Petersburg, IL
Population 2,590 · Illinois
About Petersburg, IL
Petersburg is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,590 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,850 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Petersburg features a median home value of $174,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Petersburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $665, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,311 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (713 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (534 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Petersburg shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Petersburg have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.6% of Petersburg 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 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Petersburg Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Petersburg, IL
Compared to national averages, Petersburg has a median household income of $59,850 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $174,800, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $665 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Petersburg's income is 20% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 5% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Petersburg, IL?
Petersburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $174,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $665/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,850) that falls below the national average. However, Petersburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Petersburg has a population of 2,590 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Petersburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Petersburg
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Lake Heights | 2,585 | $75,556 | $196,100 | Compare |
| Rockdale | 2,598 | $56,799 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Sheridan | 2,610 | $73,214 | $183,200 | Compare |
| Marquette Heights | 2,613 | $77,386 | $121,600 | Compare |
| Galva | 2,543 | $55,446 | $77,800 | Compare |
| Kenilworth | 2,543 | $250,001 | $1,409,800 | Compare |
| Tilton | 2,537 | $53,246 | $71,700 | Compare |
| Brighton | 2,536 | $74,327 | $123,000 | 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 Petersburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Petersburg
What is the population of Petersburg, IL?
The population of Petersburg, IL is 2,590 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 Petersburg?
The median household income in Petersburg, IL is $59,850 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Petersburg?
The median home value in Petersburg, IL is $174,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Petersburg?
The median monthly rent in Petersburg, IL is $665, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Petersburg?
The unemployment rate in Petersburg, IL is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Petersburg, IL a good place to live?
Petersburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,590 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Petersburg, IL?
29.6% of residents in Petersburg 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 Petersburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Petersburg, IL: median home value is $174,800 (29% below national), median rent is $665/month, and median household income is $59,850. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Petersburg?
The poverty rate in Petersburg, IL is 15.5%, 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 Petersburg, IL?
Petersburg's population is 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.