McHenry city, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, McHenry city, Illinois has a total population of 27,774, the 74th largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $86,865, which is 6% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.0%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.0% — among the lowest in Illinois.
McHenry city Quick Facts
How McHenry city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 60 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
McHenry city Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Cities Similar to McHenry city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntley village | 27,859 | $86,349 | $318,500 | 39.3% | 7.8% |
| Round Lake Beach village | 27,081 | $86,632 | $191,200 | 16.8% | 10.6% |
| Oak Forest city | 26,888 | $87,941 | $247,800 | 30.1% | 5.5% |
| Burbank city | 28,822 | $83,975 | $258,900 | 15.5% | 10.8% |
| Woodstock city | 26,316 | $83,293 | $231,100 | 31.4% | 7.7% |
Population Overview
McHenry city is a mid-sized community located in Illinois. The total population is 27,774. It ranks as the 74th most populous out of 1,445 cities and towns in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in McHenry city is 43.5 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in McHenry city is $86,865. This is 6% higher than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 11% higher. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%. This is 66% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 40% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $244,900. Housing costs are 2% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, McHenry city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 66.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in McHenry city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 77.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 17.1%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Asian population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.
Education
25.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 37.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for McHenry city, Illinois is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Illinois state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of McHenry city, Illinois?
McHenry city, Illinois has a population of 27,774 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in McHenry city, IL?
The median household income in McHenry city is $86,865, which is 11% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in McHenry city, IL?
The poverty rate in McHenry city is 4.0%. This means approximately 1,109 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of McHenry city, Illinois?
McHenry city's population is 77.7% White, 0.8% Black, 17.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in McHenry city, IL?
The median home value in McHenry city is $244,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is McHenry city, Illinois?
25.5% of adults (25+) in McHenry city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.