Winnetka, IL
Population 12,508 · Illinois
About Winnetka, IL
Winnetka is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 12,508 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 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 Winnetka features a median home value of $1,206,300, which is 393% above the national median of $244,900. This places Winnetka in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,750, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,710 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (3,933 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (335 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Winnetka shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Winnetka have an average one-way commute time of 33.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
87.3% of Winnetka 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 0.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Winnetka Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Winnetka, IL
Compared to national averages, Winnetka has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,206,300, which is 393% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,750 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Winnetka's income is 233% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 628% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Winnetka, IL?
Winnetka offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 87.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,206,300. However, Winnetka’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Winnetka has a population of 12,508 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Winnetka with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Winnetka
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rantoul | 12,515 | $49,821 | $109,200 | Compare |
| Northlake | 12,547 | $77,564 | $242,400 | Compare |
| Richton Park | 12,576 | $71,724 | $200,400 | Compare |
| Minooka | 12,632 | $122,163 | $288,600 | Compare |
| Justice | 12,372 | $58,514 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Kewanee | 12,280 | $49,668 | $70,000 | Compare |
| Streator | 12,274 | $54,953 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Herrin | 12,271 | $58,501 | $109,100 | 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 Winnetka With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Winnetka
What is the population of Winnetka, IL?
The population of Winnetka, IL is 12,508 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 Winnetka?
The median household income in Winnetka, IL is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Winnetka?
The median home value in Winnetka, IL is $1,206,300, which is 393% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Winnetka?
The median monthly rent in Winnetka, IL is $1,750, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Winnetka?
The unemployment rate in Winnetka, IL is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Winnetka, IL a good place to live?
Winnetka offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,508 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Winnetka, IL?
87.3% of residents in Winnetka 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 Winnetka?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Winnetka, IL: median home value is $1,206,300 (393% above national), median rent is $1,750/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Winnetka?
The poverty rate in Winnetka, IL is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Winnetka, IL?
Winnetka's population is 0.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.