Jonesboro, IL
Population 1,912 · Illinois
About Jonesboro, IL
Jonesboro is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,912 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,309 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jonesboro features a median home value of $114,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jonesboro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $498, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 840 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (597 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (197 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jonesboro shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jonesboro have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.2% of Jonesboro 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 1.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Jonesboro Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Jonesboro, IL
Compared to national averages, Jonesboro has a median household income of $58,309 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,400, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $498 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Jonesboro's income is 22% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 31% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Jonesboro, IL?
Jonesboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $498/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,309) that falls below the national average. However, Jonesboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jonesboro has a population of 1,912 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Jonesboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Jonesboro
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerome | 1,910 | $55,777 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Minonk | 1,909 | $62,000 | $120,600 | Compare |
| Knollwood | 1,907 | $133,452 | $372,500 | Compare |
| Sesser | 1,919 | $52,326 | $79,800 | Compare |
| Princeville | 1,932 | $81,944 | $162,000 | Compare |
| New Athens | 1,937 | $61,477 | $118,100 | Compare |
| Maple Park | 1,939 | $106,250 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Hampton | 1,946 | $86,679 | $182,800 | 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 Jonesboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jonesboro
What is the population of Jonesboro, IL?
The population of Jonesboro, IL is 1,912 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 Jonesboro?
The median household income in Jonesboro, IL is $58,309 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jonesboro?
The median home value in Jonesboro, IL is $114,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jonesboro?
The median monthly rent in Jonesboro, IL is $498, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jonesboro?
The unemployment rate in Jonesboro, IL is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jonesboro, IL a good place to live?
Jonesboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,912 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jonesboro, IL?
27.2% of residents in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jonesboro, IL: median home value is $114,400 (53% below national), median rent is $498/month, and median household income is $58,309. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jonesboro?
The poverty rate in Jonesboro, IL is 19.5%, 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 Jonesboro, IL?
Jonesboro's population is 1.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.