Scott County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 99th-largest in Illinois
The population of Scott County, Illinois is 4,847 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 99th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $73,013, the median home value is $101,700, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Scott County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (5,330 → 4,880), a -0.63% annualized rate.
4,847
Population
-0.63%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$73,013
Median Income
$101,700
Median Home Value
Scott County covers 251 sq mi of land at 19.3 people per square mile.
About Scott County, IL
Scott County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.6% of the population. With 4,847 residents, Scott County is a county in Illinois.
The typical household earns $73,013 a year, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $101,700, with typical rent around $669.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Scott County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Scott County had a population of 5,330 in 2010 and 4,880 in 2024, a -8.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,330 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.
4,880
Population (2024)
5,330
Population (2010)
5,330
Peak (2010)
-0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,330 |
| 2011 | 5,232 |
| 2012 | 5,290 |
| 2013 | 5,212 |
| 2014 | 5,171 |
| 2015 | 5,112 |
| 2016 | 5,053 |
| 2017 | 4,983 |
| 2018 | 4,952 |
| 2019 | 4,974 |
| 2020 | 5,074 |
| 2021 | 4,984 |
| 2022 | 4,898 |
| 2023 | 4,850 |
| 2024 | 4,880 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
20.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,013$-8,689 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,063 |
| Per-capita income | $36,508 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Scott County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
82.8%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
25.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$101,700$-148,800 vs state
Median home value
$669
Median rent
79.1%
Homeownership rate
2,393
Total housing units
84.9%
Occupied
15.1%
Vacant
20.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
88.1%
With broadband internet
10.6%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.2%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
22.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Scott County, Illinois has a population of 4,847 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 99th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Scott County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (5,330 → 4,880), a -0.63% annualized rate.
The median household income in Scott County, Illinois is $73,013, with mean (average) household income of $86,063 and per-capita income of $36,508. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Scott County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.7%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Scott County, Illinois is 44.3 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Scott County is $101,700 and median monthly rent is $669. 79.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,393 total housing units, 15.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Scott County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Scott County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Scott County, IL Climate
Scott County, IL has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F) and receives about 944 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.6°C
Avg Temp
944
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 37 mm |
| February | -1° / 31° | 42 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 80 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 96 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 115 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 96 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 92 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 83 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 87 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 70 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 81 mm |
| December | -1° / 31° | 65 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 Scott County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Scott 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 -9°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Scott County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.