Washburn, IL
Population 1,026 · Illinois
About Washburn, IL
Washburn is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,026 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,306 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Washburn features a median home value of $90,700, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Washburn one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $900, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 485 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (348 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (96 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Washburn shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Washburn have an average one-way commute time of 38.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Washburn 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 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Washburn, IL
Compared to national averages, Washburn has a median household income of $79,306 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,700, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $900 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Washburn's income is 6% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 45% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Washburn, IL?
Washburn offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,306, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $90,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $900/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average.
Washburn has a population of 1,026 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Washburn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Washburn
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckemeyer | 1,024 | $64,231 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Forest View | 1,022 | $108,833 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Payson | 1,030 | $62,262 | $118,000 | Compare |
| Chebanse | 1,033 | $76,190 | $149,300 | Compare |
| Macon | 1,035 | $74,063 | $109,500 | Compare |
| Percy | 1,014 | $42,813 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Rapids City | 1,012 | $90,750 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Forrest | 1,008 | $70,417 | $104,000 | 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 Washburn With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Washburn
What is the population of Washburn, IL?
The population of Washburn, IL is 1,026 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 Washburn?
The median household income in Washburn, IL is $79,306 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Washburn?
The median home value in Washburn, IL is $90,700, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Washburn?
The median monthly rent in Washburn, IL is $900, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Washburn?
The unemployment rate in Washburn, IL is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Washburn, IL a good place to live?
Washburn offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,026 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Washburn, IL?
17.0% of residents in Washburn 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 Washburn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Washburn, IL: median home value is $90,700 (63% below national), median rent is $900/month, and median household income is $79,306. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Washburn?
The poverty rate in Washburn, IL is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Washburn, IL?
Washburn's population is 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.