Hamilton County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 89th-largest in Illinois
The population of Hamilton County, Illinois is 7,972 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 89th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $61,520, the median home value is $108,800, and the median age is 43.5.
The population of Hamilton County has declined 7.4% since 2010 (8,446 → 7,818), a -0.55% annualized rate.
7,972
Population
-0.55%
Annual growth
18
People / sq mi
$61,520
Median Income
$108,800
Median Home Value
Hamilton County covers 435 sq mi of land at 18.3 people per square mile.
About Hamilton County, IL
Hamilton County is a county in Illinois with a population of 7,972. It ranks #89 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 43.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Hamilton County is $61,520, below the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $108,800, with monthly rent averaging $566. The homeownership rate of 78.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hamilton County reflects 18.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.5 minutes each way.
Hamilton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hamilton County had a population of 8,446 in 2010 and 7,818 in 2024, a -7.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,446 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.55%.
7,818
Population (2024)
8,446
Population (2010)
8,446
Peak (2010)
-0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,446 |
| 2011 | 8,425 |
| 2012 | 8,387 |
| 2013 | 8,347 |
| 2014 | 8,313 |
| 2015 | 8,247 |
| 2016 | 8,197 |
| 2017 | 8,192 |
| 2018 | 8,149 |
| 2019 | 8,133 |
| 2020 | 7,993 |
| 2021 | 7,908 |
| 2022 | 7,976 |
| 2023 | 7,886 |
| 2024 | 7,818 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.5
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
22.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,520$-20,182 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,365 |
| Per-capita income | $35,585 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hamilton County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
86.3%
Public transit
3.4%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$108,800$-141,700 vs state
Median home value
$566
Median rent
78.3%
Homeownership rate
3,809
Total housing units
87.9%
Occupied
12.1%
Vacant
21.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.9%
With health insurance
85.9%
With broadband internet
19.9%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
20.3%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
18.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hamilton County, Illinois has a population of 7,972 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 89th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 18 people per square mile.
The population of Hamilton County has declined 7.4% since 2010 (8,446 → 7,818), a -0.55% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hamilton County, Illinois is $61,520, with mean (average) household income of $85,365 and per-capita income of $35,585. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hamilton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hamilton County, Illinois is 43.5 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Hamilton County is $108,800 and median monthly rent is $566. 78.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,809 total housing units, 12.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hamilton County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Hamilton 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.