Streator, IL
Population 12,274 · Illinois
About Streator, IL
Streator is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 12,274 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,953 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Streator features a median home value of $88,000, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Streator one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $779, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,277 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (3,485 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (2,170 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Streator shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Streator have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.3% of Streator 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 14.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Streator, IL
Compared to national averages, Streator has a median household income of $54,953 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,000, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $779 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Streator's income is 27% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 47% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Streator, IL?
Streator offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $779/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,953) that falls below the national average. However, Streator’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Streator has a population of 12,274 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Streator with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Streator
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | Compare |
| Kewanee | 12,280 | $49,668 | $70,000 | Compare |
| Effingham | 12,258 | $65,718 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Justice | 12,372 | $58,514 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Winnetka | 12,508 | $250,001 | $1,206,300 | Compare |
| Rantoul | 12,515 | $49,821 | $109,200 | Compare |
| Centralia | 12,009 | $47,308 | $81,600 | Compare |
| Northlake | 12,547 | $77,564 | $242,400 | 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 Streator With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Streator
What is the population of Streator, IL?
The population of Streator, IL is 12,274 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 Streator?
The median household income in Streator, IL is $54,953 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Streator?
The median home value in Streator, IL is $88,000, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Streator?
The median monthly rent in Streator, IL is $779, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Streator?
The unemployment rate in Streator, IL is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Streator, IL a good place to live?
Streator offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,274 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Streator, IL?
12.3% of residents in Streator 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 Streator?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Streator, IL: median home value is $88,000 (64% below national), median rent is $779/month, and median household income is $54,953. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Streator?
The poverty rate in Streator, IL is 20.6%, 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 Streator, IL?
Streator's population is 14.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.