Pekin, IL
Population 31,812 · Illinois
About Pekin, IL
Pekin is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 31,812 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,355 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pekin features a median home value of $118,200, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pekin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $792, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,733 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (9,033 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (4,494 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pekin shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pekin have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Pekin 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 2.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pekin, IL
Compared to national averages, Pekin has a median household income of $58,355 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,200, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $792 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Pekin's income is 22% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 29% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Pekin, IL?
Pekin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $792/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,355) that falls below the national average. However, Pekin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pekin has a population of 31,812 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Pekin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Pekin
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mundelein | 31,632 | $107,608 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Elk Grove Village | 32,132 | $95,216 | $334,400 | Compare |
| O'Fallon | 32,139 | $102,793 | $274,100 | Compare |
| St. Charles | 32,733 | $115,350 | $369,700 | Compare |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $56,815 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Glendale Heights | 32,864 | $82,232 | $249,000 | Compare |
| Gurnee | 30,486 | $121,410 | $331,100 | Compare |
| Niles | 30,262 | $78,563 | $350,900 | 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 Pekin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pekin
What is the population of Pekin, IL?
The population of Pekin, IL is 31,812 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 Pekin?
The median household income in Pekin, IL is $58,355 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pekin?
The median home value in Pekin, IL is $118,200, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pekin?
The median monthly rent in Pekin, IL is $792, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pekin?
The unemployment rate in Pekin, IL is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pekin, IL a good place to live?
Pekin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,812 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pekin, IL?
18.9% of residents in Pekin 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 Pekin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pekin, IL: median home value is $118,200 (52% below national), median rent is $792/month, and median household income is $58,355. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pekin?
The poverty rate in Pekin, IL is 13.0%, 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 Pekin, IL?
Pekin's population is 2.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.