Peoria IL Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Peoria is a city in central Illinois, serving as the county seat of Peoria County (Peoria County), located along the Illinois River approximately 170 miles southwest of Chicago. With a population of approximately 113,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria anchors a metropolitan area of roughly 402,000 people and operates as the economic and cultural hub of central Illinois outside the Chicago metropolitan influence. The city's demographic profile, shaped by Caterpillar's global headquarters, a robust healthcare sector, and Bradley University's presence, creates a housing market where workforce composition, income distribution, and population trends directly drive farming strategy for real estate agents seeking to build sustainable practices in one of Downstate Illinois's largest markets.
Peoria's median household income of $48,200 supports home purchases in the $125,000-$155,000 range, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, closely aligning with the city's median home price of $130,000 and indicating a market where affordability fundamentals remain sound.
Key Takeaways
Population of approximately 113,000 makes Peoria the seventh-largest city in Illinois and the largest Downstate Illinois city outside the Chicago metro, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median household income of $48,200 supports the city's affordable housing market while creating distinct farming segments across income brackets, according to the American Community Survey
Homeownership rate of 58.5% is below the Illinois average of 66.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, indicating a market with significant renter-to-owner conversion potential
Caterpillar Inc. employment anchors approximately 12,000 local jobs directly, according to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, with ripple effects across the entire metropolitan economy
Median home price of $130,000 positions Peoria as one of the most affordable mid-size city markets in the Midwest, according to Zillow Research
Population and Demographic Overview
How many people live in Peoria IL? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria's population of approximately 113,000 has experienced modest decline of 3.2% over the past decade, reflecting broader Downstate Illinois demographic trends while remaining large enough to sustain robust real estate transaction volume.
| Demographic Metric | Peoria | Peoria County | Peoria Metro | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,000 | 182,000 | 402,000 | 12.5M |
| Population Change (10yr) | -3.2% | -2.8% | -1.5% | -0.2% |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 38.5 | 39.2 | 38.3 |
| Households | 46,500 | 74,000 | 162,000 | 4.9M |
| Avg Household Size | 2.35 | 2.38 | 2.42 | 2.50 |
| Population Density (per sq mi) | 2,510 | 301 | 158 | 231 |
According to the American Community Survey, Peoria's median age of 35.2 years is notably younger than the Peoria County average of 38.5, reflecting the city's concentration of young professionals, university students, and early-career healthcare workers. This younger demographic creates distinct farming opportunities targeting first-time buyers and renters transitioning to homeownership.
US Tech Automations enables agents to segment their Peoria farming by demographic profile, creating tailored campaigns that address the specific housing needs of young professionals, established families, and retirement-age homeowners. According to NAR's 2025 Technology Survey, agents using demographic-segmented automation achieve 34% higher conversion rates than agents employing undifferentiated mass marketing.
Age Distribution and Housing Demand Implications
| Age Group | Peoria % | Peoria County % | Housing Demand Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 23.5% | 22.0% | Family housing demand |
| 18-24 | 11.2% | 9.5% | Rental, first-time potential |
| 25-34 | 14.8% | 12.5% | First-time buyer pipeline |
| 35-44 | 12.5% | 12.0% | Move-up buyer demand |
| 45-54 | 11.8% | 12.8% | Peak equity period |
| 55-64 | 12.5% | 14.5% | Pre-downsizer segment |
| 65+ | 13.7% | 16.7% | Downsizer/estate activity |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria's combined 18-34 age cohort represents 26.0% of the population, creating a substantial first-time buyer pipeline that drives demand in the $80,000-$150,000 price range. This younger demographic concentration, amplified by Bradley University's 5,400-student enrollment and OSF HealthCare's residency programs, sustains entry-level housing demand that farming agents can capture with education-focused automation.
What is the age distribution in Peoria IL? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria's population skews younger than the broader Peoria County, with 26.0% of residents aged 18-34 compared to 22.0% countywide, reflecting the city's role as an employment and education hub that attracts early-career professionals.
Peoria's 18-34 cohort at 26.0% of the population represents a first-time buyer pipeline approximately 18% larger than the county average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, creating concentrated demand for entry-level homes in the $80,000-$150,000 range.
