Edwards County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 93rd-largest in Illinois
The population of Edwards County, Illinois is 6,118 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 93rd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $59,386, the median home value is $97,500, and the median age is 44.6.
The population of Edwards County has declined 11.2% since 2010 (6,739 → 5,984), a -0.85% annualized rate.
6,118
Population
-0.85%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$59,386
Median Income
$97,500
Median Home Value
Edwards County covers 222 sq mi of land at 27.5 people per square mile.
About Edwards County, IL
In Edwards County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $97,500. Edwards County is a county in Illinois with a population of 6,118.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,386 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.5%, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $97,500, with typical rent around $746.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 13.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Edwards County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Edwards County had a population of 6,739 in 2010 and 5,984 in 2024, a -11.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,739 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.84%.
5,984
Population (2024)
6,739
Population (2010)
6,739
Peak (2010)
-0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,739 |
| 2011 | 6,674 |
| 2012 | 6,725 |
| 2013 | 6,691 |
| 2014 | 6,631 |
| 2015 | 6,514 |
| 2016 | 6,546 |
| 2017 | 6,455 |
| 2018 | 6,393 |
| 2019 | 6,405 |
| 2020 | 6,209 |
| 2021 | 6,087 |
| 2022 | 6,073 |
| 2023 | 6,021 |
| 2024 | 5,984 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.6
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
22.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 22.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,386$-22,316 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,815 |
| Per-capita income | $31,314 |
| Poverty rate | 10.5%+2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Edwards County is manufacturing, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
4.6%
Carpool
76.1%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$97,500$-153,000 vs state
Median home value
$746
Median rent
79.2%
Homeownership rate
3,045
Total housing units
87.1%
Occupied
12.9%
Vacant
20.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
89.1%
With broadband internet
35.0%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
20.3%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.9%
High School+
13.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Edwards County, Illinois has a population of 6,118 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 93rd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Edwards County has declined 11.2% since 2010 (6,739 → 5,984), a -0.85% annualized rate.
The median household income in Edwards County, Illinois is $59,386, with mean (average) household income of $72,815 and per-capita income of $31,314. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Edwards County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Edwards County, Illinois is 44.6 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Edwards County is $97,500 and median monthly rent is $746. 79.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,045 total housing units, 12.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Edwards County, Illinois is manufacturing, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Edwards County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Edwards County, IL Climate
Edwards County, IL has an average annual temperature of 12.8°C (55°F) and receives about 1129 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.8°C
Avg Temp
1129
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 29° | 66 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 69 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 112 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 113 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 123 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 102 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 102 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 86 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 76 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 83 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 105 mm |
| December | 1° / 35° | 92 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 Edwards County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Edwards 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 -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Edwards County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.