St. Elmo, IL
Population 1,401 · Illinois
About St. Elmo, IL
St. Elmo is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,401 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,115 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Elmo features a median home value of $80,300, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Elmo one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $759, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 561 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (413 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (81 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Elmo shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Elmo have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.2% of St. Elmo 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 0.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Elmo, IL
Compared to national averages, St. Elmo has a median household income of $47,115 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,300, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $759 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, St. Elmo's income is 37% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 52% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in St. Elmo, IL?
St. Elmo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $759/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,115) that falls below the national average. However, St. Elmo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Elmo has a population of 1,401 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare St. Elmo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near St. Elmo
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut | 1,402 | $62,019 | $94,700 | Compare |
| Palestine | 1,396 | $60,000 | $75,800 | Compare |
| Arbury Hills | 1,408 | $103,456 | $225,600 | Compare |
| Ladd | 1,393 | $73,646 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Toulon | 1,390 | $51,316 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Waterman | 1,419 | $97,386 | $212,900 | Compare |
| Mazon | 1,424 | $76,458 | $203,100 | Compare |
| Cerro Gordo | 1,426 | $69,118 | $108,000 | 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. Elmo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Elmo
What is the population of St. Elmo, IL?
The population of St. Elmo, IL is 1,401 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in St. Elmo?
The median household income in St. Elmo, IL is $47,115 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Elmo?
The median home value in St. Elmo, IL is $80,300, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Elmo?
The median monthly rent in St. Elmo, IL is $759, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Elmo?
The unemployment rate in St. Elmo, IL is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Elmo, IL a good place to live?
St. Elmo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,401 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Elmo, IL?
8.2% of residents in St. Elmo 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 St. Elmo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Elmo, IL: median home value is $80,300 (67% below national), median rent is $759/month, and median household income is $47,115. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Elmo?
The poverty rate in St. Elmo, IL is 23.7%, 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 St. Elmo, IL?
St. Elmo's population is 0.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.