Effingham County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in Illinois
The population of Effingham County, Illinois is 34,505 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $75,380, the median home value is $179,800, and the median age is 39.5.
The population of Effingham County has grown 1.1% since 2010 (34,222 → 34,602), a +0.08% annualized rate.
34,505
Population
+0.08%
Annual growth
72
People / sq mi
$75,380
Median Income
$179,800
Median Home Value
Effingham County covers 479 sq mi of land at 72.1 people per square mile.
About Effingham County, IL
Effingham County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.1% of the population. With 34,505 residents, Effingham County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #41 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household earns $75,380 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $179,800, with typical rent around $734.
Roughly 26.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Effingham County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Effingham County had a population of 34,222 in 2010 and 34,602 in 2024, a 1.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,707 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.08%.
34,602
Population (2024)
34,222
Population (2010)
34,707
Peak (2020)
0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,222 |
| 2011 | 34,268 |
| 2012 | 34,270 |
| 2013 | 34,213 |
| 2014 | 34,115 |
| 2015 | 34,200 |
| 2016 | 34,184 |
| 2017 | 34,165 |
| 2018 | 34,233 |
| 2019 | 34,109 |
| 2020 | 34,707 |
| 2021 | 34,514 |
| 2022 | 34,336 |
| 2023 | 34,453 |
| 2024 | 34,602 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.5
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,380$-6,322 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,615 |
| Per-capita income | $38,582 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Effingham County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
18.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$179,800$-70,700 vs state
Median home value
$734
Median rent
78.1%
Homeownership rate
15,336
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
21.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
12.1%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
26.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Effingham County, Illinois has a population of 34,505 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 72 people per square mile.
The population of Effingham County has grown 1.1% since 2010 (34,222 → 34,602), a +0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Effingham County, Illinois is $75,380, with mean (average) household income of $95,615 and per-capita income of $38,582. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Effingham County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.9%), Black or African American (0.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Effingham County, Illinois is 39.5 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Effingham County is $179,800 and median monthly rent is $734. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,336 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Effingham County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Effingham 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.