| City: | Royal, Illinois |
| County: | Champaign County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:15:08 AM |
| Population: | 308 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 217 / 447 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 40.1902, -87.9754 |
| Land Area: | 1.6 sq mi |
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Royal is a small farming community in east-central Illinois where nearly everyone relies on a PO Box for mail. With 137 PO Boxes serving 140 households, this is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the 0.59 square mile village.
The town's 308 residents live in an unusually historic settlement. Of the 151 total housing units, 146 were built before 1939. That's 97% of the housing stock. Main Street divides into East and West sections, with other streets named Church, Railroad, and School, all reflecting the layout of a traditional railroad-era farm town.
Despite its PO Box classification, Royal has both city and rural carrier routes serving the area. The postal system includes one city route with 3 records, one rural route covering 67 delivery points, and general delivery service. This mixed delivery pattern suggests a compact town center surrounded by rural addresses, though the PO Box Only designation means residents must use boxes rather than street addresses.
Royal's economy centers on transportation and logistics. Of the working population, 126 people work in transportation, warehousing, and utilities. That's an exceptionally high proportion for a town of 308. Another 63 work in educational services and healthcare. The village has 8 business establishments employing 89 people total.
Median household income is $91,250, well above typical small-town averages. Nearly 30% of workers work from home, suggesting remote professional employment alongside the transportation sector. Median home values of $144,600 reflect affordable rural Illinois real estate.
Street names like Main, Church, Railroad, and School reflect traditional railroad-era farm town layout.
ZIP Code 61871 has 308 residents and 140 households (average 2.20 persons per household). The median age is 43.4 years, older than the state (38.8) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.0% male and 51.0% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (94.8%, much higher than the state average of 61.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Asian (1.0%, lower than the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 308Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 296Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 192.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $78,750Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 140Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $161,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.20Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.61Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 273 | 252 | 257 | 254 | 229 | 234 | 298 | 304 | 314 | 345 | 387 | 343 | 317 | 296 |
| Decennial Census | 284 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 308 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 43.4
Male Median Age: 40.3
Female Median Age: 48.5
| 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 | 19 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 12 | 5 | 13 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Female | 5 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 8 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 14 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 14 | 10 |
| Total | 24 | 15 | 17 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 26 | 13 | 26 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 26 | 19 | 16 | 11 | 19 | 13 |
| White: | 292 | 97.33% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.33% |
| Hispanic:* | 2 | 0.67% |
| Asian: | 3 | 1.00% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 2 | 0.67% |
| Total: | 300 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 151 | 49.03% | 40.3 years |
| Females: | 157 | 50.97% | 48.5 years |
| Total: | 308 | 100% | 43.4 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 296 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 296 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 296 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $78,750, which is slightly below the national median ($80,734), is up $28,462 (56.6%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,500. Family households earn a median of $111,667 versus $55,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $56,667). By gender, male median income is $63,594 and female is $55,500, which is about the same as the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $8,094 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 63.3%, which is roughly equal to the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.8%).
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 | $50,288 | $57,083 | $60,000 | $66,667 | $66,250 | $58,929 | $70,781 | $70,833 | $83,250 | $75,500 | $78,571 | $87,250 | $91,250 | $78,750 |
| Median Family Income | $55,625 | $68,250 | $72,250 | $73,333 | $69,688 | $68,750 | $73,250 | $75,938 | $96,875 | $90,833 | $106,250 | $110,536 | $113,750 | $111,667 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $38,750 | $47,083 | $50,417 | $45,625 | $56,250 | $48,750 | $51,250 | $47,083 | $56,250 | $53,750 | $55,714 | $60,500 | $64,500 | $55,000 |
| Median Male Income | $49,028 | $53,750 | $56,667 | $52,917 | $0 | $53,125 | $53,750 | $46,563 | $58,929 | $61,563 | $63,750 | $62,292 | $64,167 | $63,594 |
| Median Female Income | $37,500 | $42,500 | $43,438 | $46,250 | $0 | $41,250 | $45,250 | $47,917 | $51,250 | $43,125 | $34,167 | $48,125 | $51,250 | $55,500 |
| Employed: | 147 | 62.03% |
| Unemployed: | 3 | 1.27% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 87 | 36.71% |
| Total: | 237 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 57 | 38.78% |
| Service: | 16 | 10.88% |
| Sales and Office: | 36 | 24.49% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 22 | 14.97% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 16 | 10.88% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 147 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $161,200, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $32,000 (24.77%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,800. The median gross rent is $1,091, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is up $431 (65.30%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $209. Of occupied housing, owners make up 84.25% (39.84% with a mortgage, 60.16% free-and-clear) and renters 15.75% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 5.81%, which is much 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 | $129,200 | $122,500 | $133,800 | $138,300 | $134,900 | $133,900 | $144,400 | $145,000 | $151,400 | $143,800 | $145,500 | $146,600 | $144,600 | $161,200 |
| Less than $500: | 2 | 8.70% |
| $500 to $999: | 5 | 21.74% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 11 | 47.83% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 4 | 17.39% |
| $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: | 1 | 4.35% |
| Total: | 23 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $660 | $600 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,275 | $0 | $1,300 | $1,325 | $950 | $963 | $1,047 | $1,091 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 49 | 33.56% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 74 | 50.68% |
| Renter Occupied: | 23 | 15.75% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 146 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 146 | 94.19% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 9 | 5.81% |
| Total Housing Units: | 155 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 144 | 92.90% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 11 | 7.10% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 155 | 100% |
In 2024, 21.80% 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 96.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 1.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 2.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 6.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.10 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (53.95%). College enrollment is 26.32%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 8 | 3.70% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 67 | 31.02% |
| Some college, no degree: | 68 | 31.48% |
| Associate's degree: | 26 | 12.04% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 33 | 15.28% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 14 | 6.48% |
| Total: | 216 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 208 | 96.30% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 47 | 21.76% |
| Private Insurance: | 238 | 67.23% |
| Public Insurance: | 111 | 31.36% |
| No Insurance: | 5 | 1.41% |
| Total: | 354 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 349 | 98.59% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 8.4% | 10.4% | 9.6% | 9.8% | 9.9% | 6.7% | 4.5% | 3.5% | 2.2% | 4.3% | 2.8% | 4.0% | 2.3% | 2.4% |
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: | 2 | 2.63% |
| Kindergarten: | 1 | 1.32% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 41 | 53.95% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 12 | 15.79% |
| College or graduate school: | 20 | 26.32% |
| Total: | 76 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 3 | 3.95% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 54 | 71.05% |
ZIP Code 61871 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 8 business establishments, employing about 79 people with an annual payroll of $3,173,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 145Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 8Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $653,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $3,173,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 79Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 61871 is located in Champaign County, Illinois, within the Champaign-Urbana, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 16580) and Illinois's 15th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 231,891 people, about 0.13% of whom live in ZIP Code 61871. It covers 1.6 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Champaign-Urbana, ILSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 16580Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 231,891Source: Census |
| MSA: | Champaign-Urbana, IL MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.6 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 15Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 14695.67 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 1766157Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Royal village; IllinoisSource: Census |
ZIP Code 61871 is in the Prairieview-Ogden Community Consolidated School District 197, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 8th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). 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.