Niles, IL
Population 30,262 · Illinois
About Niles, IL
Niles is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 30,262 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,563 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Niles features a median home value of $350,900, which is 43% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Niles in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,247, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,808 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (8,630 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (2,639 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Niles shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Niles have an average one-way commute time of 28.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.0% of Niles residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 9.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 42.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Niles, IL
Compared to national averages, Niles has a median household income of $78,563 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $350,900, which is 43% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,247 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Niles's income is 5% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 112% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Niles, IL?
Niles offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,563, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 39.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average.
Niles has a population of 30,262 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Niles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Niles
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park | 30,229 | $161,875 | $594,400 | Compare |
| Gurnee | 30,486 | $121,410 | $331,100 | Compare |
| Algonquin | 29,904 | $131,753 | $324,000 | Compare |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $56,815 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Galesburg | 29,653 | $45,213 | $89,800 | Compare |
| Mundelein | 31,632 | $107,608 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Lake in the Hills | 28,853 | $113,491 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Burbank | 28,822 | $83,975 | $258,900 | 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 Niles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Niles
What is the population of Niles, IL?
The population of Niles, IL is 30,262 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 Niles?
The median household income in Niles, IL is $78,563 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Niles?
The median home value in Niles, IL is $350,900, which is 43% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Niles?
The median monthly rent in Niles, IL is $1,247, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Niles?
The unemployment rate in Niles, IL is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Niles, IL a good place to live?
Niles offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 30,262 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Niles, IL?
39.0% of residents in Niles aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Niles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Niles, IL: median home value is $350,900 (43% above national), median rent is $1,247/month, and median household income is $78,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Niles?
The poverty rate in Niles, IL is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Niles, IL?
Niles's population is 9.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 42.5% of residents are foreign-born.