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
Largest counties in Illinois
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Metro areas in Illinois
City rankings
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).
Carbondale city, IL Climate
Carbondale city, IL has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1156 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1156
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 73 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 77 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 118 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 110 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 123 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 104 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 92 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 91 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 80 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 79 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 109 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 100 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carbondale city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Carbondale city, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.