Hardin County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 102nd-largest in Illinois
The population of Hardin County, Illinois is 3,623 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 102nd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $57,155, the median home value is $91,700, and the median age is 55.0.
The population of Hardin County has declined 17.7% since 2010 (4,316 → 3,550), a -1.39% annualized rate.
3,623
Population
-1.39%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$57,155
Median Income
$91,700
Median Home Value
Hardin County covers 177 sq mi of land at 20.4 people per square mile.
About Hardin County, IL
What sets Hardin County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 1.4% versus 14.0% nationally. With 3,623 residents, Hardin County is a county in Illinois.
Median household income is $57,155, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $91,700, with typical rent around $342.
Hardin County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.2% — below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 1.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
Hardin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hardin County had a population of 4,316 in 2010 and 3,550 in 2024, a -17.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,316 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.38%.
3,550
Population (2024)
4,316
Population (2010)
4,316
Peak (2010)
-1.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,316 |
| 2011 | 4,291 |
| 2012 | 4,278 |
| 2013 | 4,174 |
| 2014 | 4,146 |
| 2015 | 4,065 |
| 2016 | 3,997 |
| 2017 | 3,920 |
| 2018 | 3,876 |
| 2019 | 3,848 |
| 2020 | 3,646 |
| 2021 | 3,640 |
| 2022 | 3,588 |
| 2023 | 3,599 |
| 2024 | 3,550 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
55.0
Median Age
48.7%
Female
51.3%
Male
31.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 10.7% · Seniors (65+): 31.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,155$-24,547 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,711 |
| Per-capita income | $30,158 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-3.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 38.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hardin County is professional & business services, accounting for 39.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
84.8%
Public transit
1.4%
Work from home
30.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$91,700$-158,800 vs state
Median home value
$342
Median rent
80.7%
Homeownership rate
2,285
Total housing units
64.9%
Occupied
35.1%
Vacant
19.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
80.7%
With broadband internet
25.3%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
27.3%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.5%
High School+
12.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardin County, Illinois has a population of 3,623 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 102nd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Hardin County has declined 17.7% since 2010 (4,316 → 3,550), a -1.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hardin County, Illinois is $57,155, with mean (average) household income of $64,711 and per-capita income of $30,158. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hardin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.3%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hardin County, Illinois is 55.0 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
The median home value in Hardin County is $91,700 and median monthly rent is $342. 80.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,285 total housing units, 35.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hardin County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 39.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Hardin 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.