Hancock County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 60th-largest in Illinois
The population of Hancock County, Illinois is 17,434 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 60th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $65,044, the median home value is $108,400, and the median age is 46.3.
The population of Hancock County has declined 10.9% since 2010 (19,091 → 17,008), a -0.82% annualized rate.
17,434
Population
-0.82%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$65,044
Median Income
$108,400
Median Home Value
Hancock County covers 794 sq mi of land at 22.0 people per square mile.
About Hancock County, IL
Homeownership is the standout figure in Hancock County: 81.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 17,434 residents, Hancock County is a county in Illinois.
The typical household here earns about $65,044, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $108,400, with typical rent around $755.
24.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Hancock County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Hancock County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hancock County had a population of 19,091 in 2010 and 17,008 in 2024, a -10.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,091 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.82%.
17,008
Population (2024)
19,091
Population (2010)
19,091
Peak (2010)
-0.82%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,091 |
| 2011 | 18,999 |
| 2012 | 18,830 |
| 2013 | 18,545 |
| 2014 | 18,326 |
| 2015 | 18,217 |
| 2016 | 18,206 |
| 2017 | 17,959 |
| 2018 | 17,815 |
| 2019 | 17,700 |
| 2020 | 17,558 |
| 2021 | 17,395 |
| 2022 | 17,250 |
| 2023 | 17,195 |
| 2024 | 17,008 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.3
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
23.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 23.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,044$-16,658 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,931 |
| Per-capita income | $36,671 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hancock County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
82.9%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$108,400$-142,100 vs state
Median home value
$755
Median rent
81.3%
Homeownership rate
8,959
Total housing units
83.9%
Occupied
16.1%
Vacant
18.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
89.8%
With broadband internet
43.2%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
20.0%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
24.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hancock County, Illinois has a population of 17,434 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 60th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Hancock County has declined 10.9% since 2010 (19,091 → 17,008), a -0.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hancock County, Illinois is $65,044, with mean (average) household income of $83,931 and per-capita income of $36,671. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hancock County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.0%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hancock County, Illinois is 46.3 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Hancock County is $108,400 and median monthly rent is $755. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,959 total housing units, 16.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hancock County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Hancock County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Hancock County, IL Climate
Hancock County, IL has an average annual temperature of 10.9°C (52°F) and receives about 961 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.9°C
Avg Temp
961
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 36 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 34 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 73 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 94 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 112 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 100 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 113 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 90 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 112 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 78 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 67 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 52 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hancock County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Hancock County, IL are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hancock County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.