Joy, IL
Population 377 · Illinois
About Joy, IL
Joy is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 377 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,583 per year, which is 14% 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 Joy features a median home value of $82,300, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Joy one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $885, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 181 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (126 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (29 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Joy shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Joy have an average one-way commute time of 42.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
5.9% of Joy 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 2.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Joy, IL
Compared to national averages, Joy has a median household income of $64,583 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $82,300, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $885 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Joy's income is 14% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 50% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Joy, IL?
Joy offers affordable housing with a median home value of $82,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $885/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,583) that falls below the national average. However, Joy’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Joy has a population of 377 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Joy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Joy
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melvin | 376 | $35,000 | $62,000 | Compare |
| Pierron | 378 | $62,750 | $103,400 | Compare |
| Rock City | 378 | $70,000 | $124,000 | Compare |
| Winslow | 376 | $54,375 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Dunfermline | 379 | $69,000 | $114,700 | Compare |
| Sparland | 375 | $45,278 | $82,800 | Compare |
| Alto Pass | 380 | $59,583 | $106,800 | Compare |
| Belle Rive | 380 | $55,577 | $82,500 | 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 Joy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Joy
What is the population of Joy, IL?
The population of Joy, IL is 377 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Joy?
The median household income in Joy, IL is $64,583 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Joy?
The median home value in Joy, IL is $82,300, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Joy?
The median monthly rent in Joy, IL is $885, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Joy?
The unemployment rate in Joy, IL is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Joy, IL a good place to live?
Joy offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 377 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Joy, IL?
5.9% of residents in Joy 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 Joy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Joy, IL: median home value is $82,300 (66% below national), median rent is $885/month, and median household income is $64,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Joy?
The poverty rate in Joy, IL is 15.5%, 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 Joy, IL?
Joy's population is 2.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.