Scales Mound, IL
Population 441 · Illinois
About Scales Mound, IL
Scales Mound is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 441 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,765 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Scales Mound features a median home value of $158,000, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Scales Mound in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $774, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 197 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (137 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Scales Mound shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Scales Mound have an average one-way commute time of 39 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Scales Mound 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 2.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Scales Mound, IL
Compared to national averages, Scales Mound has a median household income of $66,765 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,000, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $774 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Scales Mound's income is 11% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 5% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Scales Mound, IL?
Scales Mound offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $774/month, and a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,765) that falls below the national average. However, Scales Mound’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Scales Mound has a population of 441 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Scales Mound with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Scales Mound
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsburg | 441 | $72,500 | $89,500 | Compare |
| Olive Branch | 441 | $27,250 | $58,700 | Compare |
| Elkhart | 442 | $98,750 | $123,200 | Compare |
| Ruma | 438 | $71,875 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Sidell | 447 | $61,250 | $73,600 | Compare |
| Lakewood Shores | 433 | $76,500 | $181,300 | Compare |
| Crescent City | 450 | $57,917 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Prairie du Rocher | 432 | $60,313 | $85,400 | 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 Scales Mound With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Scales Mound
What is the population of Scales Mound, IL?
The population of Scales Mound, IL is 441 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 Scales Mound?
The median household income in Scales Mound, IL is $66,765 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Scales Mound?
The median home value in Scales Mound, IL is $158,000, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Scales Mound?
The median monthly rent in Scales Mound, IL is $774, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Scales Mound?
The unemployment rate in Scales Mound, IL is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Scales Mound, IL a good place to live?
Scales Mound offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 441 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Scales Mound, IL?
15.4% of residents in Scales Mound 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 Scales Mound?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Scales Mound, IL: median home value is $158,000 (35% below national), median rent is $774/month, and median household income is $66,765. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Scales Mound?
The poverty rate in Scales Mound, IL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Scales Mound, IL?
Scales Mound's population is 2.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.