What Is the Median Household Income in Illinois?

Median household income is a key economic indicator, offering valuable insight into the financial well-being of residents within a specific geographic area. For Illinois, this figure provides a foundational perspective on the state’s economic conditions, helping to contextualize the financial realities faced by many households.

Defining Median Income

Median income represents the exact middle point in a distribution of incomes, meaning that half of all households earn more and half earn less. This statistical measure is less influenced by extreme high or low values, which can skew an average. In contrast, the “mean” or average income is calculated by summing all incomes and dividing by the number of units, making it susceptible to distortion by a few exceptionally high or low earners. The median provides a more representative picture of the typical income experienced by most households. Authoritative sources for this data include the U.S. Census Bureau and its American Community Survey.

Illinois’s Current Median Household Income

The median household income in Illinois was $81,702 for the year 2023. This figure is primarily derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates. A “household” in this statistical context refers to all the people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence. This definition encompasses individuals living alone, unrelated people sharing a unit, or related family members residing together. The $81,702 figure represents a statewide aggregate, providing a general benchmark for income levels across Illinois.

Income Disparities Across Illinois

While a statewide median household income provides a general overview, it masks significant income disparities within Illinois. Median income varies substantially based on geographic location. Metropolitan areas often exhibit higher median incomes compared to less populated regions. In 2023, counties like DuPage, Kendall, and Lake, part of the broader Chicagoland area, reported median household incomes exceeding $108,000. Conversely, some southern Illinois counties recorded much lower median incomes, with figures ranging from approximately $40,365 to $44,847.

Beyond geography, household characteristics and demographics also contribute to income variations. Median income differs based on the age of the householder; those under 25 had a median income of about $41,007, while householders aged 65 and over had a median of around $57,977. The composition of a household also plays a role. Married couple households in Illinois reported a significantly higher median income of $120,927 in 2023, whereas non-family households had a median income of $48,992. Single-person households, for example, had a median income of $42,416. These differences underscore the diverse economic realities experienced by households throughout the state.