Crawford County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in Illinois
The population of Crawford County, Illinois is 18,588 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $67,614, the median home value is $113,700, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Crawford County has declined 7.1% since 2010 (19,801 → 18,388), a -0.53% annualized rate.
18,588
Population
-0.53%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$67,614
Median Income
$113,700
Median Home Value
Crawford County covers 444 sq mi of land at 41.9 people per square mile.
About Crawford County, IL
Homeownership is the standout figure in Crawford County: 80.4% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Crawford County is a county in Illinois with a population of 18,588.
The typical household here earns about $67,614, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $113,700, with typical rent around $761.
Roughly 20.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Crawford County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Crawford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Crawford County had a population of 19,801 in 2010 and 18,388 in 2024, a -7.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,801 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.53%.
18,388
Population (2024)
19,801
Population (2010)
19,801
Peak (2010)
-0.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,801 |
| 2011 | 19,779 |
| 2012 | 19,594 |
| 2013 | 19,441 |
| 2014 | 19,290 |
| 2015 | 19,262 |
| 2016 | 19,139 |
| 2017 | 18,979 |
| 2018 | 18,849 |
| 2019 | 18,686 |
| 2020 | 18,637 |
| 2021 | 18,673 |
| 2022 | 18,516 |
| 2023 | 18,342 |
| 2024 | 18,388 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
47.0%
Female
53.0%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,614$-14,088 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,713 |
| Per-capita income | $34,276 |
| Poverty rate | 7.6%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Crawford County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
86.4%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
16.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$113,700$-136,800 vs state
Median home value
$761
Median rent
80.4%
Homeownership rate
8,461
Total housing units
87.6%
Occupied
12.4%
Vacant
19.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
35.6%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
96.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.2%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Crawford County, Illinois has a population of 18,588 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Crawford County has declined 7.1% since 2010 (19,801 → 18,388), a -0.53% annualized rate.
The median household income in Crawford County, Illinois is $67,614, with mean (average) household income of $85,713 and per-capita income of $34,276. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Crawford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.1%), Black or African American (3.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Crawford County, Illinois is 42.4 years. Residents are 47.0% female and 53.0% male.
The median home value in Crawford County is $113,700 and median monthly rent is $761. 80.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,461 total housing units, 12.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Crawford County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Crawford County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Crawford County, IL Climate
Crawford County, IL has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F) and receives about 1070 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12°C
Avg Temp
1070
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 59 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 61 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 96 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 103 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 113 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 108 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 94 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 83 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 74 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 97 mm |
| December | 1° / 33° | 82 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 Crawford County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Crawford County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Crawford County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.