Normal, IL
Population 52,908 · Illinois
About Normal, IL
Normal is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 52,908 residents. The median household income is $66,350 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Normal is 25.2 years.
Housing in Normal has a median home value of $199,900 and median monthly rent of $974. Of the 21,879 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 10,922 owner-occupied and 8,853 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Normal is 4.2% and the poverty rate is 21.5%. 52.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.3 minutes.
How Normal Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Normal, IL
Compared to national averages, Normal has a median household income of $66,350 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,900, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $974 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Normal's income is 12% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 21% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Normal, IL?
Normal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $974/month, and a well-educated community where 52.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,350) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Normal provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Normal has a population of 52,908 with a median age of 25.2 years. Compare Normal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Normal
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park | 53,315 | $108,026 | $456,300 | Compare |
| Wheaton | 53,453 | $119,566 | $447,700 | Compare |
| Hoffman Estates | 51,186 | $109,683 | $340,400 | Compare |
| Tinley Park | 55,007 | $103,819 | $289,000 | Compare |
| Mount Prospect | 55,648 | $103,911 | $377,000 | Compare |
| Berwyn | 55,888 | $75,235 | $286,000 | Compare |
| Downers Grove | 49,867 | $119,649 | $439,000 | Compare |
| Oak Lawn | 57,098 | $82,493 | $267,900 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Normal
What is the population of Normal, IL?
The population of Normal, IL is 52,908 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Normal?
The median household income in Normal, IL is $66,350 per year.
What is the median home value in Normal?
The median home value in Normal, IL is $199,900.
What is the average rent in Normal?
The median monthly rent in Normal, IL is $974.
What is the unemployment rate in Normal?
The unemployment rate in Normal, IL is 4.2%.