McLean County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in Illinois
The population of McLean County, Illinois is 170,882 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $78,329, the median home value is $198,300, and the median age is 34.2.
The population of McLean County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (169,815 → 172,069), a +0.09% annualized rate.
170,882
Population
+0.09%
Annual growth
144
People / sq mi
$78,329
Median Income
$198,300
Median Home Value
McLean County covers 1,183 sq mi of land at 144.4 people per square mile.
About McLean County, IL
McLean County is defined demographically by education — 46.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 170,882 residents, McLean County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #13 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household earns $78,329 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $198,300, with typical rent around $992.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 46.9% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.8% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in McLean County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
McLean County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McLean County had a population of 169,815 in 2010 and 172,069 in 2024, a 1.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 175,087 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: 0.10%.
172,069
Population (2024)
169,815
Population (2010)
175,087
Peak (2013)
0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 169,815 |
| 2011 | 170,939 |
| 2012 | 172,762 |
| 2013 | 175,087 |
| 2014 | 174,166 |
| 2015 | 173,222 |
| 2016 | 173,157 |
| 2017 | 172,769 |
| 2018 | 172,368 |
| 2019 | 171,272 |
| 2020 | 171,236 |
| 2021 | 171,411 |
| 2022 | 171,571 |
| 2023 | 171,493 |
| 2024 | 172,069 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.3% |
| Black or African American | 8.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.2
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
14.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 14.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,329$-3,373 vs state |
| Mean household income | $103,921 |
| Per-capita income | $42,362 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McLean County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
4.1%
Carpool
71.0%
Public transit
15.8%
Work from home
18.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$198,300$-52,200 vs state
Median home value
$992
Median rent
65.2%
Homeownership rate
75,120
Total housing units
91.9%
Occupied
8.1%
Vacant
34.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.6%
With health insurance
96.0%
With broadband internet
17.8%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
9.5%
With a disability
91.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.8%
High School+
46.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McLean County, Illinois has a population of 170,882 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 144 people per square mile.
The population of McLean County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (169,815 → 172,069), a +0.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in McLean County, Illinois is $78,329, with mean (average) household income of $103,921 and per-capita income of $42,362. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McLean County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.3%), Black or African American (8.4%), 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 McLean County, Illinois is 34.2 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in McLean County is $198,300 and median monthly rent is $992. 65.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 75,120 total housing units, 8.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McLean County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with McLean County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
McLean County, IL Climate
McLean County, IL has an average annual temperature of 10.4°C (51°F) and receives about 955 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.4°C
Avg Temp
955
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 42 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 41 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 79 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 96 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 106 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 96 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 101 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 91 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 93 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 68 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 72 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 70 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 McLean County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit McLean County, IL are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McLean County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.