Lacon, IL
Population 1,768 · Illinois
About Lacon, IL
Lacon is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,768 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,750 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lacon features a median home value of $111,700, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lacon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $811, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 804 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (541 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (196 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lacon shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lacon have an average one-way commute time of 36 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
12.0% of Lacon 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 1.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lacon, IL
Compared to national averages, Lacon has a median household income of $60,750 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,700, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $811 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Lacon's income is 19% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 33% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Lacon, IL?
Lacon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $811/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,750) that falls below the national average. However, Lacon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lacon has a population of 1,768 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Lacon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Lacon
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgkins | 1,766 | $63,056 | $39,200 | Compare |
| Maroa | 1,751 | $72,500 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Lake Camelot | 1,744 | $128,333 | $220,300 | Compare |
| Girard | 1,740 | $40,250 | $96,300 | Compare |
| Forest Lake | 1,797 | $92,956 | $318,300 | Compare |
| Atlanta | 1,738 | $64,091 | $123,400 | Compare |
| Steeleville | 1,732 | $60,982 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Washington Park | 1,728 | $42,008 | $43,200 | 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 Lacon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lacon
What is the population of Lacon, IL?
The population of Lacon, IL is 1,768 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 Lacon?
The median household income in Lacon, IL is $60,750 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lacon?
The median home value in Lacon, IL is $111,700, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lacon?
The median monthly rent in Lacon, IL is $811, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lacon?
The unemployment rate in Lacon, IL is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lacon, IL a good place to live?
Lacon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,768 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lacon, IL?
12.0% of residents in Lacon 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 Lacon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lacon, IL: median home value is $111,700 (54% below national), median rent is $811/month, and median household income is $60,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lacon?
The poverty rate in Lacon, IL is 14.3%, 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 Lacon, IL?
Lacon's population is 1.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.