Metropolis, IL
Population 5,898 · Illinois
About Metropolis, IL
Metropolis is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 5,898 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,548 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 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 Metropolis features a median home value of $93,700, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Metropolis one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $748, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,125 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,690 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (823 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Metropolis shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Metropolis have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Metropolis 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 3.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Metropolis, IL
Compared to national averages, Metropolis has a median household income of $51,548 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,700, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $748 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Metropolis's income is 31% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 43% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Metropolis, IL?
Metropolis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $748/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,548) that falls below the national average. However, Metropolis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Metropolis has a population of 5,898 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Metropolis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Metropolis
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakemoor | 5,878 | $96,929 | $261,300 | Compare |
| Willow Springs | 5,871 | $103,429 | $370,900 | Compare |
| Spring Grove | 5,866 | $133,224 | $371,200 | Compare |
| Bartonville | 5,854 | $67,674 | $128,000 | Compare |
| Lake Bluff | 5,834 | $205,735 | $739,400 | Compare |
| Peoria Heights | 5,834 | $62,083 | $118,000 | Compare |
| Carterville | 5,822 | $65,238 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Du Quoin | 5,780 | $47,632 | $78,000 | 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 Metropolis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Metropolis
What is the population of Metropolis, IL?
The population of Metropolis, IL is 5,898 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 Metropolis?
The median household income in Metropolis, IL is $51,548 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Metropolis?
The median home value in Metropolis, IL is $93,700, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Metropolis?
The median monthly rent in Metropolis, IL is $748, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Metropolis?
The unemployment rate in Metropolis, IL is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Metropolis, IL a good place to live?
Metropolis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,898 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Metropolis, IL?
14.4% of residents in Metropolis 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 Metropolis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Metropolis, IL: median home value is $93,700 (62% below national), median rent is $748/month, and median household income is $51,548. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Metropolis?
The poverty rate in Metropolis, IL is 16.6%, 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 Metropolis, IL?
Metropolis's population is 3.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 8.9% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.