Bureau County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Illinois
The population of Bureau County, Illinois is 33,027 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $65,894, the median home value is $121,900, and the median age is 44.1.
The population of Bureau County has declined 7.1% since 2010 (34,959 → 32,486), a -0.52% annualized rate.
33,027
Population
-0.52%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$65,894
Median Income
$121,900
Median Home Value
Bureau County covers 869 sq mi of land at 38.0 people per square mile.
About Bureau County, IL
Bureau County is a county in Illinois with a population of 33,027. It ranks #45 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 44.1, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Bureau County is $65,894, below the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $121,900, with monthly rent averaging $838. The homeownership rate of 76.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bureau County reflects 21.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.0 minutes each way.
Bureau County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bureau County had a population of 34,959 in 2010 and 32,486 in 2024, a -7.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,959 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.52%.
32,486
Population (2024)
34,959
Population (2010)
34,959
Peak (2010)
-0.52%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,959 |
| 2011 | 34,631 |
| 2012 | 34,350 |
| 2013 | 34,112 |
| 2014 | 33,858 |
| 2015 | 33,494 |
| 2016 | 33,393 |
| 2017 | 33,134 |
| 2018 | 32,938 |
| 2019 | 32,621 |
| 2020 | 33,225 |
| 2021 | 32,999 |
| 2022 | 32,862 |
| 2023 | 32,758 |
| 2024 | 32,486 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.1
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
22.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 22.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,894$-15,808 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,291 |
| Per-capita income | $36,625 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bureau County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
81.4%
Public transit
4.4%
Work from home
21.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,900$-128,600 vs state
Median home value
$838
Median rent
76.2%
Homeownership rate
15,646
Total housing units
89.6%
Occupied
10.4%
Vacant
23.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
13.8%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
93.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.0%
High School+
21.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bureau County, Illinois has a population of 33,027 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Bureau County has declined 7.1% since 2010 (34,959 → 32,486), a -0.52% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bureau County, Illinois is $65,894, with mean (average) household income of $85,291 and per-capita income of $36,625. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bureau County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bureau County, Illinois is 44.1 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Bureau County is $121,900 and median monthly rent is $838. 76.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,646 total housing units, 10.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bureau County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Bureau 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.