Sycamore, IL
Population 18,243 · Illinois
About Sycamore, IL
Sycamore is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 18,243 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,837 per year, which is 8% above 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 Sycamore features a median home value of $254,200, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Sycamore in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,062, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,868 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (5,321 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (2,178 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sycamore shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sycamore have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.6% of Sycamore residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sycamore, IL
Compared to national averages, Sycamore has a median household income of $80,837 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $254,200, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,062 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Sycamore's income is 8% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 53% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Sycamore, IL?
Sycamore offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,837, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,062/month, and a well-educated community where 43.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average.
Sycamore has a population of 18,243 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Sycamore with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Sycamore
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Park | 18,233 | $76,009 | $261,700 | Compare |
| Shorewood | 18,218 | $122,648 | $324,600 | Compare |
| East St. Louis | 18,278 | $30,992 | $52,700 | Compare |
| Palos Hills | 18,139 | $83,969 | $259,200 | Compare |
| Bellwood | 18,373 | $76,990 | $219,600 | Compare |
| North Aurora | 18,375 | $111,781 | $323,900 | Compare |
| Bourbonnais | 18,109 | $81,017 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Bensenville | 18,576 | $78,298 | $259,300 | 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 Sycamore With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sycamore
What is the population of Sycamore, IL?
The population of Sycamore, IL is 18,243 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 Sycamore?
The median household income in Sycamore, IL is $80,837 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sycamore?
The median home value in Sycamore, IL is $254,200, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sycamore?
The median monthly rent in Sycamore, IL is $1,062, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sycamore?
The unemployment rate in Sycamore, IL is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sycamore, IL a good place to live?
Sycamore offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,243 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sycamore, IL?
43.6% of residents in Sycamore 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 Sycamore?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sycamore, IL: median home value is $254,200 (4% above national), median rent is $1,062/month, and median household income is $80,837. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sycamore?
The poverty rate in Sycamore, IL is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sycamore, IL?
Sycamore's population is 5.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.