McDonough County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Illinois
The population of McDonough County, Illinois is 27,102 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $50,434, the median home value is $103,500, and the median age is 35.1.
The population of McDonough County has declined 18.3% since 2010 (32,631 → 26,662), a -1.43% annualized rate.
27,102
Population
-1.43%
Annual growth
46
People / sq mi
$50,434
Median Income
$103,500
Median Home Value
McDonough County covers 589 sq mi of land at 46.0 people per square mile.
About McDonough County, IL
McDonough County skews on age — the median resident is 35.1, younger than the national median. With 27,102 residents, McDonough County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #50 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household earns $50,434, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $103,500, with typical rent around $730.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 31.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
McDonough County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McDonough County had a population of 32,631 in 2010 and 26,662 in 2024, a -18.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,631 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.41%.
26,662
Population (2024)
32,631
Population (2010)
32,631
Peak (2010)
-1.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,631 |
| 2011 | 32,527 |
| 2012 | 32,567 |
| 2013 | 32,264 |
| 2014 | 31,811 |
| 2015 | 31,461 |
| 2016 | 30,938 |
| 2017 | 30,419 |
| 2018 | 30,091 |
| 2019 | 29,792 |
| 2020 | 27,116 |
| 2021 | 26,906 |
| 2022 | 26,965 |
| 2023 | 26,952 |
| 2024 | 26,662 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.1% |
| Black or African American | 5.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.1
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,434$-31,268 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,045 |
| Per-capita income | $30,785 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%+3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McDonough County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.4%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
19.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,500$-147,000 vs state
Median home value
$730
Median rent
62.1%
Homeownership rate
13,598
Total housing units
86.5%
Occupied
13.5%
Vacant
37.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
90.5%
With broadband internet
20.5%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.3%
High School+
31.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McDonough County, Illinois has a population of 27,102 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 46 people per square mile.
The population of McDonough County has declined 18.3% since 2010 (32,631 → 26,662), a -1.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in McDonough County, Illinois is $50,434, with mean (average) household income of $69,045 and per-capita income of $30,785. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McDonough County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.1%), Black or African American (5.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McDonough County, Illinois is 35.1 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in McDonough County is $103,500 and median monthly rent is $730. 62.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,598 total housing units, 13.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McDonough County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with McDonough County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
McDonough County, IL Climate
McDonough County, IL has an average annual temperature of 10.7°C (51°F) and receives about 938 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.7°C
Avg Temp
938
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 36 mm |
| February | -2° / 29° | 34 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 74 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 94 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 104 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 101 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 106 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 89 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 102 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 75 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 67 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 56 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 McDonough County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit McDonough County, IL are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McDonough County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.