IncomeBy County

Coles County, Illinois

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-18% vs. Illinois average
$56,040
Median Household Income
$33,965
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,040
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,965
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
46.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#89 / 102
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Coles County Compares

Coles County$56,040
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,040
Median Household Income
$33,965
Per Capita Income
$121,900
Median Home Value
46.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Coles County

Income Verdict

Coles County has a median household income of $56,040 and per capita income of $33,965 — a gap of $22,075, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $793/month and a median household income of $56,040, rent consumes approximately 17.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $56,040, residents of Coles County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $33,965 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Coles County earns approximately 18.3% below the Illinois state median household income of $68,580.

Data Story

About Household Income in Coles County, Illinois

Coles County well below U.S. income median

Coles County's median household income of $56,040 falls $18,715 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among the nation's lower-income rural areas, reflecting limited employment opportunities.

Bottom tier of Illinois income distribution

At $56,040, Coles County earns $12,540 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county ranks in the lowest 15% of Illinois counties, consistent with south-central Illinois's rural economic patterns.

Lowest income among nearby counties

Coles County ($56,040) trails all adjacent counties, falling behind Clay County ($57,266), Christian County ($59,253), and significantly behind Clark County ($70,625). The county faces the most challenging income environment in its five-county region.

Housing costs strain tight household budgets

Coles County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% represents the highest burden among comparison counties, consuming more than half the recommended 30% housing threshold. The combination of low income and higher housing pressure limits financial flexibility.

Build resilience with steady, incremental progress

Coles County residents benefit most from employer-sponsored retirement plans and automatic payroll deductions that lock in savings before spending temptation. Even small contributions—$25-50 monthly—compound meaningfully over 20-30 years toward retirement security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Coles County, Illinois?
The median household income in Coles County, Illinois is $56,040, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Coles County?
The per capita income in Coles County is $33,965, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,040.
How does Coles County compare to the Illinois average?
Coles County's median household income of $56,040 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $33,965, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in Coles County, Illinois?
The per capita income in Coles County, Illinois is $33,965, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Coles County a low-income area in Illinois?
Coles County's median household income of $56,040 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $33,965 is also lower than the state average of $36,009. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Coles County rank for income in Illinois?
Coles County ranks #89 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,040 and per capita income of $33,965, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Coles County

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Your income is above the Coles County median

County median: $56,040 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-18%

vs. National Median

-25%

vs. Coles County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average▼ 18% below
vs. National Median▼ 25% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.9x

Your monthly income ($4,670) vs. median rent ($793/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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