Pontoon Beach, IL
Population 6,131 · Illinois
About Pontoon Beach, IL
Pontoon Beach is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,131 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.9 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 Pontoon Beach features a median home value of $137,900, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pontoon Beach one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,117, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,539 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,590 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (781 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pontoon Beach shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pontoon Beach have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Pontoon Beach 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 14.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pontoon Beach, IL
Compared to national averages, Pontoon Beach has a median household income of $59,375 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,900, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,117 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Pontoon Beach's income is 21% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 17% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Pontoon Beach, IL?
Pontoon Beach offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,117/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,375) that falls below the national average. However, Pontoon Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pontoon Beach has a population of 6,131 with a median age of 33.9 years. Compare Pontoon Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Pontoon Beach
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braidwood | 6,175 | $83,365 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Chillicothe | 6,185 | $62,108 | $128,500 | Compare |
| Mount Zion | 6,076 | $110,786 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Elburn | 6,054 | $106,506 | $358,200 | Compare |
| Beardstown | 6,047 | $58,765 | $80,800 | Compare |
| Vandalia | 6,041 | $43,184 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Countryside | 6,294 | $78,132 | $330,700 | Compare |
| Monticello | 6,332 | $88,611 | $196,000 | 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 Pontoon Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontoon Beach
What is the population of Pontoon Beach, IL?
The population of Pontoon Beach, IL is 6,131 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 Pontoon Beach?
The median household income in Pontoon Beach, IL is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pontoon Beach?
The median home value in Pontoon Beach, IL is $137,900, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pontoon Beach?
The median monthly rent in Pontoon Beach, IL is $1,117, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pontoon Beach?
The unemployment rate in Pontoon Beach, IL is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pontoon Beach, IL a good place to live?
Pontoon Beach offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,131 and a median age of 33.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pontoon Beach, IL?
16.2% of residents in Pontoon Beach 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 Pontoon Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pontoon Beach, IL: median home value is $137,900 (44% below national), median rent is $1,117/month, and median household income is $59,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pontoon Beach?
The poverty rate in Pontoon Beach, IL is 14.9%, 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 Pontoon Beach, IL?
Pontoon Beach's population is 14.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 8.7% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.