Living in DeKalb, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of DeKalb · Census data 2020–2024
DeKalb has 40,443 residents with a median age of 26.1. The median household income is $46,481 (44% lower than the Illinois median), the median home value is $204,700, the median rent is $1,029/month.
DeKalb at a glance
- Population
- 40,443
- Median age
- 26.1State: 39
- Median household income
- $46,481State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $204,700State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $1,029/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 42.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 33.7%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is DeKalb a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 22% lower than the state median; an average commute of 24 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 44% lower than the Illinois median; unemployment of 10.2%; a poverty rate of 24.9%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in DeKalb
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In DeKalb the median home value is $204,700, 38% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,029 per month, which is 40.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,692 a month in housing costs.
DeKalb median household income
The median household income in DeKalb is $46,481 and the income per person is $27,086. 24.9% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in DeKalb: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 17,395
- Owner-occupied
- 42.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 57.9%
- Vacant
- 5.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.20
DeKalb demographics
- Population
- 40,443
- Median age
- 26.1
- Under 18
- 18.8%
- 65 and older
- 11.1%
- Households
- 16,388
- Foreign-born
- 9.1%
- Veterans
- 4.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of DeKalb ›
Education in DeKalb
33.7% of adults 25 and older in DeKalb have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 14.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in DeKalb
- Unemployment rate
- 10.2%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 6.3%
- Drive alone
- 71.2%
- Public transit
- 1.1%
- Walk to work
- 8.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 90.8%
DeKalb vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeKalb | 40,443 | $46,481 | $204,700 | $1,029 |
| Cortland | 4,564 | $73,971 | $233,200 | $1,552 |
| Sycamore | 18,559 | $84,120 | $265,700 | $1,140 |
| Malta | 1,274 | $80,625 | $180,300 | $1,063 |
| Maple Park | 1,573 | $107,045 | $288,400 | $1,728 |
| Waterman | 1,448 | $100,139 | $217,300 | $877 |
| Virgil | 312 | $93,542 | $296,600 | $1,118 |
| Genoa | 5,492 | $82,128 | $225,200 | $940 |
| Creston | 550 | $66,667 | $167,400 | $988 |
More for people moving to DeKalb
DeKalb ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in DeKalb: FAQ
What is the median household income in DeKalb, IL?
The median household income in DeKalb is $46,481, 44% lower than the Illinois median of $83,390 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in DeKalb?
The median home value in DeKalb is $204,700, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in DeKalb?
The median gross rent in DeKalb is $1,029 per month, about 40.7% of household income.
Is DeKalb, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 22% lower than the state median; an average commute of 24 minutes. Minuses: median household income 44% lower than the Illinois median; unemployment of 10.2%; a poverty rate of 24.9%.
What is the median age in DeKalb?
The median age in DeKalb is 26.1 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in DeKalb?
The average commute to work in DeKalb is 24 minutes; 6.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in DeKalb?
The unemployment rate in DeKalb is 10.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is DeKalb?
33.7% of adults in DeKalb have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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