Vandalia, IL
Population 6,041 · Illinois
About Vandalia, IL
Vandalia is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,041 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,184 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 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 Vandalia features a median home value of $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Vandalia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $738, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,383 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,327 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (746 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Vandalia shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Vandalia have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Vandalia 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 5.0% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Vandalia, IL
Compared to national averages, Vandalia has a median household income of $43,184 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,800, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $738 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Vandalia's income is 42% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Vandalia, IL?
Vandalia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $738/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,184) that falls below the national average. However, Vandalia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vandalia has a population of 6,041 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Vandalia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Vandalia
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beardstown | 6,047 | $58,765 | $80,800 | Compare |
| Elburn | 6,054 | $106,506 | $358,200 | Compare |
| Mount Zion | 6,076 | $110,786 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Pontoon Beach | 6,131 | $59,375 | $137,900 | Compare |
| Braidwood | 6,175 | $83,365 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Metropolis | 5,898 | $51,548 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Chillicothe | 6,185 | $62,108 | $128,500 | Compare |
| Lakemoor | 5,878 | $96,929 | $261,300 | 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 Vandalia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vandalia
What is the population of Vandalia, IL?
The population of Vandalia, IL is 6,041 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 Vandalia?
The median household income in Vandalia, IL is $43,184 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vandalia?
The median home value in Vandalia, IL is $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Vandalia?
The median monthly rent in Vandalia, IL is $738, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vandalia?
The unemployment rate in Vandalia, IL is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Vandalia, IL a good place to live?
Vandalia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,041 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Vandalia, IL?
10.9% of residents in Vandalia 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 Vandalia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vandalia, IL: median home value is $88,800 (64% below national), median rent is $738/month, and median household income is $43,184. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Vandalia?
The poverty rate in Vandalia, IL is 22.1%, 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 Vandalia, IL?
Vandalia's population is 5.0% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 11.4% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.