| ZIP Code | 61260 |
|---|---|
| City | Joy |
| State | Illinois (IL) |
| County | Mercer County |
| Area Code | 309/861 |
| Elevation | 602 ft |
| Latitude | 41.237949 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -90.887362 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 17131 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 39.9 yrs ↓ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.08 |
| Below Poverty | 12.3% ▲ 23% above avg |
| College Grads | 14.3% ▼ 63% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.9% ▼ 21% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 199 (51.7%) |
| Some College | 54 (14%) |
| Associates | 77 (20%) |
| Bachelors | 24 (6.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 31 (8.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $47,500 ▼ 38% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $83,800 ▼ 70% below avg ↓ 10% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $597/mo ↓ 10% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 332 |
| Vacant Units | 26 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.08 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 332 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 26 |
| Owner Occupied | 69.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 30.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.08 |
ZIP code 61260 is located in Joy, Illinois, within Mercer County. With a population of 635, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 39.9 years. Economically, 61260 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $47,500 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 61260 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $83,800 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $597 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 69.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have decreased by 10% since 2019.
The population of 61260 is primarily White (92.76%). Residents are less-educated — 14.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.3%.
The unemployment rate in 61260 stands at 3.9%, which is below the national average. A notably high share of workers — 27% — work from home, reflecting the professional makeup of the area. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 61%.
Overall, ZIP code 61260 in Joy, IL is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 635 residents, a median household income of $47,500, and a median home value of $83,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Illinois.