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
Alexander County is a county in Illinois with a population of 5,042. It ranks #97 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 45.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The median household income in Alexander County is $43,523, below the US median of $74,580. 13.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $58,700, with monthly rent averaging $540. The homeownership rate of 77.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Alexander County reflects 12.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.5 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+
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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.
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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.