Pope County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 101st-largest in Illinois
The population of Pope County, Illinois is 3,757 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 101st-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $62,500, the median home value is $165,300, and the median age is 50.8.
The population of Pope County has declined 17.3% since 2010 (4,477 → 3,703), a -1.35% annualized rate.
3,757
Population
-1.35%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$62,500
Median Income
$165,300
Median Home Value
Pope County covers 369 sq mi of land at 10.2 people per square mile.
About Pope County, IL
Pope County is a county in Illinois with a population of 3,757. It ranks #101 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 50.8, older than the national median. The population is 51.7% male and 48.3% female.
The median household income in Pope County is $62,500, below the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $165,300, with monthly rent averaging $438. The homeownership rate of 86.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Pope County reflects 16.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.2 minutes each way.
Pope County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pope County had a population of 4,477 in 2010 and 3,703 in 2024, a -17.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,502 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.31%.
3,703
Population (2024)
4,477
Population (2010)
4,502
Peak (2011)
-1.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,477 |
| 2011 | 4,502 |
| 2012 | 4,464 |
| 2013 | 4,462 |
| 2014 | 4,382 |
| 2015 | 4,302 |
| 2016 | 4,189 |
| 2017 | 4,193 |
| 2018 | 4,183 |
| 2019 | 4,176 |
| 2020 | 3,758 |
| 2021 | 3,763 |
| 2022 | 3,757 |
| 2023 | 3,715 |
| 2024 | 3,703 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.6% |
| Black or African American | 5.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.8
Median Age
48.3%
Female
51.7%
Male
26.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.7% · Seniors (65+): 26.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,500$-19,202 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,018 |
| Per-capita income | $31,016 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pope County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.0%
Carpool
82.3%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
28.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$165,300$-85,200 vs state
Median home value
$438
Median rent
86.1%
Homeownership rate
2,273
Total housing units
60.0%
Occupied
40.0%
Vacant
13.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.1%
With health insurance
84.2%
With broadband internet
40.5%
Foreign-born
11.3%
Veterans (18+)
21.6%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.7%
High School+
16.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pope County, Illinois has a population of 3,757 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 101st-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Pope County has declined 17.3% since 2010 (4,477 → 3,703), a -1.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pope County, Illinois is $62,500, with mean (average) household income of $78,018 and per-capita income of $31,016. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pope County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.6%), Black or African American (5.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pope County, Illinois is 50.8 years. Residents are 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
The median home value in Pope County is $165,300 and median monthly rent is $438. 86.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,273 total housing units, 40.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pope County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Pope County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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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.