| City: | Cherry, Illinois |
| County: | Bureau County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:10:38 AM |
| Population: | 441 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 815 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 41.4321, -89.2100 |
| Land Area: | 1.019 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Cherry is a small rural village in Bureau County, Illinois, covering just 0.33 square miles. With a population of 441 residents and 184 households, this is a classic small-town community where most people know their neighbors. The village has been using ZIP code 61317 since before October 2004.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across Cherry's territory. The post office maintains 198 PO Boxes for 184 households, meaning box adoption is near universal at 107.6%. Despite the PO Box classification, the village has two rural carrier routes that serve surrounding areas.
Cherry's street layout reflects a traditional small-town grid. Main Street runs north-south through the center, with numbered streets (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) creating an organized pattern. Other streets honor historical names: Lincoln Avenue, Taylor Street, and Saint Paul Street. The most active delivery streets are E Lincoln Ave with 9 delivery points, followed by N Main St and S Main St with 7 each.
The community is predominantly residential. Median home values sit at $96,900, and 86% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. Median household income is $47,250, and per capita income is $39,978. The village supports 8 small businesses employing 30 people. At a median age of 43.2 years, Cherry's population skews slightly older than the national average.
Work patterns show this isn't a self-contained employment center. Many residents commute for work: 66 drove alone, 24 carpooled, and 38 used public transportation. The largest employment sector is transportation, warehousing, and utilities with 158 workers, followed by educational services and healthcare with 41, and public administration with 23. About 24% of workers work from home.
Mail to Cherry must use a PO Box. The village doesn't have city carrier delivery. Most residents maintain boxes at the Cherry Post Office, which serves as the community's central mail hub.
Traditional small-town grid with Main Street as the central axis, numbered streets (1st-4th), and streets honoring historical figures like Lincoln and Taylor.
ZIP Code 61317 has 441 residents and 184 households (average 2.40 persons per household). The median age is 43.2 years, older than the state (38.8) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.2% male and 50.8% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.0%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (95.9%, much higher than the state average of 61.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 441Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 521Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 432.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $58,750Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 184Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $103,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.40Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.06Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 358 | 348 | 423 | 455 | 473 | 484 | 468 | 479 | 405 | 479 | 475 | 460 | 488 | 521 |
| Decennial Census | 513 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 441 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 43.2
Male Median Age: 37.6
Female Median Age: 45.7
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 15 | 12 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| Female | 17 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 23 | 7 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 32 | 20 | 26 | 22 | 28 | 35 | 32 | 16 | 15 | 26 | 33 | 36 | 45 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 11 | 7 |
| White: | 423 | 93.17% |
| Black: | 2 | 0.44% |
| Hispanic:* | 22 | 4.85% |
| Asian: | 4 | 0.88% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 3 | 0.66% |
| Total: | 454 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 217 | 49.21% | 37.6 years |
| Females: | 224 | 50.79% | 45.7 years |
| Total: | 441 | 100% | 43.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 501 | 96.16% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 20 | 3.84% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 3.84% |
| Total Population: | 521 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 501 | 96.16% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 20 | 3.84% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $58,750, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $14,271 (32.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,000. Family households earn a median of $66,250 versus $42,917 for nonfamily households (a difference of $23,333). By gender, male median income is $47,500 and female is $48,162, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $662 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.7%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (40.4%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $44,479 | $59,000 | $57,625 | $51,250 | $51,397 | $58,750 | $50,893 | $47,750 | $48,750 | $49,583 | $46,000 | $42,500 | $47,250 | $58,750 |
| Median Family Income | $70,208 | $71,875 | $70,750 | $71,136 | $61,250 | $70,833 | $48,333 | $46,500 | $51,250 | $52,857 | $51,250 | $55,500 | $59,000 | $66,250 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $29,306 | $38,125 | $37,750 | $38,875 | $50,288 | $50,577 | $51,875 | $50,625 | $31,250 | $38,750 | $28,125 | $27,500 | $36,042 | $42,917 |
| Median Male Income | $42,125 | $41,250 | $45,114 | $45,667 | $45,441 | $45,357 | $43,750 | $40,156 | $45,938 | $47,500 | $44,000 | $44,375 | $46,250 | $47,500 |
| Median Female Income | $30,357 | $31,544 | $30,833 | $30,500 | $31,111 | $32,500 | $28,750 | $40,278 | $41,563 | $41,429 | $43,125 | $46,786 | $37,031 | $48,162 |
| Employed: | 225 | 54.74% |
| Unemployed: | 4 | 0.97% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 182 | 44.28% |
| Total: | 411 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 91 | 40.44% |
| Service: | 24 | 10.67% |
| Sales and Office: | 36 | 16.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 34 | 15.11% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 40 | 17.78% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 225 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $103,300, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $9,400 (10.01%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $25,200. The median gross rent is $675, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is down $77 (10.24%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $102. Of occupied housing, owners make up 87.23% (64.88% with a mortgage, 35.12% free-and-clear) and renters 12.77% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 7.84%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $93,900 | $81,000 | $90,300 | $75,400 | $82,500 | $80,500 | $87,900 | $79,800 | $78,100 | $79,200 | $84,100 | $87,600 | $96,900 | $103,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 20 | 66.67% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 10 | 33.33% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 30 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $752 | $725 | $810 | $584 | $753 | $675 | $750 | $639 | $777 | $758 | $800 | $795 | $892 | $675 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 133 | 56.60% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 72 | 30.64% |
| Renter Occupied: | 30 | 12.77% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 235 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 235 | 92.16% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 20 | 7.84% |
| Total Housing Units: | 255 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 247 | 96.86% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 8 | 3.14% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 255 | 100% |
In 2024, 17.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 84.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 9.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 9.20 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.00 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (56.44%). College enrollment is 4.95%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 62 | 15.98% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 138 | 35.57% |
| Some college, no degree: | 81 | 20.88% |
| Associate's degree: | 41 | 10.57% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 55 | 14.18% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 11 | 2.84% |
| Total: | 388 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 326 | 84.02% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 66 | 17.01% |
| Private Insurance: | 429 | 65.80% |
| Public Insurance: | 212 | 32.52% |
| No Insurance: | 11 | 1.69% |
| Total: | 652 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 641 | 98.31% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.7% | 3.2% | 7.6% | 7.9% | 8.2% | 7.6% | 4.2% | 2.1% | 8.2% | 8.0% | 9.2% | 9.6% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 10 | 9.90% |
| Kindergarten: | 8 | 7.92% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 57 | 56.44% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 21 | 20.79% |
| College or graduate school: | 5 | 4.95% |
| Total: | 101 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 18 | 17.82% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 86 | 85.15% |
ZIP Code 61317 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 7 business establishments, employing about 29 people with an annual payroll of $1,827,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 218Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 7Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $353,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,827,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 29Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 61317 is located in Bureau County, Illinois, within the Ottawa, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 36837) and Illinois's 14th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 61317. It covers 1.019 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Ottawa, ILSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 36837Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.019 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 14Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 1597.6 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 1712970Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Cherry village; IllinoisSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 61317 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.