Lawrence County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 72nd-largest in Illinois
The population of Lawrence County, Illinois is 15,137 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $53,438, the median home value is $95,500, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Lawrence County has declined 12.6% since 2010 (16,940 → 14,801), a -0.96% annualized rate.
15,137
Population
-0.96%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$53,438
Median Income
$95,500
Median Home Value
Lawrence County covers 372 sq mi of land at 40.7 people per square mile.
About Lawrence County, IL
Housing cost is the defining feature of Lawrence County: the median home is valued at $95,500. With 15,137 residents, Lawrence County is a county in Illinois.
The typical household earns $53,438, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.4%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $95,500, with typical rent around $810.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.6%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Lawrence County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lawrence County had a population of 16,940 in 2010 and 14,801 in 2024, a -12.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,940 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.96%.
14,801
Population (2024)
16,940
Population (2010)
16,940
Peak (2010)
-0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,940 |
| 2011 | 16,904 |
| 2012 | 16,732 |
| 2013 | 16,728 |
| 2014 | 16,564 |
| 2015 | 16,467 |
| 2016 | 16,176 |
| 2017 | 16,025 |
| 2018 | 15,816 |
| 2019 | 15,665 |
| 2020 | 15,283 |
| 2021 | 15,246 |
| 2022 | 14,937 |
| 2023 | 14,886 |
| 2024 | 14,801 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.3% |
| Black or African American | 6.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
43.9%
Female
56.1%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,438$-28,264 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,332 |
| Per-capita income | $30,702 |
| Poverty rate | 10.4%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
81.0%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$95,500$-155,000 vs state
Median home value
$810
Median rent
75.0%
Homeownership rate
6,358
Total housing units
85.2%
Occupied
14.8%
Vacant
25.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
40.6%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
20.2%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.1%
High School+
14.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lawrence County, Illinois has a population of 15,137 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Lawrence County has declined 12.6% since 2010 (16,940 → 14,801), a -0.96% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lawrence County, Illinois is $53,438, with mean (average) household income of $78,332 and per-capita income of $30,702. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lawrence County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.3%), Black or African American (6.7%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lawrence County, Illinois is 40.6 years. Residents are 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
The median home value in Lawrence County is $95,500 and median monthly rent is $810. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,358 total housing units, 14.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Lawrence 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.