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.
Macon County, IL Climate
Macon County, IL has an average annual temperature of 11.5°C (53°F) and receives about 997 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.5°C
Avg Temp
997
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 48 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 47 mm |
| March | 5° / 42° | 83 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 97 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 111 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 109 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 97 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 80 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 71 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 81 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 73 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 Macon County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Macon County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Macon County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.