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
Hardin County is a county in Illinois with a population of 3,623. It ranks #102 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 55.0, older than the national median. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
The median household income in Hardin County is $57,155, below the US median of $74,580. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $91,700, with monthly rent averaging $342. The homeownership rate of 80.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hardin County reflects 12.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 1.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.6 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.