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 a county in Illinois with a population of 6,320. It ranks #91 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 40.9, older than the national median. The population is 62.4% male and 37.6% female.
The median household income in Brown County is $72,288, near the US median of $74,580. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $142,200, with monthly rent averaging $724. The homeownership rate of 73.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Brown County reflects 15.1% 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 15.7 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.