West Frankfort, IL
Population 7,156 · Illinois
About West Frankfort, IL
West Frankfort is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 7,156 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,143 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Frankfort features a median home value of $72,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Frankfort one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $673, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,628 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,941 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,115 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Frankfort shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Frankfort have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of West Frankfort 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 1.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Frankfort, IL
Compared to national averages, West Frankfort has a median household income of $48,143 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,500, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $673 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, West Frankfort's income is 36% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 56% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in West Frankfort, IL?
West Frankfort offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $673/month, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,143) that falls below the national average. However, West Frankfort’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Frankfort has a population of 7,156 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare West Frankfort with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near West Frankfort
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville | 7,159 | $52,727 | $119,800 | Compare |
| Marengo | 7,123 | $72,586 | $206,100 | Compare |
| Sandwich | 7,121 | $77,027 | $239,600 | Compare |
| University Park | 7,109 | $65,580 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Benton | 7,076 | $51,349 | $85,100 | Compare |
| Clinton | 7,012 | $55,960 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Robinson | 7,005 | $67,591 | $102,600 | Compare |
| Salem | 7,341 | $57,083 | $99,800 | 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 West Frankfort With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Frankfort
What is the population of West Frankfort, IL?
The population of West Frankfort, IL is 7,156 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 West Frankfort?
The median household income in West Frankfort, IL is $48,143 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Frankfort?
The median home value in West Frankfort, IL is $72,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Frankfort?
The median monthly rent in West Frankfort, IL is $673, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Frankfort?
The unemployment rate in West Frankfort, IL is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Frankfort, IL a good place to live?
West Frankfort offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,156 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Frankfort, IL?
11.2% of residents in West Frankfort 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 West Frankfort?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Frankfort, IL: median home value is $72,500 (70% below national), median rent is $673/month, and median household income is $48,143. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Frankfort?
The poverty rate in West Frankfort, IL is 25.2%, 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 West Frankfort, IL?
West Frankfort's population is 1.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.