Coles County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 31st-largest in Illinois
The population of Coles County, Illinois is 46,689 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $56,040, the median home value is $121,900, and the median age is 38.2.
The population of Coles County has declined 13.8% since 2010 (53,865 → 46,423), a -1.06% annualized rate.
46,689
Population
-1.06%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$56,040
Median Income
$121,900
Median Home Value
Coles County covers 508 sq mi of land at 91.9 people per square mile.
About Coles County, IL
Homeownership is the standout figure in Coles County: 60.4% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 46,689 residents, Coles County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #31 among counties in Illinois by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $56,040, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.4%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $121,900, with typical rent around $793.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Coles County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Coles County had a population of 53,865 in 2010 and 46,423 in 2024, a -13.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 53,865 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.04%.
46,423
Population (2024)
53,865
Population (2010)
53,865
Peak (2010)
-1.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 53,865 |
| 2011 | 53,632 |
| 2012 | 53,333 |
| 2013 | 53,075 |
| 2014 | 52,552 |
| 2015 | 52,217 |
| 2016 | 51,820 |
| 2017 | 51,403 |
| 2018 | 50,946 |
| 2019 | 50,774 |
| 2020 | 47,084 |
| 2021 | 47,136 |
| 2022 | 46,708 |
| 2023 | 46,532 |
| 2024 | 46,423 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.3% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.2
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
18.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 18.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,040$-25,662 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,632 |
| Per-capita income | $33,965 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%+3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Coles County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
76.6%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
18.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,900$-128,600 vs state
Median home value
$793
Median rent
60.4%
Homeownership rate
22,717
Total housing units
89.5%
Occupied
10.5%
Vacant
39.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
16.2%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
16.3%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
27.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Coles County, Illinois has a population of 46,689 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Coles County has declined 13.8% since 2010 (53,865 → 46,423), a -1.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Coles County, Illinois is $56,040, with mean (average) household income of $77,632 and per-capita income of $33,965. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Coles County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.3%), Black or African American (3.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Coles County, Illinois is 38.2 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Coles County is $121,900 and median monthly rent is $793. 60.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 22,717 total housing units, 10.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Coles County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Coles County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Coles County, IL Climate
Coles County, IL has an average annual temperature of 11.5°C (53°F) and receives about 1039 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.5°C
Avg Temp
1039
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 26° | 53 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 55 mm |
| March | 5° / 42° | 85 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 101 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 105 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 100 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 115 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 92 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 82 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 78 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 93 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 80 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 Coles County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Coles 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 -8°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Coles County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.