Jersey County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in Illinois
The population of Jersey County, Illinois is 21,336 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $79,104, the median home value is $168,800, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Jersey County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (22,997 → 21,150), a -0.60% annualized rate.
21,336
Population
-0.60%
Annual growth
58
People / sq mi
$79,104
Median Income
$168,800
Median Home Value
Jersey County covers 370 sq mi of land at 57.7 people per square mile.
About Jersey County, IL
Among US counties, Jersey County stands out first on household income: a median of $79,104, near the US median of $78,538. With 21,336 residents, Jersey County is a county in Illinois.
Median household income is $79,104, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.4%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $168,800, with typical rent around $794.
Roughly 20.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Jersey County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Jersey County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jersey County had a population of 22,997 in 2010 and 21,150 in 2024, a -8.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,997 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.
21,150
Population (2024)
22,997
Population (2010)
22,997
Peak (2010)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,997 |
| 2011 | 22,885 |
| 2012 | 22,717 |
| 2013 | 22,610 |
| 2014 | 22,500 |
| 2015 | 22,268 |
| 2016 | 21,965 |
| 2017 | 21,892 |
| 2018 | 21,738 |
| 2019 | 21,667 |
| 2020 | 21,492 |
| 2021 | 21,350 |
| 2022 | 21,222 |
| 2023 | 21,158 |
| 2024 | 21,150 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,104$-2,598 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,570 |
| Per-capita income | $38,238 |
| Poverty rate | 6.4%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jersey County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
11.4%
Work from home
26.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,800$-81,700 vs state
Median home value
$794
Median rent
77.9%
Homeownership rate
9,884
Total housing units
80.8%
Occupied
19.2%
Vacant
22.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.7%
With health insurance
87.3%
With broadband internet
21.3%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
20.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jersey County, Illinois has a population of 21,336 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 58 people per square mile.
The population of Jersey County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (22,997 → 21,150), a -0.60% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jersey County, Illinois is $79,104, with mean (average) household income of $97,570 and per-capita income of $38,238. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jersey County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jersey County, Illinois is 43.2 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Jersey County is $168,800 and median monthly rent is $794. 77.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,884 total housing units, 19.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jersey County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Jersey 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.