McLeansboro, IL
Population 2,750 · Illinois
About McLeansboro, IL
McLeansboro is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,750 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,589 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McLeansboro features a median home value of $72,200, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McLeansboro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $548, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,362 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (818 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (447 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McLeansboro shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McLeansboro have an average one-way commute time of 25.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.1% of McLeansboro 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 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How McLeansboro Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in McLeansboro, IL
Compared to national averages, McLeansboro has a median household income of $46,589 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,200, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $548 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, McLeansboro's income is 38% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 56% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in McLeansboro, IL?
McLeansboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $548/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,589) that falls below the national average. However, McLeansboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McLeansboro has a population of 2,750 with a median age of 41 years. Compare McLeansboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near McLeansboro
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | 2,738 | $53,487 | $105,600 | Compare |
| Bushnell | 2,763 | $55,368 | $69,100 | Compare |
| Lena | 2,778 | $76,076 | $154,000 | Compare |
| Oakbrook Terrace | 2,714 | $70,586 | $315,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,788 | $44,181 | $51,200 | Compare |
| Pawnee | 2,706 | $77,977 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Venetian Village | 2,704 | $91,786 | $216,900 | Compare |
| Heyworth | 2,818 | $90,556 | $196,200 | 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 McLeansboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McLeansboro
What is the population of McLeansboro, IL?
The population of McLeansboro, IL is 2,750 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 McLeansboro?
The median household income in McLeansboro, IL is $46,589 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McLeansboro?
The median home value in McLeansboro, IL is $72,200, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McLeansboro?
The median monthly rent in McLeansboro, IL is $548, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McLeansboro?
The unemployment rate in McLeansboro, IL is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is McLeansboro, IL a good place to live?
McLeansboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,750 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McLeansboro, IL?
18.1% of residents in McLeansboro 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 McLeansboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McLeansboro, IL: median home value is $72,200 (71% below national), median rent is $548/month, and median household income is $46,589. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McLeansboro?
The poverty rate in McLeansboro, IL is 19.7%, 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 McLeansboro, IL?
McLeansboro's population is 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.