Oswego, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Oswego, Illinois had a total population of 36,375, the 50th largest village in Illinois, with a median household income of $123,792, which is 48% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 48% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Illinois.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.6% — among the lowest in Illinois.
Oswego Quick Facts
How Oswego Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,463 | 36,375 | +2.6% |
| Median household income | $119,881 | $123,792 | +3.3% |
| Median home value | $319,000 | $344,500 | +8.0% |
How Oswego Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Oswego Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in Will County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet | 150,445 | $92,201 | 11.1% | $265,800 |
| Plainfield | 46,708 | $144,000 | 4.2% | $431,400 |
| Romeoville | 41,152 | $106,325 | 5.5% | $257,100 |
| New Lenox | 28,006 | $140,865 | 1.5% | $399,900 |
| Lockport | 26,409 | $111,981 | 6.8% | $316,000 |
| Crest Hill | 20,628 | $73,033 | 12.0% | $232,900 |
| Mokena | 20,021 | $123,889 | 4.5% | $401,400 |
| Shorewood | 18,343 | $122,105 | 5.2% | $337,800 |
| Channahon | 13,927 | $119,494 | 5.9% | $327,900 |
| Minooka | 12,891 | $115,445 | 2.6% | $315,600 |
Cities Similar to Oswego
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Ridge | 38,667 | $142,986 | $551,200 | 66.1% | 2.9% |
| St. Charles | 32,854 | $114,300 | $377,400 | 52.0% | 4.5% |
| Bartlett | 40,501 | $133,240 | $375,700 | 49.5% | 4.2% |
| Hanover Park | 36,732 | $91,763 | $274,200 | 28.9% | 12.5% |
| Streamwood | 39,001 | $101,218 | $271,200 | 27.8% | 10.2% |
Population Overview
Oswego is a mid-sized community located in Illinois, within Will County. The total population is 36,375. It ranks as the 50th most populous out of 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in Oswego is 38.7 years. This is about the same as the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Oswego is $123,792. This is 48% higher than the state median of $83,390. It is also 53% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%. This is 78% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.6%. This is 55% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $344,500. Housing costs are 31% higher than the state median of $263,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Oswego is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 87.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% higher than the state average of 67.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Oswego is White (non-Hispanic), making up 62.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 17.9%.
Education
44.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 37.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.4%. Notably, 17.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Oswego, Illinois is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Oswego, Illinois?
Oswego, Illinois has a population of 36,375 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Oswego, IL?
The median household income in Oswego is $123,792, which is 53% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Oswego, IL?
The poverty rate in Oswego is 2.6%. This means approximately 944 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Oswego, Illinois?
Oswego's population is 62.4% White, 10.1% Black, 17.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Oswego, IL?
The median home value in Oswego is $344,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is Oswego, Illinois?
44.3% of adults (25+) in Oswego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.