Pontiac, IL
Population 11,483 · Illinois
About Pontiac, IL
Pontiac is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 11,483 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,579 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Pontiac features a median home value of $110,200, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pontiac one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $818, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,106 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (3,040 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,640 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pontiac shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pontiac have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.1% of Pontiac 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 3.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pontiac, IL
Compared to national averages, Pontiac has a median household income of $59,579 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,200, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $818 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Pontiac's income is 21% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 34% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Pontiac, IL?
Pontiac offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $818/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,579) that falls below the national average. However, Pontiac’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pontiac has a population of 11,483 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Pontiac with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Pontiac
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Forest | 11,489 | $148,711 | $676,900 | Compare |
| Schiller Park | 11,454 | $67,473 | $276,200 | Compare |
| Markham | 11,434 | $52,364 | $119,500 | Compare |
| Plano | 11,626 | $83,102 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Palos Heights | 11,817 | $107,974 | $350,000 | Compare |
| Taylorville | 11,149 | $52,720 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Burr Ridge | 11,119 | $154,508 | $694,800 | Compare |
| Columbia | 11,063 | $107,922 | $290,100 | 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 Pontiac With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontiac
What is the population of Pontiac, IL?
The population of Pontiac, IL is 11,483 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 Pontiac?
The median household income in Pontiac, IL is $59,579 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pontiac?
The median home value in Pontiac, IL is $110,200, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pontiac?
The median monthly rent in Pontiac, IL is $818, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pontiac?
The unemployment rate in Pontiac, IL is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pontiac, IL a good place to live?
Pontiac offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,483 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pontiac, IL?
16.1% of residents in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pontiac, IL: median home value is $110,200 (55% below national), median rent is $818/month, and median household income is $59,579. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pontiac?
The poverty rate in Pontiac, IL is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pontiac, IL?
Pontiac's population is 3.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 8.7% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.