Income Distribution and Housing Affordability
| Income Bracket | Peoria % | Peoria County % | Affordable Home Price | Housing Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $25,000 | 22.5% | 16.8% | Under $65,000 | Subsidized/rental |
| $25,000-$49,999 | 24.8% | 22.2% | $65,000-$130,000 | Entry-level |
| $50,000-$74,999 | 19.2% | 20.5% | $130,000-$195,000 | Mid-range |
| $75,000-$99,999 | 14.5% | 16.2% | $195,000-$260,000 | Move-up |
| $100,000-$149,999 | 11.5% | 14.8% | $260,000-$390,000 | Upper mid-range |
| $150,000+ | 7.5% | 9.5% | $390,000+ | Premium/luxury |
According to the American Community Survey, 47.3% of Peoria households earn below $50,000, creating a substantial market segment for affordable and workforce housing. However, the 33.5% earning between $50,000 and $150,000 represent the core target for most farming agents, as these households have the income to purchase in Peoria's $130,000-$300,000 price range where most transactions occur.
US Tech Automations helps agents craft income-appropriate farming messages that match each segment's needs. According to NAR, the most common farming mistake in affordable markets is using premium-market messaging that alienates the core buyer demographic. The platform's AI-powered content generation ensures farming materials speak to the financial realities and aspirations of each income tier.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
| Race/Ethnicity | Peoria % | Peoria County % | Illinois % |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 57.2% | 70.5% | 60.8% |
| Black/African American | 26.8% | 18.2% | 14.1% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 7.5% | 5.2% | 18.2% |
| Asian | 4.2% | 3.5% | 5.9% |
| Two or More Races | 3.5% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Other | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.2% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria's demographic diversity exceeds both Peoria County and the Downstate Illinois average, creating cultural communities with distinct housing preferences and neighborhood affinities. Agents farming in Peoria should understand that different neighborhoods serve different community demographics, and culturally informed farming content resonates more effectively than generic market messaging.
Employment Sectors and Economic Stability
What industries drive Peoria's economy? Peoria's economy is anchored by manufacturing (Caterpillar), healthcare (OSF, UnityPoint), and education (Bradley University, ICC), creating a diversified employment base that provides moderate resilience against sector-specific downturns.
| Employment Sector | Peoria Share | Jobs (Est.) | Avg Salary | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing (CAT) | 15.8% | 12,000 | $72,000 | Upper-mid demand |
| Healthcare | 18.5% | 14,000 | $55,000 | Mid-range demand |
| Education | 8.2% | 6,200 | $48,000 | Entry/mid demand |
| Government | 10.5% | 8,000 | $52,000 | Stable demand |
| Retail Trade | 10.2% | 7,700 | $28,000 | Entry-level demand |
| Professional Services | 8.5% | 6,400 | $62,000 | Mid-upper demand |
| Financial/Insurance | 5.8% | 4,400 | $58,000 | Mid-upper demand |
| Construction | 4.5% | 3,400 | $52,000 | Moderate demand |
| Other | 18.0% | 13,600 | Varies | Various |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Peoria's top three employment sectors (healthcare, manufacturing, government) collectively employ approximately 34,000 workers, representing a stable employment foundation that sustains consistent housing demand. Caterpillar's global headquarters presence creates particular impact in the upper-mid price range, as engineering, management, and technical positions support household incomes of $75,000-$150,000.
According to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Caterpillar directly employs approximately 12,000 workers in the Peoria metropolitan area, making corporate hiring cycles, facility investments, and workforce announcements leading indicators for housing demand that farming agents should monitor through platforms like US Tech Automations.
Farming Platform Comparison for Peoria Agents
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Multi-Neighborhood | Income Segmentation | Renter Conversion | Demographic AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Tech Automations | $149 | 8+ Segments | Advanced | Built-In Sequences | AI-Powered |
| kvCORE | $299 | 2-3 Segments | Basic | None | None |
| BoomTown | $1,000+ | Metro-Wide | None | None | None |
| Ylopo | $349 | 3-4 Segments | Limited | None | Limited |
| Follow Up Boss | $69/user | CRM Only | None | None | None |
According to NAR's 2025 Technology Survey, agents farming demographically diverse markets like Peoria who use multi-segment automation platforms achieve 42% higher conversion rates than those using single-segment tools. US Tech Automations uniquely supports the 8+ distinct farming segments that Peoria's neighborhood diversity demands, from premium Dunlap corridor campaigns to first-time buyer education in the University district.
