Douglas County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in Illinois
The population of Douglas County, Illinois is 19,686 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $74,186, the median home value is $142,600, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Douglas County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (19,977 → 19,824), a -0.05% annualized rate.
19,686
Population
-0.05%
Annual growth
47
People / sq mi
$74,186
Median Income
$142,600
Median Home Value
Douglas County covers 417 sq mi of land at 47.2 people per square mile.
About Douglas County, IL
Douglas County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 11.8% of the population. With 19,686 residents, Douglas County is a county in Illinois.
The typical household earns $74,186 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $142,600, with typical rent around $818.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Douglas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Douglas County had a population of 19,977 in 2010 and 19,824 in 2024, a -0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,977 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.05%.
19,824
Population (2024)
19,977
Population (2010)
19,977
Peak (2010)
-0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,977 |
| 2011 | 19,863 |
| 2012 | 19,881 |
| 2013 | 19,853 |
| 2014 | 19,898 |
| 2015 | 19,827 |
| 2016 | 19,732 |
| 2017 | 19,616 |
| 2018 | 19,449 |
| 2019 | 19,450 |
| 2020 | 19,780 |
| 2021 | 19,714 |
| 2022 | 19,702 |
| 2023 | 19,733 |
| 2024 | 19,824 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,186$-7,516 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,643 |
| Per-capita income | $34,630 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Douglas County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
74.2%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
20.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$142,600$-107,900 vs state
Median home value
$818
Median rent
79.1%
Homeownership rate
8,492
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
20.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.3%
With health insurance
86.9%
With broadband internet
11.8%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.2%
With a disability
80.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.1%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Douglas County, Illinois has a population of 19,686 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 47 people per square mile.
The population of Douglas County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (19,977 → 19,824), a -0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Douglas County, Illinois is $74,186, with mean (average) household income of $87,643 and per-capita income of $34,630. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Douglas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.5%), Black or African American (1.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Douglas County, Illinois is 38.9 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Douglas County is $142,600 and median monthly rent is $818. 79.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,492 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Douglas County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Douglas 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.