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 a county in Illinois with a population of 21,380. It ranks #54 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 41.7, older than the national median. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.
The median household income in Fayette County is $57,113, below the US median of $74,580. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $114,700, with monthly rent averaging $740. The homeownership rate of 80.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Fayette County reflects 16.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.9 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+
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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.
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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.