DeKalb, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of DeKalb, Illinois is 40,464 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $46,564, the median home value is $202,900, and the median age is 25.4.
The population has declined 8.2% since 2010 (44,101 → 40,491).
40,464
Population
2310
People / sq mi
$46,564
Median Income
$202,900
Median Home Value
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DeKalb covers 17.5 sq mi of land at 2310 people per square mile.
About DeKalb, IL
DeKalb skews on age — the median resident is 25.4, younger than the national median. With 40,464 residents, DeKalb is a city in Illinois. It ranks #40 among cities in Illinois by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $46,564, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 18.9%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $202,900, with typical rent around $1,030.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 35.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 4.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
DeKalb city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of DeKalb city had a population of 44,101 in 2010 and 40,491 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 44,101 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.
40,491
Population (2024)
44,101
Population (2010)
44,101
Peak (2010)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 44,101 |
| 2011 | 43,708 |
| 2012 | 43,503 |
| 2013 | 43,251 |
| 2014 | 43,240 |
| 2015 | 42,967 |
| 2016 | 42,764 |
| 2017 | 42,783 |
| 2018 | 42,699 |
| 2019 | 42,847 |
| 2020 | 40,224 |
| 2021 | 40,296 |
| 2022 | 40,314 |
| 2023 | 40,317 |
| 2024 | 40,491 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 62.6% |
| Black or African American | 15.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$46,564
Median Household Income
$27,180
Per Capita Income
18.9%
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$202,900
Median Home Value
$1,030
Median Rent
42.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.6%
High School+
35.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.8%
Drive Alone
74.4%
Public Transit
4.7%
Work From Home
23.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.8%
Foreign Born
81.8%
Non-English at Home
4.0%
Veterans
10.5%
With Disability
94.0%
Health Insurance
94.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 15.9% |
| Manufacturing | 10.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.3% |
| Retail Trade | 4.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Construction | 3.8% |
| Information | 3.1% |
| Public Administration | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
DeKalb, Illinois has a population of 40,464 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in DeKalb, Illinois is $46,564, with 18.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in DeKalb, Illinois is $202,900, with median monthly rent at $1,030 and a homeownership rate of 42.5%.
The median age in DeKalb, Illinois is 25.4 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The population has declined 8.2% since 2010 (44,101 → 40,491).
Where to stay in DeKalb
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.