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 a county in Illinois with a population of 170,882. It ranks #13 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 34.2, younger than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in McLean County is $78,329, above the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $198,300, with monthly rent averaging $992. The homeownership rate of 65.2% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McLean County reflects 46.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.5 minutes each way.
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+
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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.
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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.