Ransom, IL
Population 312 · Illinois
About Ransom, IL
Ransom is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 312 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,250 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Ransom features a median home value of $101,500, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ransom one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 149 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ransom shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ransom have an average one-way commute time of 33 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% of Ransom 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 5.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ransom, IL
Compared to national averages, Ransom has a median household income of $69,250 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,500, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Ransom's income is 8% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 39% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Ransom, IL?
Ransom offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,250) that falls below the national average. However, Ransom’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ransom has a population of 312 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Ransom with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Ransom
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martinton | 312 | $86,000 | $110,500 | Compare |
| Royal | 313 | $93,500 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Arenzville | 310 | $82,188 | $109,900 | Compare |
| Virgil | 310 | $97,500 | $301,500 | Compare |
| Addieville | 315 | $101,875 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Waltonville | 315 | $69,583 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Manlius | 308 | $67,500 | $87,800 | Compare |
| Royal Lakes | 318 | $0 | $54,400 | 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 Ransom With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ransom
What is the population of Ransom, IL?
The population of Ransom, IL is 312 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 Ransom?
The median household income in Ransom, IL is $69,250 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ransom?
The median home value in Ransom, IL is $101,500, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ransom?
The median monthly rent in Ransom, IL is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ransom?
The unemployment rate in Ransom, IL is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ransom, IL a good place to live?
Ransom offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 312 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ransom, IL?
14.7% of residents in Ransom 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 Ransom?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ransom, IL: median home value is $101,500 (59% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $69,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ransom?
The poverty rate in Ransom, IL is 14.7%, 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 Ransom, IL?
Ransom's population is 5.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.