Paxton, IL
Population 4,201 · Illinois
About Paxton, IL
Paxton is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 4,201 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,470 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paxton features a median home value of $116,700, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Paxton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $922, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,041 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,272 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (537 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paxton shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Paxton have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.1% of Paxton 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 1.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Paxton, IL
Compared to national averages, Paxton has a median household income of $60,470 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,700, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $922 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Paxton's income is 19% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 30% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Paxton, IL?
Paxton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $922/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,470) that falls below the national average. However, Paxton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paxton has a population of 4,201 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Paxton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Paxton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poplar Grove | 4,202 | $93,409 | $253,500 | Compare |
| Scott AFB | 4,195 | $91,115 | $0 | Compare |
| Sherman | 4,211 | $147,025 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Kildeer | 4,189 | $250,001 | $697,900 | Compare |
| Anna | 4,222 | $36,238 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Caseyville | 4,170 | $57,919 | $94,900 | Compare |
| Lawrenceville | 4,241 | $44,885 | $77,600 | Compare |
| Hometown | 4,244 | $59,265 | $152,000 | 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 Paxton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paxton
What is the population of Paxton, IL?
The population of Paxton, IL is 4,201 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Paxton?
The median household income in Paxton, IL is $60,470 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paxton?
The median home value in Paxton, IL is $116,700, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paxton?
The median monthly rent in Paxton, IL is $922, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paxton?
The unemployment rate in Paxton, IL is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Paxton, IL a good place to live?
Paxton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,201 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paxton, IL?
21.1% of residents in Paxton 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 Paxton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paxton, IL: median home value is $116,700 (52% below national), median rent is $922/month, and median household income is $60,470. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paxton?
The poverty rate in Paxton, IL is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Paxton, IL?
Paxton's population is 1.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.