Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Blue Island, IL Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSAChicago-Naperville MSAChicago-Naperville-Elgin#84/303 Population

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

21,741

Median Agei

38.1

Race & Ethnicityi

Hispanic/Latino

47.5%10,326

Black

30.7%6,681

White

18%3,909

Two or More

3.2%689

Asian

0.6%136

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

6.5%1,001

High School Diploma

24.4%3,731

Some College (<1 yr)

9.5%1,450

Some College (1+ yr)

13.8%2,116

Associate's Degree

5.8%885

Bachelor's Degree

13.2%2,020

Master's Degree

6.8%1,039

Professional Degree

0.3%52

Doctorate

0.3%46

HS or Higher

80.7%

BA or Higher

20.7%

Graduate+

7.4%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$178,700

Median Renti

$1,072

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

51.8%4,383

Renter-Occupied

48.2%4,081

Total Units

8,997

Homeownership

51.8%

Vacancy Rate

5.9%

Home Values

Under $50K

5.6%246

$50K–$100K

5.7%252

$100K–$150K

18.8%822

$150K–$200K

31.1%1,364

$200K–$300K

30.8%1,348

$300K–$500K

6.1%268

$500K–$1M

1.9%83

Rent Distribution

Under $500

155

$500–$750

114

$750–$1,000

1,303

$1,000–$1,250

1,535

$1,250–$1,500

296

$1,500–$2,000

453

$2,000+

168

Year Built

2020 or later

0.1%8

2010–2019

3%266

2000–2009

11.3%1,017

1990–1999

3.2%291

1980–1989

8.1%729

1970–1979

9.6%862

1960–1969

15.6%1,407

1950–1959

12.1%1,086

1940–1949

8.2%740

1939 or earlier

28.8%2,591

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

80.7%6,829

Electricity

12%1,013

Bottled/LP Gas

5.9%497

No Fuel

1.3%113

Other

0.1%12

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$59,489

Mean Household Incomei

$73,197

Per Capita Incomei

$28,709

Poverty Ratei

17%

Unemploymenti

15.5%

Labor Forcei

11,618

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

10%846

$10K–$15K

4.2%358

$15K–$20K

4.2%359

$20K–$25K

3.9%332

$25K–$30K

5.6%478

$30K–$35K

4%338

$35K–$40K

4.9%411

$40K–$45K

3.2%269

$45K–$50K

4.3%365

$50K–$60K

5.8%494

$60K–$75K

12.9%1,089

$75K–$100K

13.3%1,129

$100K–$125K

8.6%725

$125K–$150K

6.8%578

$150K–$200K

4%341

$200K+

4.2%352

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

183

Residentsi

288

Avg. Tenant Renti

$406/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

32 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers157 homes93% occupied$406/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $59,489/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $18K/yr

82%

Very low income$18K–$30K/yr

17%

Low income$30K–$48K/yr

Who Receives This Housing

78% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

96% of subsidized households are minority

40% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

37% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

9,385

Avg. Commutei

29 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

9,820

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

684(3.9% of civilian adults)