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
Perry County is a county in Illinois with a population of 20,810. It ranks #57 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 54.0% male and 46.0% female.
The median household income in Perry County is $59,286, below the US median of $74,580. 12.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $105,200, with monthly rent averaging $714. The homeownership rate of 78.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Perry County reflects 12.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.3 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+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
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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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.