Fulton County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in Illinois
The population of Fulton County, Illinois is 33,259 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $58,617, the median home value is $102,500, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Fulton County has declined 12.3% since 2010 (37,076 → 32,510), a -0.93% annualized rate.
33,259
Population
-0.93%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$58,617
Median Income
$102,500
Median Home Value
Fulton County covers 866 sq mi of land at 38.4 people per square mile.
About Fulton County, IL
Fulton County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.2% of the population. Fulton County is a county in Illinois with a population of 33,259. It ranks #44 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household here earns about $58,617, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.3%, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $102,500, with typical rent around $808.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.6%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Fulton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fulton County had a population of 37,076 in 2010 and 32,510 in 2024, a -12.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,076 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.93%.
32,510
Population (2024)
37,076
Population (2010)
37,076
Peak (2010)
-0.93%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 37,076 |
| 2011 | 36,909 |
| 2012 | 36,585 |
| 2013 | 36,322 |
| 2014 | 35,996 |
| 2015 | 35,709 |
| 2016 | 35,498 |
| 2017 | 35,099 |
| 2018 | 34,743 |
| 2019 | 34,240 |
| 2020 | 33,554 |
| 2021 | 33,344 |
| 2022 | 33,022 |
| 2023 | 32,664 |
| 2024 | 32,510 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
47.9%
Female
52.1%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,617$-23,085 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,511 |
| Per-capita income | $33,706 |
| Poverty rate | 9.3%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fulton County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
82.3%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
25.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$102,500$-148,000 vs state
Median home value
$808
Median rent
77.9%
Homeownership rate
15,883
Total housing units
87.5%
Occupied
12.5%
Vacant
22.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
91.6%
With broadband internet
10.2%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.9%
High School+
17.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fulton County, Illinois has a population of 33,259 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Fulton County has declined 12.3% since 2010 (37,076 → 32,510), a -0.93% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fulton County, Illinois is $58,617, with mean (average) household income of $79,511 and per-capita income of $33,706. 9.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fulton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.9%), Black or African American (2.6%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fulton County, Illinois is 43.7 years. Residents are 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
The median home value in Fulton County is $102,500 and median monthly rent is $808. 77.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,883 total housing units, 12.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fulton County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Fulton 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.