Prairie City, IL
Population 386 · Illinois
About Prairie City, IL
Prairie City is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 386 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,250 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Prairie City features a median home value of $80,400, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Prairie City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 166 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (129 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Prairie City shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Prairie City have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Prairie 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 6.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Prairie City, IL
Compared to national averages, Prairie City has a median household income of $36,250 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,400, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Prairie City's income is 52% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 52% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Prairie City, IL?
Prairie City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,250) that falls below the national average. However, Prairie City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Prairie City has a population of 386 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Prairie City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Prairie City
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Hill | 387 | $52,917 | $61,300 | Compare |
| Cameron | 383 | $57,614 | $110,400 | Compare |
| Stonefort | 389 | $53,365 | $83,300 | Compare |
| Armington | 382 | $56,250 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Arrowsmith | 381 | $85,592 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 381 | $56,458 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Alto Pass | 380 | $59,583 | $106,800 | Compare |
| Belle Rive | 380 | $55,577 | $82,500 | 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 Prairie City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Prairie City
What is the population of Prairie City, IL?
The population of Prairie City, IL is 386 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 Prairie City?
The median household income in Prairie City, IL is $36,250 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Prairie City?
The median home value in Prairie City, IL is $80,400, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Prairie City?
The median monthly rent in Prairie City, IL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Prairie City?
The unemployment rate in Prairie City, IL is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Prairie City, IL a good place to live?
Prairie City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 386 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Prairie City, IL?
11.9% of residents in Prairie 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 Prairie City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Prairie City, IL: median home value is $80,400 (67% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $36,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Prairie City?
The poverty rate in Prairie City, IL is 14.3%, 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 Prairie City, IL?
Prairie City's population is 6.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.