Pearl City, IL
Population 798 · Illinois
About Pearl City, IL
Pearl City is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 798 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,500 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.5 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 Pearl City features a median home value of $121,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pearl City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $747, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 306 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (217 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (73 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pearl City shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pearl City have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Pearl City 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 0.8% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pearl City, IL
Compared to national averages, Pearl City has a median household income of $63,500 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $747 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Pearl City's income is 15% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 27% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Pearl City, IL?
Pearl City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $747/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,500) that falls below the national average. However, Pearl City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pearl City has a population of 798 with a median age of 32.5 years. Compare Pearl City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Pearl City
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newman | 796 | $73,526 | $106,700 | Compare |
| Alpha | 801 | $75,139 | $115,700 | Compare |
| Apple Canyon Lake | 795 | $103,375 | $319,100 | Compare |
| Pocahontas | 794 | $48,250 | $91,200 | Compare |
| Wamac | 794 | $40,000 | $21,900 | Compare |
| Hardin | 792 | $85,417 | $90,500 | Compare |
| Livingston | 791 | $57,750 | $101,800 | Compare |
| Hennepin | 790 | $78,594 | $166,700 | 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 Pearl City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl City
What is the population of Pearl City, IL?
The population of Pearl City, IL is 798 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 Pearl City?
The median household income in Pearl City, IL is $63,500 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pearl City?
The median home value in Pearl City, IL is $121,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pearl City?
The median monthly rent in Pearl City, IL is $747, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pearl City?
The unemployment rate in Pearl City, IL is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pearl City, IL a good place to live?
Pearl City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 798 and a median age of 32.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pearl City, IL?
17.4% of residents in Pearl City 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 Pearl City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pearl City, IL: median home value is $121,300 (50% below national), median rent is $747/month, and median household income is $63,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pearl City?
The poverty rate in Pearl City, IL is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pearl City, IL?
Pearl City's population is 0.8% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.