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
Franklin County is a county in Illinois with a population of 37,541. It ranks #35 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 43.4, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Franklin County is $53,471, below the US median of $74,580. 12.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $87,700, with monthly rent averaging $771. The homeownership rate of 74.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Franklin County reflects 17.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.7 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+
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Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
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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.