Macomb, IL
Population 15,006 · Illinois
About Macomb, IL
Macomb is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 15,006 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,753 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.7 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 Macomb features a median home value of $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Macomb one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $733, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,368 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (2,949 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (3,430 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Macomb shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Macomb have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.4% of Macomb residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Macomb, IL
Compared to national averages, Macomb has a median household income of $39,753 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,800, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $733 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Macomb's income is 47% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 40% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Macomb, IL?
Macomb offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $733/month, and a well-educated community where 35.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,753) that falls below the national average. However, Macomb’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Macomb has a population of 15,006 with a median age of 27.7 years. Compare Macomb with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Macomb
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dixon | 15,166 | $58,371 | $113,300 | Compare |
| Norridge | 15,177 | $87,579 | $361,000 | Compare |
| Morris | 14,775 | $72,357 | $244,400 | Compare |
| Antioch | 14,751 | $118,635 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Chatham | 14,740 | $106,030 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Hickory Hills | 14,718 | $85,541 | $278,400 | Compare |
| Bradley | 15,331 | $62,940 | $164,400 | Compare |
| Sterling | 14,670 | $52,647 | $107,800 | 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 Macomb With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Macomb
What is the population of Macomb, IL?
The population of Macomb, IL is 15,006 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 Macomb?
The median household income in Macomb, IL is $39,753 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Macomb?
The median home value in Macomb, IL is $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Macomb?
The median monthly rent in Macomb, IL is $733, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Macomb?
The unemployment rate in Macomb, IL is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Macomb, IL a good place to live?
Macomb offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,006 and a median age of 27.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Macomb, IL?
35.4% of residents in Macomb 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 Macomb?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Macomb, IL: median home value is $99,800 (59% below national), median rent is $733/month, and median household income is $39,753. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Macomb?
The poverty rate in Macomb, IL is 29.5%, 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 Macomb, IL?
Macomb's population is 3.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 9.5% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.