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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.1% of the population. With 5,324 residents, Stark County is a county in Illinois.
Median household income is $62,284, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $103,500, with typical rent around $765.
Roughly 19.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 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.