Median Age
31 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 26% of Residents
Under 20
22%
Over 65
17%
Macomb, IL
Area Guide
Avg Rent
$600
Population
15,900
Renter Mix
55% Rent
Experience the historic charms of a vibrant college town
Affordable
•
Close-Knit
•
Historic
Macomb, Illinois sits at the heart of McDonough County, where Western Illinois University shapes much of the city's pace, personality, and purpose. The campus anchors the east side of town and drives a steady flow of activity through the surrounding streets, from coffee shops and bookstores to arts events and athletic competitions. Downtown Macomb, centered on the historic courthouse square, offers a walkable stretch of locally owned businesses, dining spots, and community gathering spaces that give the city a grounded, small-town feel without feeling sleepy.
Neighborhoods range from tree-lined streets near campus filled with older craftsman and bungalow-style homes to quieter residential pockets on the city's outskirts with newer construction. Renters have a solid mix of options, including single-family rentals, duplexes, and apartment communities that cater to a wide range of needs and budgets. Many apartment communities sit within easy reach of campus, while others offer more residential settings away from the university's daily activity.
Macomb has a long history as a regional hub in western Illinois, and its connection to WIU keeps the cultural calendar active year-round with performances, lectures, and sporting events. The city's compact size means most daily destinations are just a short drive or bike ride away, making it easy to settle in and feel at home quickly.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$36,439
Average: $60,253
Education
5,296
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
7,126
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
Macomb has more renters than homeowners.
Renters
55%
Non-Renters
45%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
26%
Other Education
74%
Rent Trends
As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Macomb, IL is $524 for a studio, $600 for one bedroom, $794 for two bedrooms, and $1,031 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Macomb has increased by 1.4% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$600/month
596 Sq Ft
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Macomb, IL is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
30
/ 100
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
100
/ 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
20
/ 100
Scores provided by
Schools
Public
Grades K-5
393 Students
Public
Grades K-5
406 Students
Public
Grades K-12
Public
Grades 6-8
454 Students
Public
Grades K-12
Public
Grades 9-12
607 Students
Public
Grades K-12
School data provided by
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Parks and Recreation
- Lakeview Nature Center
- Argyle Lake State Park
Commuter Rail
Colleges
Top Apartments in Macomb
Houses for Rent in Macomb
Living in Macomb
Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.