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).
DeKalb city, IL Climate
DeKalb city, IL has an average annual temperature of 9°C (48°F) and receives about 929 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9°C
Avg Temp
929
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 37 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 30 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 63 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 93 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 96 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 109 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 106 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 98 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 67 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 73 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 53 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 DeKalb city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit DeKalb city, IL are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near DeKalb
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.