Illinois Median Household Income: Trends, Analysis, and Key Findings

The median household income in Illinois was $81,702 in 2023, which marked an an increase of 965(1.20%) from $80,737 in 2020. This income is 104.03% of the U.S. median household income of $78,538 (all incomes in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars).
Neilsberg Research Avatar
Updated Mar 3, 2025

Median Household Income in Illinois (2010-2023, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Below, you will find a table illustrating the median household income in Illinois, spanning the years from 2010 to 2023, with all figures adjusted to 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Year Median Household Income YOY Change($) YOY Change(%)
2010 78,304 - -
2011 77,029 -1,275 -1.63%
2012 75,821 -1,208 -1.57%
2013 74,617 -1,204 -1.59%
2014 73,870 -747 -1.00%
2015 74,269 399 0.54%
2016 75,388 1,119 1.51%
2017 76,354 966 1.28%
2018 77,389 1,035 1.36%
2019 78,772 1,383 1.79%
2020 80,737 1,965 2.49%
2021 81,670 933 1.16%
2022 81,668 -2 -
2023 81,702 34 0.04%

Illinois median household income trends: 2010 to 2023

From 2010 to 2023, the median household income for Illinois increased by $3,398 (4.34%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $5,602 (7.68%) between 2010 and 2023.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2023, spanning 13 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2023 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 8 years and declined for 5 years.

The line chart shows Illinois median household income from 2010 to 2023. The orange line represents Census Bureau data for median household income (without adjusting for any inflation), while the blue line shows inflation-adjusted median household income for 2022.
Illinois median household income trends: 2010 to 2023. The chart illustrates income fluctuations over the years, highlighting the impact of inflation on economic trends. We observed that the median household income experienced growth year by year for 8 years and declined for 5 years. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

The most significant year-by-year growth occured from 2019 to 2020, when the median household income increased by 1,965 (from $78,772 to $80,737). Similarly the most substantial year-by-year decline occured from 2010 to 2011, when the median household income decreased by 1,275 (from $78,304 to $77,029).

Illinois ranks 18th among all U.S. states in terms of median household income. This ranking suggests that Illinois is in the upper tier of states in the U.S. when it comes to median household income, but it is not the highest.

Median household income in Illinois by household size

To gain deeper insights into the median household income for Illinois, we conducted an analysis of the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5 year Estimates (the most recent data available).

Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Illinois. Across the different household sizes in Illinois the mean income is $104,082, and the standard deviation is $29,545. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 28.39%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.

In the most recent year, 2023, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $42,416. It then further increased to $123,390 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.

Bar chart showing Illinois median household income for different household sizes in 2023. The chart illustrates income trends for 1-person to 7-or-more person households, with values adjusted for inflation. It provides insights into income disparities and variations across household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.
Illinois median household income, by household size (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Illinois median household income by household size

The table below displays median household incomes for various household sizes, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Explore how household income varies with the size of the family unit.

Household Size Median Household Income
1-person households 42,416
2-person households 91,742
3-person households 108,883
4-person households 126,730
5-person households 118,839
6-person households 116,574
7-or-more-person households 123,390

According to the Census Bureau data, the median household income reaches its peak among 4-person households, reaching $126,730 .

Illinois income distribution and inequality

To gain a comprehensive understanding of income distribution in Illinois, we conducted an analysis of quintiles data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the bureau does not categorize income into subjective classes like lower-income, middle-class, or upper-class, they instead divide the population into five quintiles, ensuring that each quintile represents nearly the same number of households. This classification allows us to analyze income levels across a spectrum from the lowest to the highest income groups.

Bar chart illustrating the Illinois mean household income for different quintiles, plus the top 5%, with values adjusted for 2022 inflation using R-CPI-U-RS. The chart provides insights into income distribution, showcasing variations across quintiles and highlighting the income of the top 5%. Useful for analyzing income disparities and trends for Illinois.
Mean household income by quintiles in Illinois (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars): The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 521,013, which is 180.06% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 3124.70% higher compared to the lowest quintile. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Mean household income by quintile in Illinois

The table below presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Illinois , offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Income Level Mean Household Income
Lowest Quintile 16,674
Second Quintile 48,201
Third Quintile 82,100
Fourth Quintile 128,634
Highest Quintile 289,355
Top 5 Percent 521,013

Key findings:

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 16,674, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 289,355. This indicates that the top earners earn 17 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • Top 5%: The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 521,013, which is 180.06% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 3124.70% higher compared to the lowest quintile.

