Normal, IL
Population 52,908 · Illinois
About Normal, IL
Normal is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 52,908 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,350 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Normal features a median home value of $199,900, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Normal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $974, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,879 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (10,922 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (8,853 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Normal shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Normal have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
52.5% of Normal residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Normal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Normal
What is the population of Normal, IL?
The population of Normal, IL is 52,908 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 Normal?
The median household income in Normal, IL is $66,350 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Normal?
The median home value in Normal, IL is $199,900, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Normal?
The median monthly rent in Normal, IL is $974, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Normal?
The unemployment rate in Normal, IL is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Normal, IL a good place to live?
Normal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 52,908 and a median age of 25.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Normal, IL?
52.5% of residents in Normal 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 Normal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Normal, IL: median home value is $199,900 (18% below national), median rent is $974/month, and median household income is $66,350. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Normal?
The poverty rate in Normal, IL is 21.5%, 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 Normal, IL?
Normal's population is 5.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 11.4% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.