Vandalia city, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Vandalia city, Illinois has a total population of 6,041, the 305th largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $43,184, which is 47% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 47% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x.
Vandalia city Quick Facts
How Vandalia 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+)
Vandalia city Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Cities Similar to Vandalia city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Du Quoin city | 5,780 | $47,632 | $78,000 | 10.4% | 28.2% |
| East Alton village | 5,729 | $46,926 | $99,600 | 15.9% | 14.5% |
| Metropolis city | 5,898 | $51,548 | $93,700 | 14.4% | 16.6% |
| Hillsboro city | 5,693 | $48,158 | $95,800 | 12.5% | 15.8% |
| Murphysboro city | 6,804 | $42,367 | $79,600 | 19.4% | 16.4% |
Population Overview
Vandalia city is a small city located in Illinois. The total population is 6,041. It ranks as the 305th most populous out of 1,445 cities and towns in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in Vandalia city is 42.9 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. Only 13.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Vandalia city is $43,184. This is 47% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.1%. This is 89% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.4%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $88,800. Housing costs are 65% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Vandalia city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 64.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 66.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Vandalia city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 78.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 11.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.8%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.
Education
10.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 71% 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 84.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Vandalia 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 Vandalia city, Illinois?
Vandalia city, Illinois has a population of 6,041 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Vandalia city, IL?
The median household income in Vandalia city is $43,184, which is 45% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Vandalia city, IL?
The poverty rate in Vandalia city is 22.1%. This means approximately 1,100 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Vandalia city, Illinois?
Vandalia city's population is 78.5% White, 11.4% Black, 5.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Vandalia city, IL?
The median home value in Vandalia city is $88,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x.
How educated is Vandalia city, Illinois?
10.9% of adults (25+) in Vandalia city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.