Edgar County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Illinois
The population of Edgar County, Illinois is 16,637 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $56,909, the median home value is $95,700, and the median age is 46.4.
The population of Edgar County has declined 11.4% since 2010 (18,509 → 16,398), a -0.86% annualized rate.
16,637
Population
-0.86%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$56,909
Median Income
$95,700
Median Home Value
Edgar County covers 623 sq mi of land at 26.7 people per square mile.
About Edgar County, IL
Edgar County is a county in Illinois with a population of 16,637. It ranks #63 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 46.4, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Edgar County is $56,909, below the US median of $74,580. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $95,700, with monthly rent averaging $757. The homeownership rate of 72.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Edgar County reflects 20.1% 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 17.8 minutes each way.
Edgar County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Edgar County had a population of 18,509 in 2010 and 16,398 in 2024, a -11.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,509 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.86%.
16,398
Population (2024)
18,509
Population (2010)
18,509
Peak (2010)
-0.86%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,509 |
| 2011 | 18,397 |
| 2012 | 18,170 |
| 2013 | 17,959 |
| 2014 | 17,827 |
| 2015 | 17,625 |
| 2016 | 17,538 |
| 2017 | 17,415 |
| 2018 | 17,379 |
| 2019 | 17,169 |
| 2020 | 16,808 |
| 2021 | 16,601 |
| 2022 | 16,426 |
| 2023 | 16,442 |
| 2024 | 16,398 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.4
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
24.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.0% · Seniors (65+): 24.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,909$-24,793 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,074 |
| Per-capita income | $33,566 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Edgar County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
85.1%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
17.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$95,700$-154,800 vs state
Median home value
$757
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
8,236
Total housing units
92.4%
Occupied
7.6%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
35.6%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
18.4%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.1%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Edgar County, Illinois has a population of 16,637 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Edgar County has declined 11.4% since 2010 (18,509 → 16,398), a -0.86% annualized rate.
The median household income in Edgar County, Illinois is $56,909, with mean (average) household income of $74,074 and per-capita income of $33,566. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Edgar County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.3%), Black or African American (0.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Edgar County, Illinois is 46.4 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Edgar County is $95,700 and median monthly rent is $757. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,236 total housing units, 7.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Edgar County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Edgar 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.