Charleston, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Charleston, Illinois is 17,212 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 147th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $49,057, the median home value is $133,700, and the median age is 28.8.
The population has declined 20.6% since 2010 (21,852 → 17,361).
17,212
Population
1896
People / sq mi
$49,057
Median Income
$133,700
Median Home Value
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Charleston covers 9.1 sq mi of land at 1896 people per square mile.
About Charleston, IL
Charleston skews on age — the median resident is 28.8, younger than the national median. With 17,212 residents, Charleston is a city in Illinois.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $49,057, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.7%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $133,700, with typical rent around $819.
Roughly 34.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. About 9.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Charleston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Charleston city had a population of 21,852 in 2010 and 17,361 in 2024, a -20.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,852 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.58%.
17,361
Population (2024)
21,852
Population (2010)
21,852
Peak (2010)
-1.58%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,852 |
| 2011 | 21,837 |
| 2012 | 21,633 |
| 2013 | 21,370 |
| 2014 | 21,059 |
| 2015 | 20,792 |
| 2016 | 20,539 |
| 2017 | 20,382 |
| 2018 | 20,192 |
| 2019 | 20,117 |
| 2020 | 17,579 |
| 2021 | 17,589 |
| 2022 | 17,469 |
| 2023 | 17,409 |
| 2024 | 17,361 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.1% |
| Black or African American | 7.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$49,057
Median Household Income
$30,375
Per Capita Income
15.7%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$133,700
Median Home Value
$819
Median Rent
46.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.4%
High School+
34.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
69.7%
Public Transit
9.1%
Work From Home
15.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.2%
Foreign Born
95.2%
Non-English at Home
4.9%
Veterans
16.8%
With Disability
95.0%
Health Insurance
95.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 34.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.2% |
| Manufacturing | 8.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.7% |
| Construction | 4.4% |
| Public Administration | 3.4% |
| Information | 2.7% |
| Retail Trade | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Illinois
Largest counties in Illinois
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston, Illinois has a population of 17,212 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 147th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Charleston, Illinois is $49,057, with 15.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Charleston, Illinois is $133,700, with median monthly rent at $819 and a homeownership rate of 46.7%.
The median age in Charleston, Illinois is 28.8 years. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The population has declined 20.6% since 2010 (21,852 → 17,361).
Charleston city, IL Climate
Charleston city, IL has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F) and receives about 1045 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.6°C
Avg Temp
1045
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 26° | 54 mm |
| February | -1° / 31° | 57 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 86 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 101 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 105 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 101 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 114 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 90 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 82 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 79 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 95 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 81 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 Charleston city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Charleston city, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Charleston
Visiting or relocating to Charleston, IL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.