Tilton, IL
Population 2,537 · Illinois
About Tilton, IL
Tilton is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,537 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,246 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.7 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 Tilton features a median home value of $71,700, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Tilton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $853, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,319 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (881 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (358 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tilton shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tilton have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.9% of Tilton 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 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tilton, IL
Compared to national averages, Tilton has a median household income of $53,246 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $71,700, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $853 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Tilton's income is 29% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 57% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Tilton, IL?
Tilton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $71,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $853/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,246) that falls below the national average. However, Tilton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tilton has a population of 2,537 with a median age of 49.7 years. Compare Tilton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Tilton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | 2,536 | $74,327 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Galva | 2,543 | $55,446 | $77,800 | Compare |
| Kenilworth | 2,543 | $250,001 | $1,409,800 | Compare |
| Richmond | 2,530 | $70,379 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 2,528 | $64,464 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Seneca | 2,525 | $91,065 | $206,400 | Compare |
| Carthage | 2,508 | $75,179 | $115,600 | Compare |
| Altamont | 2,500 | $76,198 | $132,200 | 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 Tilton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tilton
What is the population of Tilton, IL?
The population of Tilton, IL is 2,537 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 Tilton?
The median household income in Tilton, IL is $53,246 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tilton?
The median home value in Tilton, IL is $71,700, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tilton?
The median monthly rent in Tilton, IL is $853, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tilton?
The unemployment rate in Tilton, IL is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tilton, IL a good place to live?
Tilton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,537 and a median age of 49.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Tilton, IL?
8.9% of residents in Tilton 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 Tilton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tilton, IL: median home value is $71,700 (71% below national), median rent is $853/month, and median household income is $53,246. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tilton?
The poverty rate in Tilton, IL is 15.2%, 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 Tilton, IL?
Tilton's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.