Menard County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 83rd-largest in Illinois
The population of Menard County, Illinois is 12,169 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 83rd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $81,334, the median home value is $179,300, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Menard County has declined 5.8% since 2010 (12,696 → 11,963), a -0.42% annualized rate.
12,169
Population
-0.42%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$81,334
Median Income
$179,300
Median Home Value
Menard County covers 314 sq mi of land at 38.7 people per square mile.
About Menard County, IL
Menard County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.6% of the population. With 12,169 residents, Menard County is a county in Illinois.
Median household income is $81,334, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $179,300, with typical rent around $780.
26.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Menard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Menard County had a population of 12,696 in 2010 and 11,963 in 2024, a -5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,700 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.42%.
11,963
Population (2024)
12,696
Population (2010)
12,700
Peak (2011)
-0.42%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,696 |
| 2011 | 12,700 |
| 2012 | 12,692 |
| 2013 | 12,576 |
| 2014 | 12,513 |
| 2015 | 12,364 |
| 2016 | 12,431 |
| 2017 | 12,311 |
| 2018 | 12,297 |
| 2019 | 12,198 |
| 2020 | 12,272 |
| 2021 | 12,170 |
| 2022 | 12,076 |
| 2023 | 11,996 |
| 2024 | 11,963 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,334$-368 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,365 |
| Per-capita income | $41,888 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Menard County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
82.9%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
25.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$179,300$-71,200 vs state
Median home value
$780
Median rent
79.4%
Homeownership rate
5,602
Total housing units
92.7%
Occupied
7.3%
Vacant
20.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.1%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
12.6%
Foreign-born
10.1%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.2%
High School+
26.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Menard County, Illinois has a population of 12,169 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 83rd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Menard County has declined 5.8% since 2010 (12,696 → 11,963), a -0.42% annualized rate.
The median household income in Menard County, Illinois is $81,334, with mean (average) household income of $97,365 and per-capita income of $41,888. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Menard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Menard County, Illinois is 42.8 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Menard County is $179,300 and median monthly rent is $780. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,602 total housing units, 7.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Menard County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Menard 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.