Perry County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 57th-largest in Illinois
The population of Perry County, Illinois is 20,810 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 57th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $59,286, the median home value is $105,200, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Perry County has declined 9.2% since 2010 (22,316 → 20,272), a -0.68% annualized rate.
20,810
Population
-0.68%
Annual growth
47
People / sq mi
$59,286
Median Income
$105,200
Median Home Value
Perry County covers 442 sq mi of land at 47.1 people per square mile.
About Perry County, IL
Educational attainment is the headline number in Perry County: 12.3% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Perry County is a county in Illinois with a population of 20,810.
The typical household here earns about $59,286, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $105,200, with typical rent around $714.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 12.3%, below the national 35.0%. Just 3.8% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Perry County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Perry County had a population of 22,316 in 2010 and 20,272 in 2024, a -9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,316 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.68%.
20,272
Population (2024)
22,316
Population (2010)
22,316
Peak (2010)
-0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,316 |
| 2011 | 22,267 |
| 2012 | 21,849 |
| 2013 | 21,718 |
| 2014 | 21,543 |
| 2015 | 21,522 |
| 2016 | 21,407 |
| 2017 | 21,292 |
| 2018 | 21,163 |
| 2019 | 20,935 |
| 2020 | 20,892 |
| 2021 | 21,027 |
| 2022 | 20,503 |
| 2023 | 20,499 |
| 2024 | 20,272 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.5% |
| Black or African American | 8.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
46.0%
Female
54.0%
Male
19.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,286$-22,416 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,024 |
| Per-capita income | $29,720 |
| Poverty rate | 12.7%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Perry County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
87.8%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$105,200$-145,300 vs state
Median home value
$714
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
9,166
Total housing units
87.2%
Occupied
12.8%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
16.5%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
20.7%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.3%
High School+
12.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Perry County, Illinois has a population of 20,810 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 57th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 47 people per square mile.
The population of Perry County has declined 9.2% since 2010 (22,316 → 20,272), a -0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Perry County, Illinois is $59,286, with mean (average) household income of $75,024 and per-capita income of $29,720. 12.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Perry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.5%), Black or African American (8.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Perry County, Illinois is 42.2 years. Residents are 46.0% female and 54.0% male.
The median home value in Perry County is $105,200 and median monthly rent is $714. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,166 total housing units, 12.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Perry County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Perry County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.