St. Charles, IL
Population 32,733 · Illinois
About St. Charles, IL
St. Charles is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 32,733 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $115,350 per year, which is 53% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Charles features a median home value of $369,700, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. This places St. Charles in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,788, 54% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,780 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (9,261 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (3,908 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Charles shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in St. Charles have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.2% of St. Charles residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 8.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 10.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Charles, IL
Compared to national averages, St. Charles has a median household income of $115,350 (53% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $369,700, which is 51% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,788 is 54% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, St. Charles's income is 54% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 123% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in St. Charles, IL?
St. Charles offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $115,350, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 51.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $369,700. However, St. Charles’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Charles has a population of 32,733 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare St. Charles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near St. Charles
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale Heights | 32,864 | $82,232 | $249,000 | Compare |
| O'Fallon | 32,139 | $102,793 | $274,100 | Compare |
| Elk Grove Village | 32,132 | $95,216 | $334,400 | Compare |
| Pekin | 31,812 | $58,355 | $118,200 | Compare |
| Mundelein | 31,632 | $107,608 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Woodridge | 33,889 | $97,263 | $345,200 | Compare |
| Northbrook | 34,642 | $155,321 | $644,100 | Compare |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $56,815 | $147,800 | 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 St. Charles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Charles
What is the population of St. Charles, IL?
The population of St. Charles, IL is 32,733 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 St. Charles?
The median household income in St. Charles, IL is $115,350 per year, which is 53% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Charles?
The median home value in St. Charles, IL is $369,700, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Charles?
The median monthly rent in St. Charles, IL is $1,788, which is 54% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Charles?
The unemployment rate in St. Charles, IL is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Charles, IL a good place to live?
St. Charles offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,733 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Charles, IL?
51.2% of residents in St. Charles aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in St. Charles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Charles, IL: median home value is $369,700 (51% above national), median rent is $1,788/month, and median household income is $115,350. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Charles?
The poverty rate in St. Charles, IL is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is St. Charles, IL?
St. Charles's population is 8.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 10.9% of residents are foreign-born.