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+
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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.
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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.