Section Image

Coal City

Coal City

Located in Grundy County

$340,155 Average Value
$188 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Coal City is an Illinois village with mining history

The Village of Coal City is in Grundy County, about 24 and 64 miles southwest of Joliet and Chicago, respectively. As the name suggests, it grew around the mining industry, which brought settlers here in the mid-1800s.
Neighboring villages share the mining history. “Coal City, Diamond and Carbon Hill are three separate villages, but they have the same school, library and fire districts,” says Cindy Starks, the assistant director of the Coal City Public Library District. Coal City is very community minded: “We say we’re ‘Coaler strong,’ for the Coal City Coalers.” The high school mascot is Charlie Coaler, a comic book-style miner holding a pickaxe. The village was incorporated in 1881. According to U.S. Census estimates, the population of Coal City is about 5,100.

Coal City is a small town in rural Illinois.
Coal City is a small town in rural Illinois.
Customers at Polk-A-Dot Restaurant near Coal City enjoy the great food and service.
Customers at Polk-A-Dot Restaurant near Coal City enjoy the great food and service.
1/2

Vintage bungalows, ranch style homes, contemporaries and duplexes

Some of the oldest homes in Coal City are late 19th and early 20th century bungalows. Later, ranch-style homes were common, followed by contemporaries, townhouses and duplexes. One of the subdivisions with new construction is Meadow Estates, which is less than a mile south of Division Street. Prices typically range from about $130,000 to $680,000.

Large lots provide privacy for Coal City residents.
Large lots provide privacy for Coal City residents.
Traditional homes are common in Coal City.
Traditional homes are common in Coal City.
1/2

Broadway Street is Coal City’s downtown commercial corridor

Coal City’s downtown, along Broadway Street, has independently owned businesses such as gift shop The Queen Bees and Rolando’s Furniture & Appliances. Chains include CVS. Among the places to eat are Knockin’ Boots Restaurant for quesadillas, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. Also on Broadway are El Patron Mexican Kitchen and Geo’s Pizza, which offers outdoor seating. Berkot’s Super Foods has a wide selection of grocery items. Additionally, a Jewel-Osco that opened in 2024 is several miles to the east, in Diamond. There’s more in Morris, about 15 miles to the northwest.

Coal City residents can head to Rolando's for their furniture needs.
Coal City residents can head to Rolando's for their furniture needs.
The Queen Bee's is a popular local spot in Coal City.
The Queen Bee's is a popular local spot in Coal City.
1/2

High grades and a $5-million improvement plan for Coal City schools

The Coal City Early Childhood Center earns a B-minus grade from Niche and serves prekindergarten through first grade. Second and third graders may attend Coal City Elementary School, which receives a B. Coal City Intermediate School is for fourth and fifth grades, and Coal City Middle School accommodates sixth through eighth; both are rated A-minus. Coal City High School has a B grade and is known for its robust theater program.
In 2023, the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 passed a $5-million improvement plan for school upgrades. As of 2025, completed upgrades include the high school’s new turf football field, grandstand and LED sign.

Coal City Elementary School is located in Grundy County.
Coal City Elementary School is located in Grundy County.
Coal City Intermediate School is part of the Coal City Community Unit School District No. 1.
Coal City Intermediate School is part of the Coal City Community Unit School District No. 1.
1/2

Various park features, a bike path and having fun at area clubs

Lions Park has baseball facilities and a skate park. North Park, which has playgrounds, fields and tennis courts, is one of the locations for a summer movie series. The Angel of Hope Memorial Garden in Campbell Memorial Park honors children who have passed away; a vigil is held in December each year. The Hope Helps All Inclusive Playground opened in 2023 thanks to donations. There’s also a dog park, and the Coal City Bike Path, which stretches over a mile from Hunter’s Lane to McArdle Road.
Many people join recreational members-only establishments known as area clubs. These were created after strip mining left behind vacant land and low-lying areas that filled with water. The Coal City Area Club has a swimming beach, picnic areas, campsites and playgrounds. Other points of interest nearby include the Diamond Indoor Trap Range, a 70,000-square-foot facility; and the Cinder Ridge Golf Course, which offers bookable tee times.

Kids flock to the playground at Lions Park after school.
Kids flock to the playground at Lions Park after school.
Coal City Area Club is a great place to get away from it all.
Coal City Area Club is a great place to get away from it all.
1/2

Annual events like the Fall Fest and the Festival of Trees

One big village event is the September’s Coal City Fall Fest, which includes a car show, a 5K, entertainment, kids’ activities and food. A Charlie Coaler-themed scarecrow contest is one of the newer additions. “The scarecrows go along the fence right there on Broadway; quite a bit of the street will be closed off," Starks says.
In December, the Festival of Trees, a two-day entertainment showcase and fundraiser, is organized by the Coal City High School Promfest Committee. Also in December there's the Coal City Kriskindle Market, which has been based in Campbell Memorial Park.

Residents of Coal City can head north to Joliet for more shopping options.
Residents of Coal City can head north to Joliet for more shopping options.
There are many great finds at the Card Show in City Center-Joliet.
There are many great finds at the Card Show in City Center-Joliet.
1/2

A farmers market at the library and programming for all ages

The library hosts the Midtown Market, a seasonal outdoor farmers market. “We are finding that we have a lot of local talent and vendors with handmade items. The library’s front lawn is nicely sized; you can easily go along the whole market,” Starks says. The library also offers programming such as painting classes, exercise classes, bingo and mahjong. Craft projects and story times are a favorite of young children. Older kids can meet up for Tween Club, Teen Club and other activities.

The Kankakee River provides an excellent spot for Coal City fisherman.
The Kankakee River provides an excellent spot for Coal City fisherman.
There are plenty of books and media to check out at the Charles B. Phillips Public Library near Coal City.
There are plenty of books and media to check out at the Charles B. Phillips Public Library near Coal City.
1/2

Highways, the county’s transit system and a nearby medical facility

State Route 113, also known as Division Street, goes through Coal City. There’s access to Interstate 55 from the east side of Diamond. The Grundy Transit System provides public transportation on weekdays by reservation. Trips within the county are $4, and the fare to Joliet is $6. Medical facilities close to home include Morris Hospital Diamond-Coal City Campus.
There is no longer a passenger train from Coal City, though freight trains still pass through.

Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Patrick Kelley
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Kelley

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Liz Piccioli, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: 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

Parks in this Area

Coal City Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$292,500
Median Sale Price
$300,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$304,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
73
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
22%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$188

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,081
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1993
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,780
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,457
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
934
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Coal City Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,963
Median Age
40
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$71,925
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$97,023

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.5%
College Graduates
23%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.4%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
23''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

45 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

52 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Coal City