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
Saline County is a county in Illinois with a population of 23,387. It ranks #52 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 43.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Saline County is $54,945, below the US median of $74,580. 13.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $92,900, with monthly rent averaging $711. The homeownership rate of 74.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Saline County reflects 20.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 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
Other counties in Illinois
Part of 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.
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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.