Furthermore, as per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Illinois is 0.4802. Gini coefficient is a numeric measure ranging from 0 to 1, where lower numbers indicate greater income equality (with 0 representing complete equality, where all households earn the same income) and higher values signify greater income inequality (with 1 being complete inequality where one household receives all income).

Gini coefficient:
0.4802

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS)

With a Gini coefficient of 0.4802, it is evident that income distribution in Illinois exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality . This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Illinois.It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Illinois

Median household income in Illinois by family type, 2023

The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Illinois reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories.

Interestingly, we found that the median household income did vary between family households and non-family households. In 2023, for Illinois, there were a total of 3,132,252 family households and 1,869,652 non-family households.

For the family households, the median income (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $103,504. For the non-family households, the median income (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $48,992.

Illinois households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, 2023, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars

The table below presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Illinois. The data in the table offers insights into the distribution of Illinois households based on income levels.

Income Level All Households % All Households Family Households % Family Households Non-Family Households % Non-Family Households
Total: 5,001,904 100.00% 3,132,252 100.00% 1,869,652 100.00%
Less than $10,000 274,424 5.49% 92,276 2.95% 182,148 9.74%
$10,000 to $14,999 172,312 3.44% 49,504 1.58% 122,808 6.57%
$15,000 to $19,999 149,388 2.99% 49,509 1.58% 99,879 5.34%
$20,000 to $24,999 172,170 3.44% 65,885 2.10% 106,285 5.68%
$25,000 to $29,999 168,089 3.36% 69,143 2.21% 98,946 5.29%
$30,000 to $34,999 166,235 3.32% 75,204 2.40% 91,031 4.87%
$35,000 to $39,999 168,063 3.36% 81,524 2.60% 86,539 4.63%
$40,000 to $44,999 168,525 3.37% 86,384 2.76% 82,141 4.39%
$45,000 to $49,999 169,382 3.39% 87,435 2.79% 81,947 4.38%
$50,000 to $59,999 318,117 6.36% 176,232 5.63% 141,885 7.59%
$60,000 to $74,999 443,740 8.87% 264,118 8.43% 179,622 9.61%
$75,000 to $99,999 629,279 12.58% 413,051 13.19% 216,228 11.57%
$100,000 to $124,999 506,010 10.12% 368,435 11.76% 137,575 7.36%
$125,000 to $149,999 372,991 7.46% 295,864 9.45% 77,127 4.13%
$150,000 to $199,999 482,260 9.64% 404,823 12.92% 77,437 4.14%
$200,000 or more 640,919 12.81% 552,865 17.65% 88,054 4.71%

Key findings:

  • For Family Households: In Illinois, the majority of family households, representing 17.65%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 1.58%, have incomes falling $125,000 to $149,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Illinois, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 11.57%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 4.13%, earn $125,000 to $149,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
  • For Total Households (Combining Family and Non-Family): When considering total households in Illinois, the majority, constituting 12.81%, earn $200,000 or more, demonstrating that a significant portion of community households falls within this income bracket. Simultaneously, the minority of total households, representing 2.99%, have incomes $15,000 to $19,999, signifying a smaller segment of households in the community.

Things to know

What is the Gini index for Illinois?

As per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Illinois is 0.4802. With this value of Gini coefficient, it is evident that income distribution in Illinois exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Illinois.It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Illinois

What is the median household income in Illinois?

As per the latest data available from American Community Survey, the median household income for Illinois is $81,702 (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars). This income is 104.03% of the U.S. median household income of $78,538 (all incomes in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars).

How does Illinois median household income compare to the rest of the United States?

Illinois ranks 18th among all U.S. states in terms of median household income. This ranking suggests that Illinois is in the upper tier of states in the U.S. when it comes to median household income, but it is not the highest.

