Madison County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Illinois
The population of Madison County, Illinois is 264,631 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $74,800, the median home value is $167,900, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Madison County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (269,315 → 263,017), a -0.17% annualized rate.
264,631
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
370
People / sq mi
$74,800
Median Income
$167,900
Median Home Value
Madison County covers 716 sq mi of land at 369.8 people per square mile.
About Madison County, IL
Madison County is a county in Illinois with a population of 264,631. It ranks #8 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Madison County is $74,800, near the US median of $74,580. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $167,900, with monthly rent averaging $969. The homeownership rate of 73.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Madison County reflects 30.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.2 minutes each way.
Madison County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Madison County had a population of 269,315 in 2010 and 263,017 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 269,315 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.17%.
263,017
Population (2024)
269,315
Population (2010)
269,315
Peak (2010)
-0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 269,315 |
| 2011 | 268,666 |
| 2012 | 268,124 |
| 2013 | 267,340 |
| 2014 | 266,662 |
| 2015 | 266,112 |
| 2016 | 265,773 |
| 2017 | 265,516 |
| 2018 | 264,481 |
| 2019 | 263,609 |
| 2020 | 265,749 |
| 2021 | 265,001 |
| 2022 | 263,981 |
| 2023 | 263,442 |
| 2024 | 263,017 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.0% |
| Black or African American | 8.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
18.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,800$-6,902 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,667 |
| Per-capita income | $40,869 |
| Poverty rate | 7.6%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Madison County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
11.0%
Work from home
25.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$167,900$-82,600 vs state
Median home value
$969
Median rent
73.6%
Homeownership rate
118,942
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
26.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.2%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
29.2%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.5%
With a disability
96.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
30.8%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Madison County, Illinois has a population of 264,631 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 370 people per square mile.
The population of Madison County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (269,315 → 263,017), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Madison County, Illinois is $74,800, with mean (average) household income of $97,667 and per-capita income of $40,869. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Madison County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.0%), Black or African American (8.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Madison County, Illinois is 40.2 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Madison County is $167,900 and median monthly rent is $969. 73.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 118,942 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Madison County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Madison 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.