Carbondale, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Carbondale, Illinois is 21,813 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 111th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $29,670, the median home value is $124,800, and the median age is 24.9.
The population has declined 16.2% since 2010 (26,522 → 22,223).
21,813
Population
1248
People / sq mi
$29,670
Median Income
$124,800
Median Home Value
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Carbondale covers 17.5 sq mi of land at 1248 people per square mile.
About Carbondale, IL
Among US cities, Carbondale stands out first on household income: a median of $29,670, below the US median of $78,538. With 21,813 residents, Carbondale is a city in Illinois.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $29,670, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 20.6%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $124,800, with typical rent around $750.
College attainment is above the local norm at 46.3%, above the national 35.0%. About 9.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Carbondale city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Carbondale city had a population of 26,522 in 2010 and 22,223 in 2024, a -16.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,541 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.20%.
22,223
Population (2024)
26,522
Population (2010)
26,541
Peak (2011)
-1.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,522 |
| 2011 | 26,541 |
| 2012 | 25,406 |
| 2013 | 26,309 |
| 2014 | 26,148 |
| 2015 | 26,165 |
| 2016 | 25,895 |
| 2017 | 25,567 |
| 2018 | 25,308 |
| 2019 | 25,083 |
| 2020 | 22,263 |
| 2021 | 22,145 |
| 2022 | 22,161 |
| 2023 | 22,102 |
| 2024 | 22,223 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.6% |
| Black or African American | 27.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Economy & Income
$29,670
Median Household Income
$23,849
Per Capita Income
20.6%
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$124,800
Median Home Value
$750
Median Rent
26.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.5%
High School+
46.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.6%
Drive Alone
64.0%
Public Transit
9.9%
Work From Home
14.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.6%
Foreign Born
86.7%
Non-English at Home
2.9%
Veterans
14.8%
With Disability
94.1%
Health Insurance
95.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 40.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 14.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.3% |
| Manufacturing | 6.0% |
| Information | 3.9% |
| Retail Trade | 2.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.6% |
| Public Administration | 2.4% |
| Construction | 1.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Illinois
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Frequently Asked Questions
Carbondale, Illinois has a population of 21,813 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 111th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Carbondale, Illinois is $29,670, with 20.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Carbondale, Illinois is $124,800, with median monthly rent at $750 and a homeownership rate of 26.7%.
The median age in Carbondale, Illinois is 24.9 years. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The population has declined 16.2% since 2010 (26,522 → 22,223).
Where to stay in Carbondale
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.