Decatur, IL Census Data
The 17th largest city in Illinois by population · 29 cities ranked
Decatur is the 17th largest city in Illinois by population and ranks 29th of 29 for median household income. With 70,368 residents, its poverty rate of 19.1% ranks among the higher rates in Illinois. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
70,368
47.3% male · 52.7% female
Median Age
39.9
1.2 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$50,809
$27,729 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
21.3%
13.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 91.8%
Poverty Rate
19.1%
6.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.8%
Broadband Access
90.8%
1.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$97,300
Median rent: $796 · 62% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
8.9%
Labor force participation: 50.6%
Per Capita Income
$38,517
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.1%
Disability rate: 16.7%
How Decatur Compares to Other Illinois Cities
Rankings among all 29 Illinois cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 17th of 29 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 29th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 25th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 27th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 29th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Decatur, IL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Decatur, IL?
The population of Decatur, IL is 70,368 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.9 years.
What is the median household income in Decatur?
The median household income in Decatur, IL is $50,809, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $38,517.
What is the poverty rate in Decatur?
The poverty rate in Decatur, IL is 19.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Decatur residents have a college degree?
21.3% of adults (25+) in Decatur hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 91.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur, IL is $97,300. Median rent is $796 per month, with 62% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Decatur?
Decatur's population is 67.2% White, 24.1% Black, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Decatur rank among Illinois cities?
Decatur is the 17th largest city in Illinois by population, the 29th highest for median household income, the 25th lowest for poverty rate, the 27th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 29 ranked Illinois cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Decatur?
The unemployment rate in Decatur, IL is 8.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 50.6%. Per capita income is $38,517.
Cities Similar to Decatur
Other Illinois cities with comparable population and income levels.