Lanark, IL
Population 1,510 · Illinois
About Lanark, IL
Lanark is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,510 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,250 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lanark features a median home value of $97,100, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lanark one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $781, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 738 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (520 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (122 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lanark shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lanark have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Lanark 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 3.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lanark, IL
Compared to national averages, Lanark has a median household income of $66,250 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $97,100, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $781 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Lanark's income is 12% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 41% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Lanark, IL?
Lanark offers affordable housing with a median home value of $97,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $781/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,250) that falls below the national average. However, Lanark’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lanark has a population of 1,510 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Lanark with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Lanark
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 1,511 | $58,074 | $90,700 | Compare |
| Malta | 1,507 | $83,611 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Mount Pulaski | 1,513 | $70,175 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Grayville | 1,515 | $47,308 | $76,000 | Compare |
| Mount Carroll | 1,515 | $59,167 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Williamsville | 1,519 | $104,135 | $187,000 | Compare |
| Kirkland | 1,497 | $92,500 | $187,800 | Compare |
| Harristown | 1,526 | $74,018 | $116,700 | 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 Lanark With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lanark
What is the population of Lanark, IL?
The population of Lanark, IL is 1,510 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 Lanark?
The median household income in Lanark, IL is $66,250 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lanark?
The median home value in Lanark, IL is $97,100, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lanark?
The median monthly rent in Lanark, IL is $781, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lanark?
The unemployment rate in Lanark, IL is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lanark, IL a good place to live?
Lanark offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,510 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lanark, IL?
13.6% of residents in Lanark 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 Lanark?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lanark, IL: median home value is $97,100 (60% below national), median rent is $781/month, and median household income is $66,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lanark?
The poverty rate in Lanark, 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 Lanark, IL?
Lanark's population is 3.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.