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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Jackson County: 49.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 52,706 residents, Jackson County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #27 among counties in Illinois by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $45,572, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.1%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $125,000, with typical rent around $746.
College attainment is above the local norm at 35.1%, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.7%, and the average commute runs about 20 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.
Jackson County, IL Climate
Jackson County, IL has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1136 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1136
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 68 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 73 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 115 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 108 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 120 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 104 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 96 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 90 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 81 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 77 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 107 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 97 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 Jackson County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Jackson County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jackson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.