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
What sets Hamilton County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.4% versus 14.0% nationally. With 7,972 residents, Hamilton County is a county in Illinois.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,520 — below the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $108,800, with typical rent around $566.
Roughly 18.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 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.
More from Illinois
Population 5,185,812
Population 927,263
Population 711,885
Population 698,450
Full rankings of Illinois counties
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.