Oquawka, IL
Population 990 · Illinois
About Oquawka, IL
Oquawka is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 990 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,477 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.9 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 Oquawka features a median home value of $87,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oquawka one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $492, 58% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 669 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (432 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (65 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oquawka shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oquawka have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Oquawka 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 1.8% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oquawka Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Oquawka, IL
Compared to national averages, Oquawka has a median household income of $51,477 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,200, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $492 is 58% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Oquawka's income is 31% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 47% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Oquawka, IL?
Oquawka offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $492/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,477) that falls below the national average. However, Oquawka’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oquawka has a population of 990 with a median age of 49.9 years. Compare Oquawka with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Oquawka
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkinson | 988 | $53,712 | $116,900 | Compare |
| Goodfield | 986 | $110,417 | $254,100 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 985 | $55,208 | $76,300 | Compare |
| Lockport Heights | 984 | $107,875 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Worden | 983 | $79,732 | $136,200 | Compare |
| Ramsey | 998 | $50,664 | $58,000 | Compare |
| Windsor | 982 | $55,455 | $97,200 | Compare |
| Minier | 999 | $77,500 | $138,200 | 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 Oquawka With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oquawka
What is the population of Oquawka, IL?
The population of Oquawka, IL is 990 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Oquawka?
The median household income in Oquawka, IL is $51,477 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oquawka?
The median home value in Oquawka, IL is $87,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oquawka?
The median monthly rent in Oquawka, IL is $492, which is 58% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oquawka?
The unemployment rate in Oquawka, IL is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oquawka, IL a good place to live?
Oquawka offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 990 and a median age of 49.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Oquawka, IL?
18.2% of residents in Oquawka 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 Oquawka?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oquawka, IL: median home value is $87,200 (64% below national), median rent is $492/month, and median household income is $51,477. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oquawka?
The poverty rate in Oquawka, IL is 15.9%, 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 Oquawka, IL?
Oquawka's population is 1.8% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.