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Population Review

Adams County, Illinois Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in Illinois

The population of Adams County, Illinois is 65,166 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $64,962, the median home value is $155,900, and the median age is 41.1.

The population of Adams County has declined 4.5% since 2010 (67,158 → 64,109), a -0.33% annualized rate.

Adams County within Illinois · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

65,166

Population

-0.33%

Annual growth

76

People / sq mi

$64,962

Median Income

$155,900

Median Home Value

Adams County covers 855 sq mi of land at 76.2 people per square mile.

About Adams County, IL

Adams County is a county in Illinois with a population of 65,166. It ranks #23 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 41.1, older than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

The median household income in Adams County is $64,962, below the US median of $74,580. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $155,900, with monthly rent averaging $826. The homeownership rate of 72.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Adams County reflects 27.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.0 minutes each way.

Adams County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Adams County had a population of 67,158 in 2010 and 64,109 in 2024, a -4.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 67,214 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.33%.

2011 · 67K20102024

64,109

Population (2024)

67,158

Population (2010)

67,214

Peak (2011)

-0.33%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201067,158
201167,214
201267,149
201367,005
201466,983
201566,850
201666,490
201766,073
201865,603
201965,402
202065,622
202165,077
202264,526
202364,435
202464,109

Race & Ethnicity

White91.0%
Black or African American3.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

41.1

Median Age

51.0%

Female

49.0%

Male

20.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.0%
5–9
6.5%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
5.7%
25–34
11.9%
35–44
12.0%
45–54
11.4%
55–59
7.0%
60–64
7.0%
65–74
11.1%
75–84
6.1%
85+
2.9%

Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$64,962$-16,740 vs state
Mean household income$83,547
Per-capita income$36,317
Poverty rate8.1%-0.1% vs state
Unemployment rate2.3%
Employment-to-population62.9%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.9%
Manufacturing
13.1%
Finance & real estate
6.9%
Education & health care
6.8%
Information
5.3%
Retail trade
5.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.7%
Construction
4.5%

The largest employment sector in Adams County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.9% of workers.

How residents commute

0.5%

Drive alone

2.5%

Carpool

80.5%

Public transit

6.7%

Work from home

17.0 min

Avg commute

Housing

$155,900$-94,600 vs state

Median home value

$826

Median rent

72.5%

Homeownership rate

30,283

Total housing units

91.7%

Occupied

8.3%

Vacant

27.5%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.2%

With health insurance

89.7%

With broadband internet

21.6%

Foreign-born

8.1%

Veterans (18+)

17.6%

With a disability

97.3%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.5%

High School+

27.0%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Illinois

Other counties in Illinois

Part of Illinois

Metro areas in Illinois

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Adams County, Illinois has a population of 65,166 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 76 people per square mile.

The population of Adams County has declined 4.5% since 2010 (67,158 → 64,109), a -0.33% annualized rate.

The median household income in Adams County, Illinois is $64,962, with mean (average) household income of $83,547 and per-capita income of $36,317. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Adams County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.0%), Black or African American (3.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Adams County, Illinois is 41.1 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.

The median home value in Adams County is $155,900 and median monthly rent is $826. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,283 total housing units, 8.3% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Adams County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.

Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Adams County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.