Yates City, IL
Population 636 · Illinois
About Yates City, IL
Yates City is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 636 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,500 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Yates City features a median home value of $94,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Yates City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $625, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 320 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (239 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (55 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Yates City shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Yates City have an average one-way commute time of 33.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.6% of Yates City 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 0.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Yates City, IL
Compared to national averages, Yates City has a median household income of $61,500 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $94,600, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $625 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Yates City's income is 18% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 43% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Yates City, IL?
Yates City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $94,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $625/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,500) that falls below the national average. However, Yates City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Yates City has a population of 636 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Yates City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Yates City
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun River Terrace | 637 | $43,393 | $107,100 | Compare |
| Thayer | 638 | $63,125 | $87,300 | Compare |
| Cordova | 633 | $75,588 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Industry | 633 | $54,306 | $82,000 | Compare |
| New Boston | 632 | $61,563 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Dahlgren | 631 | $47,500 | $68,800 | Compare |
| Coffeen | 630 | $63,125 | $57,300 | Compare |
| Noble | 630 | $43,977 | $54,400 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Yates City
What is the population of Yates City, IL?
The population of Yates City, IL is 636 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Yates City?
The median household income in Yates City, IL is $61,500 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Yates City?
The median home value in Yates City, IL is $94,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Yates City?
The median monthly rent in Yates City, IL is $625, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Yates City?
The unemployment rate in Yates City, IL is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Yates City, IL a good place to live?
Yates City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 636 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Yates City, IL?
12.6% of residents in Yates City 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 Yates City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Yates City, IL: median home value is $94,600 (61% below national), median rent is $625/month, and median household income is $61,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Yates City?
The poverty rate in Yates City, IL is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Yates City, IL?
Yates City's population is 0.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.