Mount Vernon, IL
Population 14,492 · Illinois
About Mount Vernon, IL
Mount Vernon is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 14,492 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,751 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Vernon features a median home value of $89,700, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mount Vernon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $893, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,196 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (3,312 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (2,888 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Vernon shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mount Vernon have an average one-way commute time of 13.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Mount Vernon 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 2.1% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mount Vernon, IL
Compared to national averages, Mount Vernon has a median household income of $52,751 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,700, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $893 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Mount Vernon's income is 30% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Mount Vernon, IL?
Mount Vernon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $893/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,751) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Vernon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Vernon has a population of 14,492 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Mount Vernon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Mount Vernon
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swansea | 14,603 | $84,367 | $211,700 | Compare |
| Lindenhurst | 14,365 | $127,837 | $275,400 | Compare |
| Sterling | 14,670 | $52,647 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Hickory Hills | 14,718 | $85,541 | $278,400 | Compare |
| Chatham | 14,740 | $106,030 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Antioch | 14,751 | $118,635 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Warrenville | 14,232 | $99,028 | $266,500 | Compare |
| Morris | 14,775 | $72,357 | $244,400 | 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 Mount Vernon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Vernon
What is the population of Mount Vernon, IL?
The population of Mount Vernon, IL is 14,492 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 Mount Vernon?
The median household income in Mount Vernon, IL is $52,751 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Vernon?
The median home value in Mount Vernon, IL is $89,700, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Vernon?
The median monthly rent in Mount Vernon, IL is $893, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Vernon?
The unemployment rate in Mount Vernon, IL is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mount Vernon, IL a good place to live?
Mount Vernon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,492 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mount Vernon, IL?
19.0% of residents in Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Vernon, IL: median home value is $89,700 (63% below national), median rent is $893/month, and median household income is $52,751. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Vernon?
The poverty rate in Mount Vernon, IL is 18.7%, 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 Mount Vernon, IL?
Mount Vernon's population is 2.1% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 11.8% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.