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Population Review

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.

Edgar County within Illinois · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Housing cost is the defining feature of Edgar County: the median home is valued at $95,700. Edgar County is a county in Illinois with a population of 16,637.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,909 — below the US median of $78,538. About 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $95,700, with typical rent around $757.

Roughly 20.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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%.

2010 · 19K20102024
Edgar County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

16,398

Population (2024)

18,509

Population (2010)

18,509

Peak (2010)

-0.86%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201018,509
201118,397
201218,170
201317,959
201417,827
201517,625
201617,538
201717,415
201817,379
201917,169
202016,808
202116,601
202216,426
202316,442
202416,398

Race & Ethnicity

White96.3%
Black or African American0.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

46.4

Median Age

50.9%

Female

49.1%

Male

24.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
4.7%
10–14
6.5%
15–19
5.6%
20–24
4.7%
25–34
10.5%
35–44
11.9%
45–54
12.5%
55–59
6.7%
60–64
8.2%
65–74
13.4%
75–84
7.6%
85+
3.0%

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 rate8.3%+0.1% vs state
Unemployment rate2.5%
Employment-to-population54.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
25.2%
Manufacturing
20.8%
Education & health care
7.9%
Finance & real estate
7.2%
Construction
5.8%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.6%
Agriculture
4.9%
Retail trade
4.8%

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+

Largest cities in Illinois

Other counties in Illinois

Part of Illinois

Metro areas in Illinois

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.