Lake Bluff, IL
Population 5,834 · Illinois
About Lake Bluff, IL
Lake Bluff is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,834 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $205,735 per year, which is 174% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.9 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 Lake Bluff features a median home value of $739,400, which is 202% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lake Bluff in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,826, 57% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,301 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (1,989 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (185 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Bluff shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Bluff have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
81.8% of Lake Bluff residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 13.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake Bluff Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Lake Bluff, IL
Compared to national averages, Lake Bluff has a median household income of $205,735 (174% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $739,400, which is 202% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,826 is 57% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Lake Bluff's income is 174% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 346% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Lake Bluff, IL?
Lake Bluff offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $205,735, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 81.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $739,400. However, Lake Bluff’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake Bluff has a population of 5,834 with a median age of 44.9 years. Compare Lake Bluff with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Lake Bluff
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria Heights | 5,834 | $62,083 | $118,000 | Compare |
| Carterville | 5,822 | $65,238 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Bartonville | 5,854 | $67,674 | $128,000 | Compare |
| Spring Grove | 5,866 | $133,224 | $371,200 | Compare |
| Willow Springs | 5,871 | $103,429 | $370,900 | Compare |
| Lakemoor | 5,878 | $96,929 | $261,300 | Compare |
| Du Quoin | 5,780 | $47,632 | $78,000 | Compare |
| Metropolis | 5,898 | $51,548 | $93,700 | 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 Lake Bluff With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Bluff
What is the population of Lake Bluff, IL?
The population of Lake Bluff, IL is 5,834 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 Lake Bluff?
The median household income in Lake Bluff, IL is $205,735 per year, which is 174% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Bluff?
The median home value in Lake Bluff, IL is $739,400, which is 202% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Bluff?
The median monthly rent in Lake Bluff, IL is $1,826, which is 57% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Bluff?
The unemployment rate in Lake Bluff, IL is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lake Bluff, IL a good place to live?
Lake Bluff offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,834 and a median age of 44.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lake Bluff, IL?
81.8% of residents in Lake Bluff aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lake Bluff?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Bluff, IL: median home value is $739,400 (202% above national), median rent is $1,826/month, and median household income is $205,735. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Bluff?
The poverty rate in Lake Bluff, IL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Bluff, IL?
Lake Bluff's population is 1.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 13.3% of residents are foreign-born.