Mendota, IL
Population 6,915 · Illinois
About Mendota, IL
Mendota is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,915 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,939 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mendota features a median home value of $121,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mendota one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $826, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,088 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,877 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (927 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mendota shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mendota have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Mendota 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 24.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 8.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mendota, IL
Compared to national averages, Mendota has a median household income of $58,939 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,100, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $826 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Mendota's income is 21% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 27% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Mendota, IL?
Mendota offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $826/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,939) that falls below the national average. However, Mendota’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mendota has a population of 6,915 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Mendota with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Mendota
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Carmel | 6,892 | $45,884 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Stickney | 6,957 | $67,307 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Calumet Park | 6,836 | $57,389 | $180,800 | Compare |
| Chester | 6,830 | $74,673 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Robinson | 7,005 | $67,591 | $102,600 | Compare |
| Clinton | 7,012 | $55,960 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Litchfield | 6,814 | $54,190 | $100,500 | Compare |
| Murphysboro | 6,804 | $42,367 | $79,600 | 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 Mendota With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mendota
What is the population of Mendota, IL?
The population of Mendota, IL is 6,915 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 Mendota?
The median household income in Mendota, IL is $58,939 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mendota?
The median home value in Mendota, IL is $121,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mendota?
The median monthly rent in Mendota, IL is $826, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mendota?
The unemployment rate in Mendota, IL is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mendota, IL a good place to live?
Mendota offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,915 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mendota, IL?
17.6% of residents in Mendota 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 Mendota?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mendota, IL: median home value is $121,100 (51% below national), median rent is $826/month, and median household income is $58,939. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mendota?
The poverty rate in Mendota, IL is 13.9%, 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 Mendota, IL?
Mendota's population is 24.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 8.1% of residents are foreign-born.