Jackson County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Illinois
The population of Jackson County, Illinois is 52,706 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $45,572, the median home value is $125,000, and the median age is 32.9.
The population of Jackson County has declined 11.9% since 2010 (60,371 → 53,199), a -0.90% annualized rate.
52,706
Population
-0.90%
Annual growth
90
People / sq mi
$45,572
Median Income
$125,000
Median Home Value
Jackson County covers 584 sq mi of land at 90.3 people per square mile.
About Jackson County, IL
Jackson County is a county in Illinois with a population of 52,706. It ranks #27 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 32.9, younger than the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Jackson County is $45,572, below the US median of $74,580. 12.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $125,000, with monthly rent averaging $746. The homeownership rate of 49.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jackson County reflects 35.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.1 minutes each way.
Jackson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jackson County had a population of 60,371 in 2010 and 53,199 in 2024, a -11.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 60,378 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.88%.
53,199
Population (2024)
60,371
Population (2010)
60,378
Peak (2011)
-0.88%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 60,371 |
| 2011 | 60,378 |
| 2012 | 59,081 |
| 2013 | 59,779 |
| 2014 | 59,386 |
| 2015 | 59,249 |
| 2016 | 58,768 |
| 2017 | 57,973 |
| 2018 | 57,327 |
| 2019 | 56,844 |
| 2020 | 53,264 |
| 2021 | 52,986 |
| 2022 | 53,004 |
| 2023 | 52,867 |
| 2024 | 53,199 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.6% |
| Black or African American | 14.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
32.9
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,572$-36,130 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,513 |
| Per-capita income | $30,227 |
| Poverty rate | 12.1%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jackson County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
5.4%
Carpool
73.5%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
20.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$125,000$-125,500 vs state
Median home value
$746
Median rent
49.3%
Homeownership rate
27,750
Total housing units
83.2%
Occupied
16.8%
Vacant
50.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
93.3%
With broadband internet
24.6%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
90.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.1%
High School+
35.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jackson County, Illinois has a population of 52,706 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 90 people per square mile.
The population of Jackson County has declined 11.9% since 2010 (60,371 → 53,199), a -0.90% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jackson County, Illinois is $45,572, with mean (average) household income of $69,513 and per-capita income of $30,227. 12.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jackson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.6%), Black or African American (14.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jackson County, Illinois is 32.9 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Jackson County is $125,000 and median monthly rent is $746. 49.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,750 total housing units, 16.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jackson County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Jackson 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.