Rantoul, IL
Population 12,515 · Illinois
About Rantoul, IL
Rantoul is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 12,515 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,821 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 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 Rantoul features a median home value of $109,200, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rantoul one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $899, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,829 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (2,523 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (2,563 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rantoul shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rantoul have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Rantoul 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 17.0% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rantoul, IL
Compared to national averages, Rantoul has a median household income of $49,821 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,200, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $899 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Rantoul's income is 34% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 34% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Rantoul, IL?
Rantoul offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $899/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,821) that falls below the national average. However, Rantoul’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rantoul has a population of 12,515 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Rantoul with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Rantoul
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnetka | 12,508 | $250,001 | $1,206,300 | Compare |
| Northlake | 12,547 | $77,564 | $242,400 | Compare |
| Richton Park | 12,576 | $71,724 | $200,400 | Compare |
| Minooka | 12,632 | $122,163 | $288,600 | Compare |
| Justice | 12,372 | $58,514 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Kewanee | 12,280 | $49,668 | $70,000 | Compare |
| Streator | 12,274 | $54,953 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | 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 Rantoul With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rantoul
What is the population of Rantoul, IL?
The population of Rantoul, IL is 12,515 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 Rantoul?
The median household income in Rantoul, IL is $49,821 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rantoul?
The median home value in Rantoul, IL is $109,200, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rantoul?
The median monthly rent in Rantoul, IL is $899, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rantoul?
The unemployment rate in Rantoul, IL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rantoul, IL a good place to live?
Rantoul offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,515 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rantoul, IL?
11.9% of residents in Rantoul 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 Rantoul?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rantoul, IL: median home value is $109,200 (55% below national), median rent is $899/month, and median household income is $49,821. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rantoul?
The poverty rate in Rantoul, IL is 18.7%, 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 Rantoul, IL?
Rantoul's population is 17.0% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 20.6% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.