Richland County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 67th-largest in Illinois
The population of Richland County, Illinois is 15,675 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $60,404, the median home value is $106,600, and the median age is 42.5.
The population of Richland County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (16,193 → 15,362), a -0.38% annualized rate.
15,675
Population
-0.38%
Annual growth
44
People / sq mi
$60,404
Median Income
$106,600
Median Home Value
Richland County covers 360 sq mi of land at 43.5 people per square mile.
About Richland County, IL
Richland County is a county in Illinois with a population of 15,675. It ranks #67 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 42.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Richland County is $60,404, below the US median of $74,580. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $106,600, with monthly rent averaging $754. The homeownership rate of 73.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Richland County reflects 18.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.4 minutes each way.
Richland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Richland County had a population of 16,193 in 2010 and 15,362 in 2024, a -5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,193 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.37%.
15,362
Population (2024)
16,193
Population (2010)
16,193
Peak (2010)
-0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,193 |
| 2011 | 16,189 |
| 2012 | 16,132 |
| 2013 | 16,008 |
| 2014 | 16,019 |
| 2015 | 15,952 |
| 2016 | 15,819 |
| 2017 | 15,842 |
| 2018 | 15,700 |
| 2019 | 15,519 |
| 2020 | 15,805 |
| 2021 | 15,784 |
| 2022 | 15,536 |
| 2023 | 15,502 |
| 2024 | 15,362 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.5
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,404$-21,298 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,635 |
| Per-capita income | $32,156 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Richland County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
81.4%
Public transit
6.6%
Work from home
20.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,600$-143,900 vs state
Median home value
$754
Median rent
73.6%
Homeownership rate
7,366
Total housing units
86.9%
Occupied
13.1%
Vacant
26.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
20.8%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
18.3%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.9%
High School+
18.9%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Richland County, Illinois has a population of 15,675 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 44 people per square mile.
The population of Richland County has declined 5.1% since 2010 (16,193 → 15,362), a -0.38% annualized rate.
The median household income in Richland County, Illinois is $60,404, with mean (average) household income of $75,635 and per-capita income of $32,156. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Richland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Richland County, Illinois is 42.5 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Richland County is $106,600 and median monthly rent is $754. 73.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,366 total housing units, 13.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Richland County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Richland 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.