Thayer, IL
Population 638 · Illinois
About Thayer, IL
Thayer is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 638 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Thayer features a median home value of $87,300, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Thayer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $919, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 347 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (266 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (31 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thayer shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Thayer have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Thayer 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 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Thayer, IL
Compared to national averages, Thayer has a median household income of $63,125 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,300, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $919 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Thayer's income is 16% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 47% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Thayer, IL?
Thayer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $919/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,125) that falls below the national average. However, Thayer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thayer has a population of 638 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Thayer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Thayer
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun River Terrace | 637 | $43,393 | $107,100 | Compare |
| Yates City | 636 | $61,500 | $94,600 | Compare |
| Cordova | 633 | $75,588 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Industry | 633 | $54,306 | $82,000 | Compare |
| New Boston | 632 | $61,563 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Dahlgren | 631 | $47,500 | $68,800 | Compare |
| Hutsonville | 645 | $57,353 | $62,900 | Compare |
| Coffeen | 630 | $63,125 | $57,300 | 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 Thayer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Thayer
What is the population of Thayer, IL?
The population of Thayer, IL is 638 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Thayer?
The median household income in Thayer, IL is $63,125 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thayer?
The median home value in Thayer, IL is $87,300, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thayer?
The median monthly rent in Thayer, IL is $919, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thayer?
The unemployment rate in Thayer, IL is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Thayer, IL a good place to live?
Thayer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 638 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Thayer, IL?
11.2% of residents in Thayer 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 Thayer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thayer, IL: median home value is $87,300 (64% below national), median rent is $919/month, and median household income is $63,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Thayer?
The poverty rate in Thayer, IL is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Thayer, IL?
Thayer's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.