Lerna, IL
Population 220 · Illinois
About Lerna, IL
Lerna is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 220 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lerna features a median home value of $80,800, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lerna one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $800, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 127 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (65 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (26 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lerna shows an unemployment rate of 15.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lerna have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Lerna 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 0.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lerna, IL
Compared to national averages, Lerna has a median household income of $48,750 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,800, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $800 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Lerna's income is 35% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 51% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Lerna, IL?
Lerna offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $800/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,750) that falls below the national average. However, Lerna’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lerna has a population of 220 with a median age of 30.3 years. Compare Lerna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Lerna
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabery | 219 | $54,375 | $96,700 | Compare |
| Caledonia | 219 | $86,513 | $161,800 | Compare |
| Calhoun | 219 | $84,063 | $51,200 | Compare |
| East Carondelet | 219 | $65,417 | $76,700 | Compare |
| Kempton | 221 | $71,786 | $56,700 | Compare |
| Cedar Point | 218 | $59,028 | $87,300 | Compare |
| Compton | 222 | $52,321 | $75,900 | Compare |
| Ridgefield | 218 | $133,454 | $265,400 | 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 Lerna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lerna
What is the population of Lerna, IL?
The population of Lerna, IL is 220 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 Lerna?
The median household income in Lerna, IL is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lerna?
The median home value in Lerna, IL is $80,800, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lerna?
The median monthly rent in Lerna, IL is $800, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lerna?
The unemployment rate in Lerna, IL is 15.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lerna, IL a good place to live?
Lerna offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 220 and a median age of 30.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lerna, IL?
11.2% of residents in Lerna 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 Lerna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lerna, IL: median home value is $80,800 (67% below national), median rent is $800/month, and median household income is $48,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lerna?
The poverty rate in Lerna, IL is 17.0%, 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 Lerna, IL?
Lerna's population is 0.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.