Sumner, IL
Population 2,229 · Illinois
About Sumner, IL
Sumner is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,229 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,458 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sumner features a median home value of $61,200, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sumner one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $707, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 334 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (203 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (62 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sumner shows an unemployment rate of 11.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sumner have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.0% of Sumner 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 7.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sumner, IL
Compared to national averages, Sumner has a median household income of $51,458 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,200, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $707 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Sumner's income is 31% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 63% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Sumner, IL?
Sumner offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $707/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,458) that falls below the national average. However, Sumner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sumner has a population of 2,229 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Sumner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Sumner
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Summerset | 2,240 | $105,588 | $226,700 | Compare |
| Nokomis | 2,213 | $57,625 | $78,400 | Compare |
| Carbon Cliff | 2,248 | $55,000 | $124,600 | Compare |
| Elmwood | 2,254 | $87,644 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Casey | 2,258 | $48,631 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Cambridge | 2,184 | $72,292 | $120,400 | Compare |
| South Roxana | 2,180 | $56,364 | $87,200 | Compare |
| Pecatonica | 2,178 | $71,500 | $134,900 | 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 Sumner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sumner
What is the population of Sumner, IL?
The population of Sumner, IL is 2,229 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 Sumner?
The median household income in Sumner, IL is $51,458 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sumner?
The median home value in Sumner, IL is $61,200, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sumner?
The median monthly rent in Sumner, IL is $707, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sumner?
The unemployment rate in Sumner, IL is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sumner, IL a good place to live?
Sumner offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,229 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sumner, IL?
5.0% of residents in Sumner 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 Sumner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sumner, IL: median home value is $61,200 (75% below national), median rent is $707/month, and median household income is $51,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sumner?
The poverty rate in Sumner, IL is 33.1%, 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 Sumner, IL?
Sumner's population is 7.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 33.5% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.