DeKalb, IL

Census Place

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2024 Population
40,443
US Senator
Dick Durbin
Democratic Party
US Senator
Tammy Duckworth
Democratic Party
2024 Median Age
26.1
2.76% 1-year increase
2024 Poverty Rate
24.9%
3.22% 1-year decrease
2024 Median Household Income
$46,481
0.178% 1-year decline
2024 Median Property Value
$204,700
0.887% 1-year growth
2024 Employed Population
20,628
2.21% 1-year growth

About

None of the households in DeKalb, IL reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

94.4% of the residents in DeKalb, IL are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in DeKalb, IL are Northern Illinois University (4,082 degrees awarded in 2023) and Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology (35 degrees).

In 2024, the median property value in DeKalb, IL was $204,700, and the homeownership rate was 42.1%.

Most people in DeKalb, IL drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 23.8 minutes. The average car ownership in DeKalb, IL was 2 cars per household.

United StatesIllinoisDeKalb County, ILChicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WIDeKalb & Ogle Counties PUMA, IL

Population & Diversity

DeKalb, IL is home to a population of 40.4k people, from which 94.4% are citizens. As of 2024, 9.12% of DeKalb, IL residents were born outside of the country (3.69k people).

In 2024, there were 4.08 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (22.8k people) in DeKalb, IL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 5.59k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2.83k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

94.4%
2024 Citizenship
95.1%
2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 94.4% of DeKalb, IL residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in DeKalb, IL was 95.1%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in DeKalb, IL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in DeKalb, IL
  1. White (Non-Hispanic)
    22.8k ± 816
  2. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
    5.59k ± 601
  3. Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
    2.83k ± 546
19.9%
Hispanic Population
8.06k people

In 2024, there were 4.08 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (22.8k people) in DeKalb, IL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 5.59k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2.83k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

19.9% of the people in DeKalb, IL are hispanic (8.06k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in DeKalb, IL as a share of the total population.

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Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Illinois.
Most Common Origin
  1. Mexico
    633,244 ± 19,044 people
  2. India
    161,770 ± 9,812 people
  3. Poland
    119,556 ± 8,449 people

In 2023, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Illinois was Mexico, the natal country of 633,244 Illinois residents, followed by India with 161,770 and Poland with 119,556.

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Foreign-Born Population

9.12%
2024 Foreign-Born Population
3.69k people
9.05%
2023 Foreign-Born Population
3.66k people

As of 2024, 9.12% of DeKalb, IL residents (3.69k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in DeKalb, IL was 9.05%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in DeKalb, IL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period
  1. Gulf War (2001-)
    554 ± 237
  2. Vietnam
    253 ± 120
  3. Gulf War (1990s)
    164 ± 100

DeKalb, IL has a large population of military personnel who served in Gulf War (2001-), 2.19 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in DeKalb, IL.

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Economy

The economy of DeKalb, IL employs 20.6k people. In 2024, the largest industries in DeKalb, IL were Educational Services (3,029 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,835 people), and Accommodation & Food Services (2,799 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($55,511), Construction ($51,471), and Public Administration ($51,250).

Employment

Occupations

20.6k
2024 Value
± 1,427
2.21%
1 Year growth
± 9.62%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in DeKalb, IL grew at a rate of 2.21%, from 20.2k employees to 20.6k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in DeKalb, IL, are Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations (2,400 people), Education Instruction, & Library Occupations (2,005 people), and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,888 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of DeKalb, IL.

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Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Illinois.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Illinois (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

20.6k
2024 Value
± 1,427
2.21%
1 Year growth
± 9.62%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in DeKalb, IL grew at a rate of 2.21%, from 20.2k employees to 20.6k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in DeKalb, IL, are Educational Services (3,029 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,835 people), and Accommodation & Food Services (2,799 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of DeKalb, IL, though some of these residents may live in DeKalb, IL and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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Median Earnings by Industry

$36,586
Median earning men ± $3,664
$23,660
Median earning women ± $4,925

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($100,500), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($76,250), and Wholesale Trade ($61,000).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($45,795), Construction ($40,156), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($39,452).

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Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Illinois.
Y-Axis
2.47%
Year-over-year growth
Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 6.03M people employed in Illinois. This represents a 2.47% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 13%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Illinois.

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Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Illinois went to Kamala Harris with 54.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (43.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.43%).

Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth are the senators currently representing the state of Illinois. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Illinois is currently represented by 17 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Voting results are not available for DeKalb, IL. Showing the available data for Illinois.
2024 Election Results
  1. Kamala Harris (54.4%)
    Democratic Party
  2. Donald J. Trump (43.5%)
    Republican Party
  3. Robert Kennedy (1.43%)
    Independent Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Illinois went to Kamala Harris with 54.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (43.5%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.43%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Illinois for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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Senator Elections

US Senators from Illinois

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Illinois.
Dick Durbin
Senator from Illinois2
Assumed office on January 3, 1997
Tammy Duckworth
Senator from Illinois3
Assumed office on January 3, 2017

Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth are the senators currently representing Illinois.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Illinois over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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Education

In 2023, universities in DeKalb, IL awarded 4,117 degrees. The student population of DeKalb, IL in 2023 is skewed towards women, with 7,047 male students and 8,522 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in DeKalb, IL are White (2,244 and 58.7%), Hispanic or Latino (750 and 19.6%), Black or African American (432 and 11.3%), and Asian (249 and 6.52%).

