Preston Heights, IL
Population 2,318 · Illinois
About Preston Heights, IL
Preston Heights is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,318 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,970 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Preston Heights features a median home value of $141,400, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Preston Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,232, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,025 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (563 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (397 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Preston Heights shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Preston Heights have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.4% of Preston Heights 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 28.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 14.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Preston Heights, IL
Compared to national averages, Preston Heights has a median household income of $51,970 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,400, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,232 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Preston Heights's income is 31% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 15% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Preston Heights, IL?
Preston Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,400, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,970) that falls below the national average. However, Preston Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Preston Heights has a population of 2,318 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Preston Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Preston Heights
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Lake Hills | 2,304 | $111,477 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Tremont | 2,300 | $77,420 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Hinckley | 2,286 | $81,625 | $267,600 | Compare |
| Wayne | 2,284 | $169,583 | $674,000 | Compare |
| Fairmont City | 2,354 | $43,333 | $65,500 | Compare |
| White Hall | 2,354 | $52,685 | $72,500 | Compare |
| Villa Grove | 2,375 | $69,900 | $99,600 | Compare |
| Casey | 2,258 | $48,631 | $86,000 | 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 Preston Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Preston Heights
What is the population of Preston Heights, IL?
The population of Preston Heights, IL is 2,318 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 Preston Heights?
The median household income in Preston Heights, IL is $51,970 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Preston Heights?
The median home value in Preston Heights, IL is $141,400, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Preston Heights?
The median monthly rent in Preston Heights, IL is $1,232, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Preston Heights?
The unemployment rate in Preston Heights, IL is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Preston Heights, IL a good place to live?
Preston Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,318 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Preston Heights, IL?
8.4% of residents in Preston Heights 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 Preston Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Preston Heights, IL: median home value is $141,400 (42% below national), median rent is $1,232/month, and median household income is $51,970. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Preston Heights?
The poverty rate in Preston Heights, IL is 13.3%, 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 Preston Heights, IL?
Preston Heights's population is 28.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 43.0% two or more races. 14.6% of residents are foreign-born.