Wheaton, IL
Population 53,453 · Illinois
About Wheaton, IL
Wheaton is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 53,453 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $119,566 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wheaton features a median home value of $447,700, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wheaton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,731, 49% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,695 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (14,377 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (5,431 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wheaton shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wheaton have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.1% of Wheaton 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 5.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wheaton Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Wheaton, IL
Compared to national averages, Wheaton has a median household income of $119,566 (59% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $447,700, which is 83% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,731 is 49% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Wheaton's income is 59% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 170% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Wheaton, IL?
Wheaton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $119,566, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 64.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $447,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Wheaton provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Wheaton has a population of 53,453 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Wheaton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Wheaton
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park | 53,315 | $108,026 | $456,300 | Compare |
| Normal | 52,908 | $66,350 | $199,900 | Compare |
| Tinley Park | 55,007 | $103,819 | $289,000 | Compare |
| Mount Prospect | 55,648 | $103,911 | $377,000 | Compare |
| Hoffman Estates | 51,186 | $109,683 | $340,400 | Compare |
| Berwyn | 55,888 | $75,235 | $286,000 | Compare |
| Downers Grove | 49,867 | $119,649 | $439,000 | Compare |
| Oak Lawn | 57,098 | $82,493 | $267,900 | 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 Wheaton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheaton
What is the population of Wheaton, IL?
The population of Wheaton, IL is 53,453 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 Wheaton?
The median household income in Wheaton, IL is $119,566 per year, which is 59% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wheaton?
The median home value in Wheaton, IL is $447,700, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wheaton?
The median monthly rent in Wheaton, IL is $1,731, which is 49% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wheaton?
The unemployment rate in Wheaton, IL is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wheaton, IL a good place to live?
Wheaton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 53,453 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wheaton, IL?
64.1% of residents in Wheaton 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 Wheaton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wheaton, IL: median home value is $447,700 (83% above national), median rent is $1,731/month, and median household income is $119,566. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wheaton?
The poverty rate in Wheaton, IL is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wheaton, IL?
Wheaton's population is 5.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.