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 a county in Illinois with a population of 19,686. It ranks #58 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 38.9, in line with the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Douglas County is $74,186, near the US median of $74,580. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $142,600, with monthly rent averaging $818. The homeownership rate of 79.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Douglas County reflects 20.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.7 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+
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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.