Wheeling, IL
Population 38,495 · Illinois
About Wheeling, IL
Wheeling is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 38,495 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,251 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wheeling features a median home value of $244,600, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wheeling in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,578, 36% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,055 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (9,387 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (5,909 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wheeling shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wheeling have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.3% of Wheeling residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 26.6% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 44.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wheeling Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Wheeling, IL
Compared to national averages, Wheeling has a median household income of $83,251 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $244,600, which is 0% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,578 is 36% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Wheeling's income is 11% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 48% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Wheeling, IL?
Wheeling offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,251, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $244,600, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 40.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average.
Wheeling has a population of 38,495 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Wheeling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Wheeling
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urbana | 38,447 | $45,854 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Streamwood | 39,055 | $101,049 | $258,300 | Compare |
| Quincy | 39,188 | $56,372 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Park Ridge | 39,241 | $138,059 | $539,300 | Compare |
| Carol Stream | 39,427 | $105,395 | $308,700 | Compare |
| Carpentersville | 37,544 | $86,327 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Hanover Park | 36,850 | $92,263 | $260,900 | Compare |
| Rock Island | 36,758 | $57,292 | $118,400 | 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 Wheeling With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheeling
What is the population of Wheeling, IL?
The population of Wheeling, IL is 38,495 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 Wheeling?
The median household income in Wheeling, IL is $83,251 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wheeling?
The median home value in Wheeling, IL is $244,600, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wheeling?
The median monthly rent in Wheeling, IL is $1,578, which is 36% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wheeling?
The unemployment rate in Wheeling, IL is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wheeling, IL a good place to live?
Wheeling offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,495 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wheeling, IL?
40.3% of residents in Wheeling 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 Wheeling?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wheeling, IL: median home value is $244,600 (0% below national), median rent is $1,578/month, and median household income is $83,251. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wheeling?
The poverty rate in Wheeling, IL is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wheeling, IL?
Wheeling's population is 26.6% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 44.9% of residents are foreign-born.