Brown County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 91st-largest in Illinois
The population of Brown County, Illinois is 6,320 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 91st-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $72,288, the median home value is $142,200, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Brown County has declined 8.8% since 2010 (6,919 → 6,307), a -0.66% annualized rate.
6,320
Population
-0.66%
Annual growth
21
People / sq mi
$72,288
Median Income
$142,200
Median Home Value
Brown County covers 306 sq mi of land at 20.7 people per square mile.
About Brown County, IL
Brown County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.9% of the population. With 6,320 residents, Brown County is a county in Illinois.
Median household income is $72,288, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $142,200, with typical rent around $724.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.1%, 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 16 minutes each way.
Brown County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brown County had a population of 6,919 in 2010 and 6,307 in 2024, a -8.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,919 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.64%.
6,307
Population (2024)
6,919
Population (2010)
6,919
Peak (2010)
-0.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,919 |
| 2011 | 6,883 |
| 2012 | 6,893 |
| 2013 | 6,867 |
| 2014 | 6,836 |
| 2015 | 6,755 |
| 2016 | 6,636 |
| 2017 | 6,614 |
| 2018 | 6,580 |
| 2019 | 6,619 |
| 2020 | 6,237 |
| 2021 | 6,444 |
| 2022 | 6,321 |
| 2023 | 6,301 |
| 2024 | 6,307 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.6% |
| Black or African American | 17.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
37.6%
Female
62.4%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,288$-9,414 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,413 |
| Per-capita income | $26,527 |
| Poverty rate | 5.2%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brown County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
83.1%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
15.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$142,200$-108,300 vs state
Median home value
$724
Median rent
73.6%
Homeownership rate
2,321
Total housing units
87.1%
Occupied
12.9%
Vacant
26.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.3%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
13.9%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
20.9%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.6%
High School+
15.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown County, Illinois has a population of 6,320 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 91st-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 21 people per square mile.
The population of Brown County has declined 8.8% since 2010 (6,919 → 6,307), a -0.66% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brown County, Illinois is $72,288, with mean (average) household income of $83,413 and per-capita income of $26,527. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brown County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.6%), Black or African American (17.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brown County, Illinois is 40.9 years. Residents are 37.6% female and 62.4% male.
The median home value in Brown County is $142,200 and median monthly rent is $724. 73.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,321 total housing units, 12.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brown County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Brown 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.