Pekin, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Pekin, Illinois is 31,812 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 60th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $58,355, the median home value is $118,200, and the median age is 41.3.
The population has declined 8.1% since 2010 (34,017 → 31,266).
31,812
Population
2024
People / sq mi
$58,355
Median Income
$118,200
Median Home Value
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Pekin covers 15.7 sq mi of land at 2024 people per square mile.
About Pekin, IL
In Pekin, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $118,200. Pekin is a city in Illinois with a population of 31,812.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $58,355, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.8%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $118,200, with typical rent around $792.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 18.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 7.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Pekin city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Pekin city had a population of 34,017 in 2010 and 31,266 in 2024, a -8.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,044 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.
31,266
Population (2024)
34,017
Population (2010)
34,044
Peak (2012)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,017 |
| 2011 | 34,026 |
| 2012 | 34,044 |
| 2013 | 33,880 |
| 2014 | 33,614 |
| 2015 | 32,964 |
| 2016 | 32,748 |
| 2017 | 32,564 |
| 2018 | 32,251 |
| 2019 | 32,045 |
| 2020 | 31,823 |
| 2021 | 31,618 |
| 2022 | 31,343 |
| 2023 | 31,290 |
| 2024 | 31,266 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.5% |
| Black or African American | 3.7% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$58,355
Median Household Income
$33,208
Per Capita Income
9.8%
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$118,200
Median Home Value
$792
Median Rent
66.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.8%
High School+
18.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.2%
Drive Alone
79.9%
Public Transit
7.3%
Work From Home
21.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.5%
Foreign Born
97.3%
Non-English at Home
7.7%
Veterans
15.3%
With Disability
95.2%
Health Insurance
91.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.9% |
| Manufacturing | 14.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.9% |
| Information | 7.4% |
| Construction | 6.9% |
| Retail Trade | 6.2% |
| Public Administration | 3.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.7% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pekin, Illinois has a population of 31,812 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 60th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Pekin, Illinois is $58,355, with 9.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Pekin, Illinois is $118,200, with median monthly rent at $792 and a homeownership rate of 66.8%.
The median age in Pekin, Illinois is 41.3 years. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The population has declined 8.1% since 2010 (34,017 → 31,266).
Pekin city, IL Climate
Pekin city, IL has an average annual temperature of 10.9°C (52°F) and receives about 937 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.9°C
Avg Temp
937
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 39 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 40 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 75 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 93 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 104 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 99 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 100 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 85 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 92 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 72 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 73 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 65 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 Pekin city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Pekin city, IL are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.