Living in Evanston, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Evanston · Census data 2020–2024
Evanston has 76,340 residents with a median age of 38.4. The median household income is $96,434 (16% higher than the Illinois median), the median home value is $481,200, the median rent is $1,762/month.
Evanston at a glance
- Population
- 76,340
- Median age
- 38.4State: 39
- Median household income
- $96,434State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $481,200State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $1,762/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 56.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 69.5%
- Average commute
- 28 min
Is Evanston a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 16% higher than the Illinois median; an average commute of 28 minutes; a poverty rate of 11.8%.
Cons: Home values 83% higher than the state median; unemployment of 6.2%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Evanston
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Evanston the median home value is $481,200, 45% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,762 per month, which is 31.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,867 a month in housing costs.
Evanston median household income
The median household income in Evanston is $96,434 and the income per person is $66,712. 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in Evanston: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 34,095
- Owner-occupied
- 56.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 43.8%
- Vacant
- 7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1953
- Average household size
- 2.17
Evanston demographics
- Population
- 76,340
- Median age
- 38.4
- Under 18
- 17.9%
- 65 and older
- 18.5%
- Households
- 31,705
- Foreign-born
- 16.2%
- Veterans
- 2.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Evanston ›
Education in Evanston
69.5% of adults 25 and older in Evanston have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 39.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Evanston
- Unemployment rate
- 6.2%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 28 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 28.5%
- Drive alone
- 40.9%
- Public transit
- 11.6%
- Walk to work
- 11%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.8%
Evanston vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evanston | 76,340 | $96,434 | $481,200 | $1,762 |
| Skokie | 66,219 | $95,337 | $387,200 | $1,552 |
| Wilmette | 27,503 | $190,662 | $810,600 | $1,978 |
| Kenilworth | 2,503 | $250,001 | $1,560,300 | — |
| Lincolnwood | 13,112 | $109,731 | $496,400 | $3,501 |
| Golf | 518 | $242,772 | $954,700 | — |
| Winnetka | 12,484 | $250,001 | $1,337,800 | $1,842 |
| Morton Grove | 24,619 | $111,116 | $389,100 | $2,164 |
| Northfield | 5,487 | $161,500 | $878,300 | $2,083 |
More for people moving to Evanston
Evanston ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Evanston: FAQ
What is the median household income in Evanston, IL?
The median household income in Evanston is $96,434, 16% higher 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 Evanston?
The median home value in Evanston is $481,200, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in Evanston?
The median gross rent in Evanston is $1,762 per month, about 31.8% of household income.
Is Evanston, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 16% higher than the Illinois median; an average commute of 28 minutes; a poverty rate of 11.8%. Minuses: home values 83% higher than the state median; unemployment of 6.2%.
What is the median age in Evanston?
The median age in Evanston is 38.4 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in Evanston?
The average commute to work in Evanston is 28 minutes; 28.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Evanston?
The unemployment rate in Evanston is 6.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Evanston?
69.5% of adults in Evanston 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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