Palos Heights, IL
Population 11,817 · Illinois
About Palos Heights, IL
Palos Heights is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 11,817 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $107,974 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.2 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 Palos Heights features a median home value of $350,000, which is 43% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Palos Heights in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $2,138, 84% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,762 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (4,280 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (215 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palos Heights shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palos Heights have an average one-way commute time of 29.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.0% of Palos Heights 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 5.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Palos Heights, IL
Compared to national averages, Palos Heights has a median household income of $107,974 (44% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $350,000, which is 43% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,138 is 84% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Palos Heights's income is 44% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 111% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Palos Heights, IL?
Palos Heights offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $107,974, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 43.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Palos Heights has a population of 11,817 with a median age of 51.2 years. Compare Palos Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Palos Heights
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plano | 11,626 | $83,102 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Centralia | 12,009 | $47,308 | $81,600 | Compare |
| River Forest | 11,489 | $148,711 | $676,900 | Compare |
| Pontiac | 11,483 | $59,579 | $110,200 | Compare |
| Schiller Park | 11,454 | $67,473 | $276,200 | Compare |
| Markham | 11,434 | $52,364 | $119,500 | Compare |
| Effingham | 12,258 | $65,718 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | 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 Palos Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palos Heights
What is the population of Palos Heights, IL?
The population of Palos Heights, IL is 11,817 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 Palos Heights?
The median household income in Palos Heights, IL is $107,974 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palos Heights?
The median home value in Palos Heights, IL is $350,000, which is 43% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palos Heights?
The median monthly rent in Palos Heights, IL is $2,138, which is 84% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palos Heights?
The unemployment rate in Palos Heights, IL is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Palos Heights, IL a good place to live?
Palos Heights offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,817 and a median age of 51.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Palos Heights, IL?
43.0% of residents in Palos Heights 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 Palos Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palos Heights, IL: median home value is $350,000 (43% above national), median rent is $2,138/month, and median household income is $107,974. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Palos Heights?
The poverty rate in Palos Heights, IL is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Palos Heights, IL?
Palos Heights's population is 5.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.