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
Lawrence County is a county in Illinois with a population of 15,137. It ranks #72 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 56.1% male and 43.9% female.
The median household income in Lawrence County is $53,438, below the US median of $74,580. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $95,500, with monthly rent averaging $810. The homeownership rate of 75.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lawrence County reflects 14.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 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+
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Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
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.