Kewanee, IL
Population 12,280 · Illinois
About Kewanee, IL
Kewanee is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 12,280 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,668 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kewanee features a median home value of $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kewanee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,948 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (3,717 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,604 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kewanee shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kewanee have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.1% of Kewanee 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 9.6% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kewanee, IL
Compared to national averages, Kewanee has a median household income of $49,668 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,000, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Kewanee's income is 34% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 58% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Kewanee, IL?
Kewanee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,668) that falls below the national average. However, Kewanee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kewanee has a population of 12,280 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Kewanee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Kewanee
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Streator | 12,274 | $54,953 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | Compare |
| Effingham | 12,258 | $65,718 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Justice | 12,372 | $58,514 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Winnetka | 12,508 | $250,001 | $1,206,300 | Compare |
| Rantoul | 12,515 | $49,821 | $109,200 | Compare |
| Northlake | 12,547 | $77,564 | $242,400 | Compare |
| Centralia | 12,009 | $47,308 | $81,600 | 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 Kewanee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kewanee
What is the population of Kewanee, IL?
The population of Kewanee, IL is 12,280 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 Kewanee?
The median household income in Kewanee, IL is $49,668 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kewanee?
The median home value in Kewanee, IL is $70,000, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kewanee?
The median monthly rent in Kewanee, IL is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kewanee?
The unemployment rate in Kewanee, IL is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kewanee, IL a good place to live?
Kewanee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,280 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kewanee, IL?
15.1% of residents in Kewanee 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 Kewanee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kewanee, IL: median home value is $70,000 (71% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $49,668. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kewanee?
The poverty rate in Kewanee, IL is 15.1%, 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 Kewanee, IL?
Kewanee's population is 9.6% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 6.8% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.