Decatur, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Decatur, Illinois is 70,368 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $50,809, the median home value is $97,300, and the median age is 39.9.
The population has declined 9.6% since 2010 (76,105 → 68,763).
70,368
Population
1610
People / sq mi
$50,809
Median Income
$97,300
Median Home Value
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Decatur covers 43.7 sq mi of land at 1610 people per square mile.
About Decatur, IL
In Decatur, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $97,300. With 70,368 residents, Decatur is a city in Illinois. It ranks #17 among cities in Illinois by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $50,809, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.3% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $97,300, with typical rent around $796.
College attainment is 21.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 7.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Decatur city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Decatur city had a population of 76,105 in 2010 and 68,763 in 2024, a -9.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 76,105 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.72%.
68,763
Population (2024)
76,105
Population (2010)
76,105
Peak (2010)
-0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 76,105 |
| 2011 | 75,922 |
| 2012 | 75,449 |
| 2013 | 74,955 |
| 2014 | 74,155 |
| 2015 | 73,265 |
| 2016 | 72,510 |
| 2017 | 71,790 |
| 2018 | 71,136 |
| 2019 | 70,746 |
| 2020 | 70,978 |
| 2021 | 70,146 |
| 2022 | 69,269 |
| 2023 | 68,824 |
| 2024 | 68,763 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.2% |
| Black or African American | 24.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$50,809
Median Household Income
$31,990
Per Capita Income
13.3%
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$97,300
Median Home Value
$796
Median Rent
62.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.8%
High School+
21.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
80.2%
Public Transit
7.5%
Work From Home
17.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
19.5%
Foreign Born
95.3%
Non-English at Home
7.1%
Veterans
16.7%
With Disability
95.2%
Health Insurance
90.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.7% |
| Manufacturing | 18.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.9% |
| Information | 6.3% |
| Retail Trade | 5.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.2% |
| Construction | 3.9% |
| Public Administration | 3.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
Largest cities in Illinois
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Decatur, Illinois has a population of 70,368 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Decatur, Illinois is $50,809, with 13.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Decatur, Illinois is $97,300, with median monthly rent at $796 and a homeownership rate of 62.3%.
The median age in Decatur, Illinois is 39.9 years. The population is 47.3% male and 52.7% female.
The population has declined 9.6% since 2010 (76,105 → 68,763).
Where to stay in Decatur
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.