Royal Lakes, IL
Population 318 · Illinois
About Royal Lakes, IL
Royal Lakes is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 318 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.6 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 Royal Lakes features a median home value of $54,400, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Royal Lakes one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $283, 76% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 136 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (60 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (42 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Royal Lakes shows an unemployment rate of 23.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Royal Lakes have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.9% of Royal Lakes 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Royal Lakes Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Royal Lakes, IL
Compared to national averages, Royal Lakes has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $54,400, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $283 is 76% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Royal Lakes's income is 100% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 67% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Royal Lakes, IL?
Royal Lakes offers affordable housing with a median home value of $54,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $283/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Royal Lakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Royal Lakes has a population of 318 with a median age of 48.6 years. Compare Royal Lakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Royal Lakes
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table Grove | 318 | $52,083 | $72,300 | Compare |
| New Douglas | 320 | $48,500 | $85,500 | Compare |
| Whiteash | 320 | $109,149 | $270,000 | Compare |
| Addieville | 315 | $101,875 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Beaverville | 321 | $51,250 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Kangley | 321 | $91,875 | $95,700 | Compare |
| Lomax | 321 | $51,875 | $81,400 | Compare |
| Waltonville | 315 | $69,583 | $96,100 | 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 Royal Lakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Lakes
What is the population of Royal Lakes, IL?
The population of Royal Lakes, IL is 318 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 Royal Lakes?
The median household income in Royal Lakes, IL is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Royal Lakes?
The median home value in Royal Lakes, IL is $54,400, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Royal Lakes?
The median monthly rent in Royal Lakes, IL is $283, which is 76% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Royal Lakes?
The unemployment rate in Royal Lakes, IL is 23.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Royal Lakes, IL a good place to live?
Royal Lakes offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 318 and a median age of 48.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Royal Lakes, IL?
3.9% of residents in Royal Lakes 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 Royal Lakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Royal Lakes, IL: median home value is $54,400 (78% below national), median rent is $283/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Royal Lakes?
The poverty rate in Royal Lakes, IL is 30.5%, 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 Royal Lakes, IL?
Royal Lakes's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 74.8% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.