Washington Park, IL
Population 1,728 · Illinois
About Washington Park, IL
Washington Park is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,728 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,008 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 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 Washington Park features a median home value of $43,200, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Washington Park one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $875, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,175 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (537 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (96 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Washington Park shows an unemployment rate of 21.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 37.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Washington Park have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.1% of Washington Park 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 9.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 9.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Washington Park Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Washington Park, IL
Compared to national averages, Washington Park has a median household income of $42,008 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $43,200, which is 82% below the national median. Monthly rent at $875 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Washington Park's income is 44% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 74% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Washington Park, IL?
Washington Park offers affordable housing with a median home value of $43,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $875/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,008) that falls below the national average. However, Washington Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Washington Park has a population of 1,728 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Washington Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Washington Park
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steeleville | 1,732 | $60,982 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Atlanta | 1,738 | $64,091 | $123,400 | Compare |
| Girard | 1,740 | $40,250 | $96,300 | Compare |
| Lake Camelot | 1,744 | $128,333 | $220,300 | Compare |
| Heritage Lake | 1,708 | $117,422 | $210,600 | Compare |
| Maroa | 1,751 | $72,500 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Carrier Mills | 1,702 | $50,269 | $57,300 | Compare |
| De Soto | 1,701 | $52,131 | $88,800 | 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 Washington Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Park
What is the population of Washington Park, IL?
The population of Washington Park, IL is 1,728 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 Washington Park?
The median household income in Washington Park, IL is $42,008 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Washington Park?
The median home value in Washington Park, IL is $43,200, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Washington Park?
The median monthly rent in Washington Park, IL is $875, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Washington Park?
The unemployment rate in Washington Park, IL is 21.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Washington Park, IL a good place to live?
Washington Park offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,728 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Washington Park, IL?
8.1% of residents in Washington Park 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 Washington Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Washington Park, IL: median home value is $43,200 (82% below national), median rent is $875/month, and median household income is $42,008. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Washington Park?
The poverty rate in Washington Park, IL is 37.9%, 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 Washington Park, IL?
Washington Park's population is 9.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 77.1% two or more races. 9.0% of residents are foreign-born.