Alexander County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 97th-largest in Illinois
The population of Alexander County, Illinois is 5,042 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 97th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $43,523, the median home value is $58,700, and the median age is 45.8.
The population of Alexander County has declined 44.0% since 2010 (8,205 → 4,594), a -4.06% annualized rate.
5,042
Population
-4.06%
Annual growth
21
People / sq mi
$43,523
Median Income
$58,700
Median Home Value
Alexander County covers 235 sq mi of land at 21.4 people per square mile.
About Alexander County, IL
In Alexander County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $58,700. With 5,042 residents, Alexander County is a county in Illinois.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $43,523, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.3%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $58,700, with typical rent around $540.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.6%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
Alexander County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Alexander County had a population of 8,205 in 2010 and 4,594 in 2024, a -44.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,205 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -4.03%.
4,594
Population (2024)
8,205
Population (2010)
8,205
Peak (2010)
-4.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,205 |
| 2011 | 7,993 |
| 2012 | 7,721 |
| 2013 | 7,242 |
| 2014 | 7,084 |
| 2015 | 6,763 |
| 2016 | 6,448 |
| 2017 | 6,276 |
| 2018 | 6,043 |
| 2019 | 5,791 |
| 2020 | 5,172 |
| 2021 | 5,028 |
| 2022 | 4,859 |
| 2023 | 4,723 |
| 2024 | 4,594 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.2% |
| Black or African American | 32.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.8
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
24.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 24.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,523$-38,179 vs state |
| Mean household income | $59,752 |
| Per-capita income | $25,261 |
| Poverty rate | 13.3%+5.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Alexander County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
85.4%
Public transit
3.5%
Work from home
31.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$58,700$-191,800 vs state
Median home value
$540
Median rent
77.7%
Homeownership rate
2,964
Total housing units
61.6%
Occupied
38.4%
Vacant
22.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.9%
With health insurance
74.2%
With broadband internet
36.1%
Foreign-born
10.3%
Veterans (18+)
24.0%
With a disability
99.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.7%
High School+
12.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Alexander County, Illinois has a population of 5,042 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 97th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 21 people per square mile.
The population of Alexander County has declined 44.0% since 2010 (8,205 → 4,594), a -4.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Alexander County, Illinois is $43,523, with mean (average) household income of $59,752 and per-capita income of $25,261. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Alexander County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.2%), Black or African American (32.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Alexander County, Illinois is 45.8 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Alexander County is $58,700 and median monthly rent is $540. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,964 total housing units, 38.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Alexander County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Alexander County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Alexander County, IL Climate
Alexander County, IL has an average annual temperature of 13.7°C (57°F) and receives about 1206 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.7°C
Avg Temp
1206
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 78 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 86 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 123 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 116 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 129 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 98 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 92 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 94 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 92 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 79 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 109 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 110 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 Alexander County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Alexander County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Alexander County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.