Putnam County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 94th-largest in Illinois
The population of Putnam County, Illinois is 5,600 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 94th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $77,526, the median home value is $167,800, and the median age is 47.2.
The population of Putnam County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (6,014 → 5,633), a -0.47% annualized rate.
5,600
Population
-0.47%
Annual growth
35
People / sq mi
$77,526
Median Income
$167,800
Median Home Value
Putnam County covers 160 sq mi of land at 35.0 people per square mile.
About Putnam County, IL
Putnam County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 9.8% of the population. With 5,600 residents, Putnam County is a county in Illinois.
The typical household earns $77,526 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $167,800, with typical rent around $804.
Roughly 24.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Putnam County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Putnam County had a population of 6,014 in 2010 and 5,633 in 2024, a -6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,014 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.46%.
5,633
Population (2024)
6,014
Population (2010)
6,014
Peak (2010)
-0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,014 |
| 2011 | 5,978 |
| 2012 | 5,911 |
| 2013 | 5,854 |
| 2014 | 5,831 |
| 2015 | 5,729 |
| 2016 | 5,702 |
| 2017 | 5,696 |
| 2018 | 5,740 |
| 2019 | 5,745 |
| 2020 | 5,631 |
| 2021 | 5,589 |
| 2022 | 5,562 |
| 2023 | 5,588 |
| 2024 | 5,633 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
47.2
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
23.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,526$-4,176 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,990 |
| Per-capita income | $40,036 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Putnam County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
87.8%
Public transit
5.8%
Work from home
26.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$167,800$-82,700 vs state
Median home value
$804
Median rent
80.7%
Homeownership rate
3,069
Total housing units
80.6%
Occupied
19.4%
Vacant
19.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.9%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
9.8%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.6%
High School+
24.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Putnam County, Illinois has a population of 5,600 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 94th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 35 people per square mile.
The population of Putnam County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (6,014 → 5,633), a -0.47% annualized rate.
The median household income in Putnam County, Illinois is $77,526, with mean (average) household income of $90,990 and per-capita income of $40,036. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Putnam County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.4%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Putnam County, Illinois is 47.2 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Putnam County is $167,800 and median monthly rent is $804. 80.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,069 total housing units, 19.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Putnam County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Putnam 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.