Urbana, IL
Population 38,447 · Illinois
About Urbana, IL
Urbana is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 38,447 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,854 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Urbana features a median home value of $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Urbana in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $951, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,003 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (5,704 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (10,721 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Urbana shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Urbana have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
58.4% of Urbana residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 18.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Urbana Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Urbana, IL
Compared to national averages, Urbana has a median household income of $45,854 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $951 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Urbana's income is 39% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 12% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Urbana, IL?
Urbana offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $951/month, and a well-educated community where 58.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,854) that falls below the national average. However, Urbana’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Urbana has a population of 38,447 with a median age of 26.7 years. Compare Urbana with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Urbana
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling | 38,495 | $83,251 | $244,600 | Compare |
| Streamwood | 39,055 | $101,049 | $258,300 | Compare |
| Quincy | 39,188 | $56,372 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Park Ridge | 39,241 | $138,059 | $539,300 | Compare |
| Carpentersville | 37,544 | $86,327 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Carol Stream | 39,427 | $105,395 | $308,700 | Compare |
| Hanover Park | 36,850 | $92,263 | $260,900 | Compare |
| Rock Island | 36,758 | $57,292 | $118,400 | 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 Urbana With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Urbana
What is the population of Urbana, IL?
The population of Urbana, IL is 38,447 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 Urbana?
The median household income in Urbana, IL is $45,854 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Urbana?
The median home value in Urbana, IL is $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Urbana?
The median monthly rent in Urbana, IL is $951, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Urbana?
The unemployment rate in Urbana, IL is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Urbana, IL a good place to live?
Urbana offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,447 and a median age of 26.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Urbana, IL?
58.4% of residents in Urbana 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 Urbana?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Urbana, IL: median home value is $186,300 (24% below national), median rent is $951/month, and median household income is $45,854. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Urbana?
The poverty rate in Urbana, IL is 24.8%, 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 Urbana, IL?
Urbana's population is 5.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 16.7% two or more races. 18.3% of residents are foreign-born.