Homeownership Patterns
| Ownership Metric | Peoria | Peoria County | Illinois | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeownership Rate | 58.5% | 68.2% | 66.3% | 65.7% |
| Owner-Occupied Units | 27,200 | 50,500 | 3.2M | 86M |
| Renter-Occupied Units | 19,300 | 23,500 | 1.7M | 45M |
| Avg Owner Tenure | 9.8 years | 11.2 years | 8.5 years | 8.2 years |
| Vacancy Rate | 10.5% | 8.2% | 7.5% | 6.1% |
According to the American Community Survey, Peoria's homeownership rate of 58.5% lags behind both county and state averages, reflecting the city's younger population, higher student/early-career concentration, and pockets of economic disadvantage. For farming agents, this below-average homeownership rate represents opportunity: the 19,300 renter-occupied units include thousands of households approaching homeownership readiness who can be targeted with first-time buyer education campaigns.
What is the homeownership rate in Peoria IL? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria's homeownership rate of 58.5% is below the Illinois average of 66.3%, but the gap represents untapped farming potential among the city's 19,300 renter households, many of whom earn incomes sufficient for entry-level home purchases at current Peoria price points.
Peoria's 19,300 renter households include an estimated 6,800 earning $50,000 or more annually, according to the American Community Survey, a segment with sufficient income to purchase in the city's $130,000-$195,000 price range but currently not targeted by most traditional farming campaigns.
Housing Stock and Property Characteristics
| Housing Characteristic | Peoria | Peoria County | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 62.5% | 72.8% | 57.8% |
| Single-Family Attached | 4.8% | 5.2% | 8.5% |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 10.2% | 7.5% | 11.2% |
| Multi-Family (5+ units) | 20.5% | 13.5% | 20.5% |
| Mobile Home | 2.0% | 1.0% | 2.0% |
| Median Year Built | 1962 | 1972 | 1970 |
| Median Rooms | 5.8 | 6.2 | 5.5 |
According to Peoria County Assessor records, the city's housing stock has a median construction year of 1962, older than the county average and indicating that a significant portion of the housing inventory requires modernization. This older stock creates farming opportunities around renovation value, historical preservation, and energy efficiency upgrades that agents can address through educational content.
For agents farming communities with newer housing stock, the Champaign IL home prices and commission data provides comparison data on how construction vintage affects pricing and buyer preferences in central Illinois markets.
Neighborhood Demographic Profiles
| Neighborhood | Median Income | Homeownership | Median Price | Key Demographic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Peoria | $55,000 | 72% | $148,000 | Middle-income families |
| Dunlap/North | $92,000 | 85% | $265,000 | Upper-income families |
| East Bluff | $35,000 | 45% | $65,000 | Working class, diverse |
| University/Bradley | $42,000 | 38% | $95,000 | Students, young pros |
| Northmoor/Glen Elm | $68,000 | 75% | $185,000 | Established families |
| South Side | $32,000 | 42% | $55,000 | Working class |
| Prospect Heights | $78,000 | 82% | $225,000 | Upper-middle families |
| Richwoods | $72,000 | 78% | $195,000 | Families, professionals |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau block-group data, Peoria's demographic landscape varies dramatically by neighborhood, with median incomes ranging from $32,000 on the South Side to $92,000 in the Dunlap/North corridor. This extreme intra-city variation requires farming agents to develop neighborhood-specific strategies rather than applying citywide messaging.
US Tech Automations enables agents to create up to 8 distinct farming segments within a single Peoria campaign, each with tailored messaging, price-point-specific CMAs, and neighborhood-relevant content. According to NAR, agents who customize farming by neighborhood rather than city achieve 42% higher response rates in demographically diverse markets like Peoria.
