Stark County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 95th-largest in Illinois
The population of Stark County, Illinois is 5,324 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 95th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $62,284, the median home value is $103,500, and the median age is 44.6.
The population of Stark County has declined 11.7% since 2010 (5,970 → 5,272), a -0.88% annualized rate.
5,324
Population
-0.88%
Annual growth
18
People / sq mi
$62,284
Median Income
$103,500
Median Home Value
Stark County covers 288 sq mi of land at 18.5 people per square mile.
About Stark County, IL
Stark County is a county in Illinois with a population of 5,324. It ranks #95 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 44.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Stark County is $62,284, below the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $103,500, with monthly rent averaging $765. The homeownership rate of 77.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Stark County reflects 19.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.7 minutes each way.
Stark County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Stark County had a population of 5,970 in 2010 and 5,272 in 2024, a -11.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,970 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.88%.
5,272
Population (2024)
5,970
Population (2010)
5,970
Peak (2010)
-0.88%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,970 |
| 2011 | 5,843 |
| 2012 | 5,742 |
| 2013 | 5,708 |
| 2014 | 5,602 |
| 2015 | 5,508 |
| 2016 | 5,523 |
| 2017 | 5,459 |
| 2018 | 5,407 |
| 2019 | 5,312 |
| 2020 | 5,388 |
| 2021 | 5,291 |
| 2022 | 5,324 |
| 2023 | 5,267 |
| 2024 | 5,272 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.6
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
22.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 22.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,284$-19,418 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,641 |
| Per-capita income | $34,270 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Stark County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
6.8%
Work from home
26.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,500$-147,000 vs state
Median home value
$765
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
2,584
Total housing units
88.6%
Occupied
11.4%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.7%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
13.1%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
14.7%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.7%
High School+
19.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Stark County, Illinois has a population of 5,324 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 95th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 18 people per square mile.
The population of Stark County has declined 11.7% since 2010 (5,970 → 5,272), a -0.88% annualized rate.
The median household income in Stark County, Illinois is $62,284, with mean (average) household income of $80,641 and per-capita income of $34,270. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Stark County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.1%), Black or African American (1.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Stark County, Illinois is 44.6 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Stark County is $103,500 and median monthly rent is $765. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,584 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Stark County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Stark 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.