Fayette County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 54th-largest in Illinois
The population of Fayette County, Illinois is 21,380 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 54th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $57,113, the median home value is $114,700, and the median age is 41.7.
The population of Fayette County has declined 4.4% since 2010 (22,140 → 21,157), a -0.32% annualized rate.
21,380
Population
-0.32%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$57,113
Median Income
$114,700
Median Home Value
Fayette County covers 716 sq mi of land at 29.8 people per square mile.
About Fayette County, IL
Fayette County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.9% of the population. Fayette County is a county in Illinois with a population of 21,380.
Median household income is $57,113, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.1%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $114,700, with typical rent around $740.
College attainment is 16.6%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Fayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fayette County had a population of 22,140 in 2010 and 21,157 in 2024, a -4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,385 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
21,157
Population (2024)
22,140
Population (2010)
22,385
Peak (2011)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,140 |
| 2011 | 22,385 |
| 2012 | 22,167 |
| 2013 | 22,201 |
| 2014 | 22,088 |
| 2015 | 22,048 |
| 2016 | 21,579 |
| 2017 | 21,537 |
| 2018 | 21,380 |
| 2019 | 21,332 |
| 2020 | 21,485 |
| 2021 | 21,438 |
| 2022 | 21,284 |
| 2023 | 21,209 |
| 2024 | 21,157 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.4% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.7
Median Age
47.6%
Female
52.4%
Male
19.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,113$-24,589 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,408 |
| Per-capita income | $30,865 |
| Poverty rate | 11.1%+2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
81.3%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
23.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$114,700$-135,800 vs state
Median home value
$740
Median rent
80.2%
Homeownership rate
8,849
Total housing units
88.5%
Occupied
11.5%
Vacant
19.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
87.7%
With broadband internet
13.9%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
17.5%
With a disability
94.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.3%
High School+
16.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fayette County, Illinois has a population of 21,380 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 54th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Fayette County has declined 4.4% since 2010 (22,140 → 21,157), a -0.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fayette County, Illinois is $57,113, with mean (average) household income of $77,408 and per-capita income of $30,865. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.4%), Black or African American (3.8%), Hispanic or Latino (3.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fayette County, Illinois is 41.7 years. Residents are 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
The median home value in Fayette County is $114,700 and median monthly rent is $740. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,849 total housing units, 11.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fayette County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Fayette County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Fayette County, IL Climate
Fayette County, IL has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 1008 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
1008
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 51 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 55 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 94 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 97 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 106 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 106 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 97 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 75 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 79 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 73 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 93 mm |
| December | 1° / 33° | 82 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 Fayette County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Fayette County, IL are typically September, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Fayette County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.