Macon County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Illinois
The population of Macon County, Illinois is 102,591 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $62,449, the median home value is $121,800, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Macon County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (110,786 → 100,737), a -0.68% annualized rate.
102,591
Population
-0.68%
Annual growth
177
People / sq mi
$62,449
Median Income
$121,800
Median Home Value
Macon County covers 581 sq mi of land at 176.7 people per square mile.
About Macon County, IL
What distinguishes Macon County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 177 people per square mile. Macon County is a county in Illinois with a population of 102,591. It ranks #19 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household here earns about $62,449, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $121,800, with typical rent around $797.
24.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Macon County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Macon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Macon County had a population of 110,786 in 2010 and 100,737 in 2024, a -9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 110,786 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.68%.
100,737
Population (2024)
110,786
Population (2010)
110,786
Peak (2010)
-0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 110,786 |
| 2011 | 110,699 |
| 2012 | 110,162 |
| 2013 | 109,596 |
| 2014 | 108,562 |
| 2015 | 107,398 |
| 2016 | 106,411 |
| 2017 | 105,474 |
| 2018 | 104,529 |
| 2019 | 104,012 |
| 2020 | 103,764 |
| 2021 | 102,619 |
| 2022 | 101,369 |
| 2023 | 100,754 |
| 2024 | 100,737 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.2% |
| Black or African American | 17.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,449$-19,253 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,784 |
| Per-capita income | $35,850 |
| Poverty rate | 9.7%+1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Macon County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
82.4%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
18.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,800$-128,700 vs state
Median home value
$797
Median rent
69.8%
Homeownership rate
49,699
Total housing units
87.2%
Occupied
12.8%
Vacant
30.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
92.2%
With broadband internet
18.1%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.5%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.0%
High School+
24.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Macon County, Illinois has a population of 102,591 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 177 people per square mile.
The population of Macon County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (110,786 → 100,737), a -0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Macon County, Illinois is $62,449, with mean (average) household income of $83,784 and per-capita income of $35,850. 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Macon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.2%), Black or African American (17.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Macon County, Illinois is 40.9 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Macon County is $121,800 and median monthly rent is $797. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 49,699 total housing units, 12.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Macon County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Macon 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.