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.

Thornton, IL Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

1,940

Median Agei

44.1

Race & Ethnicityi

White

41.4%804

Black

34.8%676

Hispanic/Latino

21.1%410

Asian

1.1%22

Two or More

1.1%21

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.4%7

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

5.3%75

High School Diploma

30.4%434

Some College (<1 yr)

11.1%159

Some College (1+ yr)

15.9%227

Associate's Degree

10.7%153

Bachelor's Degree

15.6%223

Master's Degree

4.6%65

Professional Degree

0.3%4

HS or Higher

93.8%

BA or Higher

20.4%

Graduate+

4.8%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$155,100

Median Renti

$1,107

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

79.6%652

Renter-Occupied

20.4%167

Total Units

891

Homeownership

79.6%

Vacancy Rate

8.1%

Home Values

Under $50K

1.7%11

$50K–$100K

10.6%69

$100K–$150K

33%215

$150K–$200K

33.3%217

$200K–$300K

11.7%76

$300K–$500K

5.1%33

$1M+

4.8%31

Rent Distribution

Under $500

$750–$1,000

$1,000–$1,250

$1,500–$2,000

$2,000+

Year Built

2010–2019

2.5%22

2000–2009

0.7%6

1990–1999

5.3%47

1980–1989

3.7%33

1970–1979

12.1%108

1960–1969

23.1%206

1950–1959

31%276

1940–1949

2.1%19

1939 or earlier

19.5%174

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

86.9%712

Electricity

13.1%107

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$59,647

Mean Household Incomei

$77,480

Per Capita Incomei

$32,788

Poverty Ratei

15.1%

Unemploymenti

Labor Forcei

1,051

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

5.6%46

$10K–$15K

5.5%45

$15K–$20K

5.6%46

$20K–$25K

4.3%35

$25K–$30K

7.6%62

$30K–$35K

1.7%14

$35K–$40K

2.9%24

$40K–$45K

0.7%6

$45K–$50K

2.6%21

$50K–$60K

14.3%117

$60K–$75K

7.9%65

$75K–$100K

8.9%73

$100K–$125K

11.8%97

$125K–$150K

6.1%50

$150K–$200K

9.4%77

$200K+

5%41

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

Residentsi

Avg. Tenant Renti

$428/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

2 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers20 homes93% occupied$428/mo rent

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

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $59,647/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $18K/yr

89%

Very low income$18K–$30K/yr

11%

Who Receives This Housing

68% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

89% of subsidized households are minority

30% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

100% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

968

Avg. Commutei

25.6 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

977

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

60(3.8% of civilian adults)