The largest universities in DeKalb, IL by number of degrees awarded are Northern Illinois University (4,082 and 99.1%) and Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology (35 and 0.85%).

The most popular majors in DeKalb, IL are General Psychology (232 and 5.64%), General Business Administration & Management (176 and 4.27%), and Computer Science (170 and 4.13%).

The median tuition cost for a public four year colleges is $9,792 for in-state students and $9,792 for out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University
Measure

In 2023 in DeKalb, IL, the percentage of applicants admitted was 70.5%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 12.9%. The number of students enrolled in 2023 was 15,569 (45.3% men and 54.7% women).

The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2023 there were 15,569 students enrolled in DeKalb, IL, 45.3% men and 54.7% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 6,929 records, of which 54.2% were women and 45.8% men.

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Completions

Concentrations

Most Common
  1. General Psychology
    211 degrees awarded
  2. Registered Nursing
    153 degrees awarded
  3. Other Health Preparatory Programs
    139 degrees awarded

In 2023, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in DeKalb, IL was General Psychology with 211 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in DeKalb, IL according to their major.

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Universities

Gender
Race
Largest Universities by degrees awarded
  1. Northern Illinois University
    4,082 degrees awarded
  2. Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology
    35 degrees awarded

In 2023, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Northern Illinois University with 4,082 degrees awarded.

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Student Diversity

University

In 2023, 1,823 men were awarded degrees from institutions in DeKalb, IL, which is 0.795 times less than the 2,294 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 2,244 degrees mean that there were 2.99 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 750 degrees awarded.

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Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Public, 4-year or above ($9,792) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2023.

Public, 4-year or above ($2,714) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2023.

Public, 4-year or above ($1,300) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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Housing & Living

The median property value in DeKalb, IL was $204,700 in 2024, which is 0.615 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $202,900 to $204,700, a 0.887% increase. The homeownership rate in DeKalb, IL is 42.1%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

People in DeKalb, IL have an average commute time of 23.8 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in DeKalb, IL is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Housing

Property

$204,700
Median Property Value 2024
±$9,840
$6,905
Median Property Taxes
±$595

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In DeKalb, IL the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in DeKalb, IL compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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Rent vs Own

42.1%
Homeownership
2024
61%
Homeowners with Mortgage
2024

In 2024, 42.1% of the housing units in DeKalb, IL were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 42.5%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in DeKalb, IL compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
$46,481
Median Household Income
± $3,596
16.4k
Number of Households
± 1,268

In 2024, the median household income of the 16.4k households in DeKalb, IL declined from $46,481 from the previous year's value of $46,564.

The following chart displays the households in DeKalb, IL distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the < $10k range.

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Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for DeKalb, IL is from Illinois.
0.474
2023 Wage GINI in Illinois
0.477
2022 Wage GINI in Illinois

In 2023, the income inequality in Illinois was 0.474 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.554% decline from 2022 to 2023, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Illinois was lower than than the national average of 0.476. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Illinois in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Illinois across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024
  1. Drove Alone (71.2%)
  2. Carpooled (12.2%)
  3. Walked (8.06%)

In 2024, 71.2% of workers in DeKalb, IL drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (12.2%) and those who walked to work (8.06%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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Commute Time

23.8 minutes
Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in DeKalb, IL have a shorter commute time (23.8 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 3.68% of the workforce in DeKalb, IL have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in DeKalb, IL compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Car Ownership

2 cars
Average Number

The following chart displays the households in DeKalb, IL distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in DeKalb, IL have 2 cars.

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Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

24.9% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in DeKalb, IL (8.94k out of 36k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 18 - 24, followed by Males 18 - 24 and then Females 25 - 34.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in DeKalb, IL is White, followed by Black and Hispanic.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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Health

92.8% of the population of DeKalb, IL has health coverage, with 46% on employee plans, 25.7% on Medicaid, 8.33% on Medicare, 11.8% on non-group plans, and 0.983% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Illinois see 1,264 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,264 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1189 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 297 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.4% were men and 50.6% were women.

Coverage

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 22.3% under 18 years, 40.6% between 18 and 34 years, 26.9% between 35 and 64 years, and 10.2% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.4% were men and 50.6% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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Uninsured People

7.22%
Uninsured
46%
Employer Coverage
25.7%
Medicaid
8.33%
Medicare
11.8%
Non-Group
0.983%
Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in DeKalb, IL grew by 20.5% from 5.99% to 7.22%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in DeKalb, IL changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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