East St. Louis, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of East St. Louis, Illinois is 18,278 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 137th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $30,992, the median home value is $52,700, and the median age is 45.1.
The population has declined 33.8% since 2010 (26,906 → 17,808).
18,278
Population
1313
People / sq mi
$30,992
Median Income
$52,700
Median Home Value
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East St. Louis covers 13.9 sq mi of land at 1313 people per square mile.
About East St. Louis, IL
In East St. Louis, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $52,700. East St. Louis is a city in Illinois with a population of 18,278.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $30,992, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 31.1%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $52,700, with typical rent around $597.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 14.7%, below the national 35.0%. Just 6.6% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
East St. Louis city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of East St. Louis city had a population of 26,906 in 2010 and 17,808 in 2024, a -33.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,906 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -2.56%.
17,808
Population (2024)
26,906
Population (2010)
26,906
Peak (2010)
-2.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,906 |
| 2011 | 26,719 |
| 2012 | 26,621 |
| 2013 | 26,562 |
| 2014 | 26,639 |
| 2015 | 26,754 |
| 2016 | 26,829 |
| 2017 | 26,650 |
| 2018 | 26,382 |
| 2019 | 26,047 |
| 2020 | 18,401 |
| 2021 | 18,189 |
| 2022 | 17,920 |
| 2023 | 17,709 |
| 2024 | 17,808 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 1.6% |
| Black or African American | 95.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$30,992
Median Household Income
$22,037
Per Capita Income
31.1%
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$52,700
Median Home Value
$597
Median Rent
54.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
82.7%
High School+
14.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.5%
Drive Alone
70.7%
Public Transit
6.6%
Work From Home
22.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
43.1%
Foreign Born
98.8%
Non-English at Home
7.5%
Veterans
23.7%
With Disability
96.4%
Health Insurance
81.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 17.6% |
| Retail Trade | 13.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.5% |
| Manufacturing | 12.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.6% |
| Information | 8.3% |
| Public Administration | 7.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Construction | 1.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
East St. Louis, Illinois has a population of 18,278 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 137th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in East St. Louis, Illinois is $30,992, with 31.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in East St. Louis, Illinois is $52,700, with median monthly rent at $597 and a homeownership rate of 54.3%.
The median age in East St. Louis, Illinois is 45.1 years. The population is 43.2% male and 56.8% female.
The population has declined 33.8% since 2010 (26,906 → 17,808).
Where to stay in East St. Louis
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.