DeKalb County, Illinois

Income Data

+1% vs. Illinois average
$69,022
Median Household Income
$35,054
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$69,022
+1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,054
-11% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#39 / 102
by median household income

How DeKalb County Compares

DeKalb County$69,022
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$69,022
Median Household Income
$35,054
Per Capita Income
$231,900
Median Home Value
29.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in DeKalb County, Illinois

DeKalb Close to U.S. Median

DeKalb County's median household income of $69,022 sits just $5,733 below the national median of $74,755, placing it nearly at parity with the nation overall. For an Illinois county with a significant university presence, this near-national alignment reflects a diversified economy.

Slightly Above Illinois Average

DeKalb's median of $69,022 edges above Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $442, ranking it solidly in the middle tier of state counties. Its per capita income of $35,054 trails the state slightly, suggesting income is more concentrated in a smaller number of households.

Mid-Range in Rural Cluster

DeKalb's $69,022 ranks ahead of Crawford ($67,614), De Witt ($64,802), and the rural counties farther south, but lags the wealthier DeKalb University area. The county's $231,900 median home value significantly exceeds rural neighbors, reflecting student housing demand and suburban development.

Higher Housing Costs Bite Here

DeKalb's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% is the highest among rural peers, indicating housing costs claim a noticeably larger share of household income. The elevated median home value of $231,900—nearly double the rural county average—reflects university-driven real estate inflation that stretches some household budgets.

Leverage University Economy Benefits

DeKalb's university presence creates unique opportunities: employees often enjoy tuition benefits, pension plans, and professional development that boost long-term wealth. Residents should maximize employer retirement contributions and educational benefits to offset housing costs and build equity faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in DeKalb County, Illinois?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Illinois is $69,022, 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 DeKalb County?
The per capita income in DeKalb County is $35,054, 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 $69,022.
How does DeKalb County compare to the Illinois average?
DeKalb County's median household income of $69,022 is higher than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $35,054, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in DeKalb County, Illinois?
The per capita income in DeKalb County, Illinois is $35,054, 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.
Why is DeKalb County income higher than the Illinois average?
DeKalb County's median household income of $69,022 is higher than the Illinois average of $68,580. This difference of $442 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does DeKalb County rank for income in Illinois?
DeKalb County ranks #39 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $69,022 and per capita income of $35,054, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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