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.
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 defined demographically by education — 27.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 65,166 residents, Adams County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #23 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,962, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.1%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $155,900, with typical rent around $826.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.0%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Adams County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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%.
64,109
Population (2024)
67,158
Population (2010)
67,214
Peak (2011)
-0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 67,158 |
| 2011 | 67,214 |
| 2012 | 67,149 |
| 2013 | 67,005 |
| 2014 | 66,983 |
| 2015 | 66,850 |
| 2016 | 66,490 |
| 2017 | 66,073 |
| 2018 | 65,603 |
| 2019 | 65,402 |
| 2020 | 65,622 |
| 2021 | 65,077 |
| 2022 | 64,526 |
| 2023 | 64,435 |
| 2024 | 64,109 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 8.1%-0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
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+
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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.
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Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.