Saline County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in Illinois
The population of Saline County, Illinois is 23,387 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $54,945, the median home value is $92,900, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Saline County has declined 8.3% since 2010 (24,900 → 22,826), a -0.62% annualized rate.
23,387
Population
-0.62%
Annual growth
62
People / sq mi
$54,945
Median Income
$92,900
Median Home Value
Saline County covers 380 sq mi of land at 61.5 people per square mile.
About Saline County, IL
In Saline County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $92,900. Saline County is a county in Illinois with a population of 23,387.
The typical household earns $54,945, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.0%, close to the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $92,900, with typical rent around $711.
Roughly 20.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Saline County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Saline County had a population of 24,900 in 2010 and 22,826 in 2024, a -8.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,913 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.
22,826
Population (2024)
24,900
Population (2010)
24,913
Peak (2012)
-0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,900 |
| 2011 | 24,904 |
| 2012 | 24,913 |
| 2013 | 24,801 |
| 2014 | 24,496 |
| 2015 | 24,495 |
| 2016 | 24,217 |
| 2017 | 23,968 |
| 2018 | 23,769 |
| 2019 | 23,540 |
| 2020 | 23,741 |
| 2021 | 23,368 |
| 2022 | 23,141 |
| 2023 | 22,988 |
| 2024 | 22,826 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,945$-26,757 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,789 |
| Per-capita income | $35,665 |
| Poverty rate | 13.0%+4.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Saline County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
84.0%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$92,900$-157,600 vs state
Median home value
$711
Median rent
74.9%
Homeownership rate
11,578
Total housing units
86.6%
Occupied
13.4%
Vacant
25.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
85.3%
With broadband internet
23.2%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
23.1%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.8%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Saline County, Illinois has a population of 23,387 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 62 people per square mile.
The population of Saline County has declined 8.3% since 2010 (24,900 → 22,826), a -0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Saline County, Illinois is $54,945, with mean (average) household income of $82,789 and per-capita income of $35,665. 13.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Saline County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.4%), Black or African American (2.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Saline County, Illinois is 43.2 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Saline County is $92,900 and median monthly rent is $711. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,578 total housing units, 13.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Saline County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Saline County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Saline County, IL Climate
Saline County, IL has an average annual temperature of 13.5°C (56°F) and receives about 1157 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
1157
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 76 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 78 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 117 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 116 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 122 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 108 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 99 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 83 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 77 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 77 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 106 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 98 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 Saline County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Saline County, IL are typically September, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Saline County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.