Mattoon, IL
Population 16,334 · Illinois
About Mattoon, IL
Mattoon is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 16,334 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,308 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Mattoon features a median home value of $96,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mattoon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $764, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,762 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (4,385 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (3,442 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mattoon shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mattoon have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Mattoon 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 3.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mattoon, IL
Compared to national averages, Mattoon has a median household income of $47,308 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $96,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $764 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Mattoon's income is 37% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 42% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Mattoon, IL?
Mattoon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $96,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $764/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,308) that falls below the national average. However, Mattoon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mattoon has a population of 16,334 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Mattoon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Mattoon
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview Heights | 16,255 | $77,960 | $166,800 | Compare |
| Country Club Hills | 16,419 | $77,463 | $180,600 | Compare |
| Morton | 16,503 | $87,760 | $238,900 | Compare |
| Westchester | 16,524 | $103,561 | $297,400 | Compare |
| La Grange | 15,999 | $154,556 | $582,600 | Compare |
| Bridgeview | 16,721 | $65,153 | $234,000 | Compare |
| Washington | 15,946 | $91,360 | $216,700 | Compare |
| Marion | 16,796 | $57,281 | $145,300 | 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 Mattoon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mattoon
What is the population of Mattoon, IL?
The population of Mattoon, IL is 16,334 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 Mattoon?
The median household income in Mattoon, IL is $47,308 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mattoon?
The median home value in Mattoon, IL is $96,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mattoon?
The median monthly rent in Mattoon, IL is $764, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mattoon?
The unemployment rate in Mattoon, IL is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mattoon, IL a good place to live?
Mattoon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,334 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mattoon, IL?
19.5% of residents in Mattoon 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 Mattoon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mattoon, IL: median home value is $96,000 (61% below national), median rent is $764/month, and median household income is $47,308. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mattoon?
The poverty rate in Mattoon, IL is 21.0%, 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 Mattoon, IL?
Mattoon's population is 3.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.