References

Notes

The analysis presented in this article is based on estimates derived from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. While these figures offer valuable insights, they are subject to a margin of error. It is advisable to exercise caution and consider the potential margin of error when interpreting and utilizing this data.

Datasets

Explore datasets by year of publication.
2025
Illinois Median Household Income Trends (2010-2023, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset illustrates the median household income in Illinois, spanning the years from 2010 to 2023, with all figures adjusted to 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars. Based on the latest 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates from the American Community Survey, it displays how income varied over the last decade. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into median household income trends and explore income variations.

Key observations:

From 2010 to 2023, the median household income for Illinois increased by $3,398 (4.34%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $5,602 (7.68%) between 2010 and 2023.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2023, spanning 13 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2023 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 8 years and declined for 5 years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. All incomes have been adjusting for inflation and are presented in 2022-inflation-adjusted dollars.

Years for which data is available:

  • 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 0223

Variables / Data Columns

  • Year: This column presents the data year from 2010 to 2023
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific year
  • YOY Change($): Change in median household income between the current and the previous year, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars
  • YOY Change(%): Percent change in median household income between current and the previous year

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Illinois median household income. You can refer the same here

Median Household Income Variation by Family Size in Illinois: Comparative analysis across 7 household sizes
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents median household incomes for various household sizes in Illinois, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in median household income with the size of the family unit, offering valuable insights into economic trends and disparities within different household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.

Key observations

  • Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Illinois. Across the different household sizes in Illinois the mean income is $104,082, and the standard deviation is $29,545. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 28.39%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.
  • In the most recent year, 2023, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $42,416. It then further increased to $123,390 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Household Sizes:

  • 1-person households
  • 2-person households
  • 3-person households
  • 4-person households
  • 5-person households
  • 6-person households
  • 7-or-more-person households

Variables / Data Columns

  • Household Size: This column showcases 7 household sizes ranging from 1-person households to 7-or-more-person households (As mentioned above).
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific household size.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Illinois median household income. You can refer the same here

Income Distribution by Quintile: Mean Household Income in Illinois // 2025 Edition
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Illinois, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in mean household income across quintiles, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Key observations

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 16,674, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 289,355. This indicates that the top earners earn 17 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • *Top 5%: * The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 521,013, which is 180.06% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 3124.70% higher compared to the lowest quintile.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Lowest Quintile
  • Second Quintile
  • Third Quintile
  • Fourth Quintile
  • Highest Quintile
  • Top 5 Percent

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: This column showcases the income levels (As mentioned above).
  • Mean Household Income: Mean household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific income level.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Illinois median household income. You can refer the same here

Illinois households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Illinois, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Illinois reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of Illinois households based on income levels.

Key observations

  • For Family Households: In Illinois, the majority of family households, representing 17.65%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 1.58%, have incomes falling $125,000 to $149,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Illinois, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 11.57%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 4.13%, earn $125,000 to $149,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Less than $10,000
  • $10,000 to $14,999
  • $15,000 to $19,999
  • $20,000 to $24,999
  • $25,000 to $29,999
  • $30,000 to $34,999
  • $35,000 to $39,999
  • $40,000 to $44,999
  • $45,000 to $49,999
  • $50,000 to $59,999
  • $60,000 to $74,999
  • $75,000 to $99,999
  • $125,000 to $149,999
  • $150,000 to $199,999
  • $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in Illinois (As mentioned above).
  • All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
  • % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in Illinois
  • Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
  • % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in Illinois
  • Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
  • % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in Illinois

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Illinois median household income. You can refer the same here

If you're looking for datasets from another year, please feel free to contact us at research@neilsberg.com and we'll be happy to assist you further.

Explore related topics

Illinois Demographics Illinois Income

Explore more

Median household income of nearby states (in 2023 dollars)
Median household income of popular counties (in 2023 dollars)
Median household income of popular cities (in 2023 dollars)

About the author

Neilsberg Research Avatar
Neilsberg Research
Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

Share

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal or tax advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified professional such as a lawyer or accountant before making a decision. Many of the products and services featured here are from our affiliate partners. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Read advertiser disclosure.