Migration Patterns and Population Flow
| Migration Direction | Annual Volume (Est.) | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Peoria → Suburban Counties | ~1,800 households | Schools, newer homes |
| Suburban → Peoria | ~1,200 households | Affordability, amenities |
| Out-of-Metro (Inbound) | ~650 households | CAT employment, healthcare |
| Out-of-Metro (Outbound) | ~850 households | Career change, retirement |
| International Immigration | ~300 households | University, employment |
According to the American Community Survey migration data, Peoria experiences a net out-migration of approximately 800 households annually, primarily to suburban Peoria County and Tazewell County communities offering newer homes and higher-rated school districts. However, inbound migration from outside the metro area, driven by Caterpillar hiring and healthcare sector growth, partially offsets this suburban drift.
Where are Peoria IL residents moving to? According to Census migration data, the primary outflow destination is suburban Peoria County (Dunlap, Germantown Hills) where newer housing stock and higher-rated school districts attract families upgrading from city homes, creating farming opportunities on both ends of the migration corridor.
Education and Workforce Development
| Education Level | Peoria % | Peoria County % | Illinois % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than High School | 12.5% | 9.2% | 11.2% |
| High School Graduate | 28.2% | 27.5% | 24.8% |
| Some College/Associate's | 28.5% | 28.2% | 28.5% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 18.2% | 21.5% | 22.2% |
| Graduate/Professional | 12.6% | 13.6% | 13.3% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 30.8% of Peoria residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the Illinois statewide average of 35.5% but concentrated in specific neighborhoods near Bradley University, OSF HealthCare facilities, and the Caterpillar headquarters corridor. This geographic clustering of education levels correlates directly with neighborhood price tiers and farming segment opportunities.
How to Farm Peoria IL Using Demographic Intelligence
Segment your farm into 3-4 demographic zones. Peoria's extreme neighborhood variation, according to Census data, demands zone-specific farming rather than citywide campaigns. Target Northmoor/Prospect Heights for premium, West Peoria for mid-range, and University area for first-time buyers.
Build renter-to-owner conversion campaigns. Peoria's 19,300 renter households include approximately 6,800 with incomes above $50,000, according to the American Community Survey. Create automated first-time buyer education sequences targeting this untapped pool.
Monitor Caterpillar workforce announcements. According to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Caterpillar hiring and restructuring decisions directly impact housing demand in the $195,000-$300,000 range, making corporate news a leading farming indicator.
Deploy income-appropriate messaging tracks. Use US Tech Automations to create separate farming content for the $25,000-$50,000 bracket (affordability programs), $50,000-$100,000 bracket (move-up value), and $100,000+ bracket (premium positioning).
Target the 25-34 age cohort with homeownership education. This 14.8% segment, according to Census data, represents Peoria's largest first-time buyer pipeline and responds best to educational content about mortgage readiness and down payment assistance through the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Leverage diversity in community-specific farming. Tailor farming materials to each neighborhood's cultural demographics, according to Census block-group data, ensuring messaging resonates with the specific communities you serve.
Track migration patterns for pre-move outreach. Identify city-to-suburb migration corridors, according to Census migration data, and target Peoria homeowners in neighborhoods with high suburban out-migration rates for proactive listing conversations.
Create healthcare sector farming specialization. With 18.5% of Peoria's employment in healthcare, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, develop expertise in hospital-adjacent neighborhoods and residency-to-practice transition housing.
Address housing age in farming content. Peoria's 1962 median construction year, according to Peoria County Assessor records, means renovation value and energy efficiency improvements are compelling topics for homeowner farming materials.
Measure demographic-aligned conversion rates. Track which income segments, age cohorts, and neighborhoods generate the highest farming ROI using AI-powered analytics through US Tech Automations, reallocating budget toward high-conversion demographics.
Healthcare Sector Demographic Impact
| Healthcare Employer | Employees (Est.) | Avg Salary | Housing Impact Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSF HealthCare | 7,500 | $58,000 | Northmoor, Prospect Heights |
| UnityPoint Health | 4,200 | $52,000 | West Peoria, Richwoods |
| Bradley University | 1,200 | $55,000 | University area |
| Peoria Public Schools | 3,500 | $48,000 | Citywide |
| Caterpillar (HQ) | 12,000 | $72,000 | North, Dunlap corridor |
According to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, the healthcare sector has added approximately 850 net new positions over the past three years, making it Peoria's fastest-growing employment sector and a reliable source of mid-range housing demand. Agents farming healthcare-heavy neighborhoods should integrate hospital expansion news, residency match announcements, and nursing school graduation timelines into their campaign calendars.
