Wilmette, IL
Population 27,550 · Illinois
About Wilmette, IL
Wilmette is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 27,550 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $192,300 per year, which is 156% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilmette features a median home value of $802,200, which is 228% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wilmette in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,968, 69% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,730 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (9,083 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (1,197 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wilmette shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wilmette have an average one-way commute time of 35 minutes.
Education & Demographics
84.6% of Wilmette 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 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 15.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wilmette Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Wilmette, IL
Compared to national averages, Wilmette has a median household income of $192,300 (156% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $802,200, which is 228% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,968 is 69% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Wilmette's income is 156% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 384% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Wilmette, IL?
Wilmette offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $192,300, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 84.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $802,200. However, Wilmette’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wilmette has a population of 27,550 with a median age of 45.7 years. Compare Wilmette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Wilmette
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Lenox | 27,456 | $133,071 | $377,500 | Compare |
| McHenry | 27,774 | $86,865 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Huntley | 27,859 | $86,349 | $318,500 | Compare |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,081 | $86,632 | $191,200 | Compare |
| Chicago Heights | 26,938 | $57,479 | $149,900 | Compare |
| Oak Forest | 26,888 | $87,941 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Glen Ellyn | 28,270 | $133,346 | $522,600 | Compare |
| Vernon Hills | 26,772 | $120,625 | $384,800 | 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 Wilmette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmette
What is the population of Wilmette, IL?
The population of Wilmette, IL is 27,550 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 Wilmette?
The median household income in Wilmette, IL is $192,300 per year, which is 156% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilmette?
The median home value in Wilmette, IL is $802,200, which is 228% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wilmette?
The median monthly rent in Wilmette, IL is $1,968, which is 69% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilmette?
The unemployment rate in Wilmette, IL is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wilmette, IL a good place to live?
Wilmette offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,550 and a median age of 45.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wilmette, IL?
84.6% of residents in Wilmette 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 Wilmette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilmette, IL: median home value is $802,200 (228% above national), median rent is $1,968/month, and median household income is $192,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wilmette?
The poverty rate in Wilmette, IL is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wilmette, IL?
Wilmette's population is 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 15.6% of residents are foreign-born.