Thomson, IL
Population 1,526 · Illinois
About Thomson, IL
Thomson is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,526 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,063 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Thomson features a median home value of $122,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Thomson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $940, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 255 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (153 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (70 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thomson shows an unemployment rate of 13.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Thomson have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.2% of Thomson 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 0.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 12.3% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Thomson, IL
Compared to national averages, Thomson has a median household income of $54,063 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $940 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Thomson's income is 28% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 26% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Thomson, IL?
Thomson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $940/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,063) that falls below the national average. However, Thomson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thomson has a population of 1,526 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Thomson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Thomson
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harristown | 1,526 | $74,018 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Wyoming | 1,532 | $57,969 | $105,700 | Compare |
| Williamsville | 1,519 | $104,135 | $187,000 | Compare |
| Benld | 1,535 | $45,667 | $83,000 | Compare |
| Grayville | 1,515 | $47,308 | $76,000 | Compare |
| Mount Carroll | 1,515 | $59,167 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Mount Pulaski | 1,513 | $70,175 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Warsaw | 1,511 | $58,074 | $90,700 | 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 Thomson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Thomson
What is the population of Thomson, IL?
The population of Thomson, IL is 1,526 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 Thomson?
The median household income in Thomson, IL is $54,063 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thomson?
The median home value in Thomson, IL is $122,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thomson?
The median monthly rent in Thomson, IL is $940, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thomson?
The unemployment rate in Thomson, IL is 13.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Thomson, IL a good place to live?
Thomson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,526 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Thomson, IL?
5.2% of residents in Thomson 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 Thomson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thomson, IL: median home value is $122,300 (50% below national), median rent is $940/month, and median household income is $54,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Thomson?
The poverty rate in Thomson, IL is 21.0%, 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 Thomson, IL?
Thomson's population is 0.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 12.3% Asian, and 35.8% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.