Champaign County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Illinois
The population of Champaign County, Illinois is 206,098 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $63,091, the median home value is $205,100, and the median age is 30.9.
The population of Champaign County has grown 5.4% since 2010 (201,558 → 212,374), a +0.37% annualized rate.
206,098
Population
+0.37%
Annual growth
207
People / sq mi
$63,091
Median Income
$205,100
Median Home Value
Champaign County covers 996 sq mi of land at 206.9 people per square mile.
About Champaign County, IL
Age is the most distinctive thing about Champaign County: a median age of 30.9, younger than the national median. With 206,098 residents, Champaign County is a county in Illinois. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Illinois in the country, at #10 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $63,091 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $205,100, with typical rent around $1,018.
Champaign County is among the best-educated US counties: 46.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Champaign County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Champaign County had a population of 201,558 in 2010 and 212,374 in 2024, a 5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 212,374 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.38%.
212,374
Population (2024)
201,558
Population (2010)
212,374
Peak (2024)
0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 201,558 |
| 2011 | 203,239 |
| 2012 | 204,697 |
| 2013 | 206,527 |
| 2014 | 208,068 |
| 2015 | 209,534 |
| 2016 | 210,388 |
| 2017 | 210,630 |
| 2018 | 210,206 |
| 2019 | 209,612 |
| 2020 | 206,252 |
| 2021 | 207,232 |
| 2022 | 208,033 |
| 2023 | 209,813 |
| 2024 | 212,374 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.3% |
| Black or African American | 13.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
30.9
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
13.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 13.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,091$-18,611 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,697 |
| Per-capita income | $37,366 |
| Poverty rate | 7.8%-0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Champaign County is professional & business services, accounting for 40.5% of workers.
How residents commute
3.7%
Drive alone
7.2%
Carpool
65.6%
Public transit
13.2%
Work from home
17.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$205,100$-45,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,018
Median rent
53.4%
Homeownership rate
94,351
Total housing units
88.8%
Occupied
11.2%
Vacant
46.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
96.1%
With broadband internet
19.8%
Foreign-born
4.3%
Veterans (18+)
10.1%
With a disability
81.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.1%
High School+
46.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Champaign County, Illinois has a population of 206,098 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 207 people per square mile.
The population of Champaign County has grown 5.4% since 2010 (201,558 → 212,374), a +0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Champaign County, Illinois is $63,091, with mean (average) household income of $89,697 and per-capita income of $37,366. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Champaign County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.3%), Black or African American (13.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Champaign County, Illinois is 30.9 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Champaign County is $205,100 and median monthly rent is $1,018. 53.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 94,351 total housing units, 11.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Champaign County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 40.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Champaign County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Champaign County, IL Climate
Champaign County, IL has an average annual temperature of 11°C (52°F) and receives about 1006 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11°C
Avg Temp
1006
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 46 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 47 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 80 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 96 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 111 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 101 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 115 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 84 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 71 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 83 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 71 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Champaign County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Champaign County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Champaign County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.