Franklin County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Illinois
The population of Franklin County, Illinois is 37,541 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $53,471, the median home value is $87,700, and the median age is 43.4.
The population of Franklin County has declined 7.5% since 2010 (40,035 → 37,033), a -0.56% annualized rate.
37,541
Population
-0.56%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$53,471
Median Income
$87,700
Median Home Value
Franklin County covers 409 sq mi of land at 91.8 people per square mile.
About Franklin County, IL
Housing cost is the defining feature of Franklin County: the median home is valued at $87,700. With 37,541 residents, Franklin County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #35 among counties in Illinois by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $53,471, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.3%, close to the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $87,700, with typical rent around $771.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.1%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.8%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Franklin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Franklin County had a population of 40,035 in 2010 and 37,033 in 2024, a -7.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,038 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.55%.
37,033
Population (2024)
40,035
Population (2010)
40,038
Peak (2011)
-0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,035 |
| 2011 | 40,038 |
| 2012 | 39,872 |
| 2013 | 39,561 |
| 2014 | 39,456 |
| 2015 | 39,398 |
| 2016 | 39,090 |
| 2017 | 39,024 |
| 2018 | 38,737 |
| 2019 | 38,530 |
| 2020 | 37,717 |
| 2021 | 37,484 |
| 2022 | 37,226 |
| 2023 | 37,156 |
| 2024 | 37,033 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.4
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
20.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,471$-28,231 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,811 |
| Per-capita income | $29,659 |
| Poverty rate | 12.3%+4.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Franklin County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
80.1%
Public transit
6.8%
Work from home
26.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$87,700$-162,800 vs state
Median home value
$771
Median rent
74.8%
Homeownership rate
18,468
Total housing units
87.3%
Occupied
12.7%
Vacant
25.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
15.4%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
20.1%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.2%
High School+
17.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Franklin County, Illinois has a population of 37,541 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Franklin County has declined 7.5% since 2010 (40,035 → 37,033), a -0.56% annualized rate.
The median household income in Franklin County, Illinois is $53,471, with mean (average) household income of $69,811 and per-capita income of $29,659. 12.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Franklin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Franklin County, Illinois is 43.4 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Franklin County is $87,700 and median monthly rent is $771. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,468 total housing units, 12.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Franklin County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Franklin 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.