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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Pope County: 86.1% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Pope County is a county in Illinois with a population of 3,757.
Median household income is $62,500, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $165,300, with typical rent around $438.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Pope County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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+
Largest cities in Illinois
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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.
Pope County, IL Climate
Pope County, IL has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1224 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.5°C
Avg Temp
1224
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 81 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 91 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 125 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 119 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 126 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 108 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 106 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 89 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 85 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 78 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 107 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 109 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Pope County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Pope County, IL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pope County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.