare |
| Godfrey | 17,743 | $92,746 | $181,400 | Compare |
| Charleston | 17,212 | $49,057 | $133,700 | Compare |
| Cahokia Heights | 17,173 | $37,975 | $56,900 | Compare |
| Hinsdale | 17,155 | $250,001 | $999,100 | Compare |
| Cary | 17,875 | $109,790 | $287,000 | Compare |
| Bourbonnais | 18,109 | $81,017 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Palos Hills | 18,139 | $83,969 | $259,200 | 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 Jacksonville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jacksonville
What is the population of Jacksonville, IL?
The population of Jacksonville, IL is 17,490 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 Jacksonville?
The median household income in Jacksonville, IL is $62,615 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jacksonville?
The median home value in Jacksonville, IL is $128,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jacksonville?
The median monthly rent in Jacksonville, IL is $703, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jacksonville?
The unemployment rate in Jacksonville, IL is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jacksonville, IL a good place to live?
Jacksonville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,490 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jacksonville, IL?
23.6% of residents in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jacksonville, IL: median home value is $128,300 (48% below national), median rent is $703/month, and median household income is $62,615. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jacksonville?
The poverty rate in Jacksonville, IL is 16.5%, 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 Jacksonville, IL?
Jacksonville's population is 2.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 8.7% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.