Newton, IL
Population 2,852 · Illinois
About Newton, IL
Newton is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,852 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,564 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 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 Newton features a median home value of $98,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Newton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $745, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,460 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (948 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (364 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Newton shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Newton have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Newton 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 0.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Newton, IL
Compared to national averages, Newton has a median household income of $58,564 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,900, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Newton's income is 22% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 40% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Newton, IL?
Newton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,564) that falls below the national average. However, Newton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Newton has a population of 2,852 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Newton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Newton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savanna | 2,851 | $46,094 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Arcola | 2,867 | $85,697 | $122,800 | Compare |
| El Paso | 2,871 | $70,063 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Heyworth | 2,818 | $90,556 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Winnebago | 2,896 | $82,813 | $180,300 | Compare |
| Galena | 2,899 | $55,765 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Diamond | 2,900 | $60,000 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Madison | 2,788 | $44,181 | $51,200 | 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 Newton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Newton
What is the population of Newton, IL?
The population of Newton, IL is 2,852 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 Newton?
The median household income in Newton, IL is $58,564 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Newton?
The median home value in Newton, IL is $98,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Newton?
The median monthly rent in Newton, IL is $745, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Newton?
The unemployment rate in Newton, IL is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Newton, IL a good place to live?
Newton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,852 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Newton, IL?
18.5% of residents in Newton 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 Newton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Newton, IL: median home value is $98,900 (60% below national), median rent is $745/month, and median household income is $58,564. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Newton?
The poverty rate in Newton, IL is 13.1%, 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 Newton, IL?
Newton's population is 0.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.