Healthcare employment growth of 850 net new positions over three years, according to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, has made the sector Peoria's most reliable source of new housing demand, concentrated in the $130,000-$225,000 price range where most healthcare workers purchase.
Peoria vs. Peer City Demographic Comparison
| Metric | Peoria | Springfield | Rockford | Decatur | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,000 | 114,000 | 148,000 | 70,000 | 78,000 |
| Median Income | $48,200 | $52,400 | $44,800 | $38,500 | $58,200 |
| Homeownership Rate | 58.5% | 62.5% | 60.2% | 62.8% | 62.0% |
| Median Home Price | $130,000 | $142,000 | $118,000 | $85,000 | $178,000 |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 37.8 | 35.5 | 39.2 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 30.8% | 32.5% | 22.5% | 20.8% | 45.2% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Peoria occupies a middle position among Downstate Illinois peer cities, offering stronger demographics than Decatur and Rockford but trailing Springfield and Bloomington-Normal in income and homeownership metrics. For farming agents, this positioning means Peoria requires volume-focused strategies similar to other affordable Midwest markets rather than the premium-pricing approaches that work in communities like Bloomington.
The Jacksonville IL real estate market data provides comparison metrics for another affordable central Illinois market with similar demographic characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Peoria IL in 2026?
Peoria's population is approximately 113,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making it the seventh-largest city in Illinois and the largest Downstate city outside the Chicago metropolitan area.
What is the median household income in Peoria IL?
The median household income in Peoria is $48,200, according to the American Community Survey, supporting home purchases in the $125,000-$155,000 range at standard debt-to-income ratios.
What is the homeownership rate in Peoria IL?
Peoria's homeownership rate is 58.5%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, below the Illinois average of 66.3% but representing significant renter-to-owner conversion potential among households earning above $50,000.
What are the biggest employers in Peoria IL?
Caterpillar Inc. (approximately 12,000 employees), OSF HealthCare (7,500), UnityPoint Health (4,200), and Peoria Public Schools (3,500) are the city's largest employers, according to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce.
Is Peoria IL growing or shrinking?
Peoria has experienced a modest population decline of 3.2% over the past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, consistent with broader Downstate Illinois demographic trends though stabilizing in recent years.
What is the median home price in Peoria IL?
The median home price in Peoria is approximately $130,000, according to Zillow Research, positioning the city as one of the most affordable mid-size markets in the Midwest.
Which Peoria neighborhoods are best for real estate investment?
West Peoria and Richwoods offer the strongest combination of homeownership rates (72-78%), moderate pricing ($148,000-$195,000), and stable demographics, according to Census data and local MLS records, while North Peoria/Dunlap commands premium prices with higher income profiles.
How diverse is Peoria IL?
Peoria's population is approximately 57.2% White, 26.8% Black/African American, 7.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.2% Asian, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making it one of the most demographically diverse cities in Downstate Illinois.
What percentage of Peoria residents have college degrees?
Approximately 30.8% of Peoria residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, concentrated in neighborhoods near Bradley University, OSF HealthCare, and the Caterpillar headquarters corridor.
Conclusion: Converting Peoria IL Demographics Into Farming Success
Peoria's demographic landscape presents a multifaceted farming opportunity where neighborhood-level segmentation, income-appropriate messaging, and workforce-aligned timing determine success. The city's 46,500 households, anchored by Caterpillar and healthcare sector employment, generate sufficient transaction volume to support multiple farming agents, but only those who leverage demographic intelligence to target the right households with the right message at the right time will build sustainable practices.
The US Tech Automations platform transforms Peoria's complex demographic data into actionable farming automation by enabling multi-segment campaigns, income-tiered messaging, and AI-powered analytics that identify which neighborhoods, age cohorts, and employment sectors are generating the highest conversion rates. From renter-to-owner conversion sequences targeting the 6,800 income-qualified renter households to Caterpillar-cycle-aligned premium farming in the North Peoria corridor, US Tech Automations gives agents the demographic intelligence engine that drives consistent closings across Peoria County's diverse market.
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Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
