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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.8% of the population. Bureau County is a county in Illinois with a population of 33,027. It ranks #45 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household here earns about $65,894, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.9%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $121,900, with typical rent around $838.
21.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 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.