Wabash County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 86th-largest in Illinois
The population of Wabash County, Illinois is 11,199 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 86th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $53,650, the median home value is $103,900, and the median age is 43.0.
The population of Wabash County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (11,916 → 10,979), a -0.58% annualized rate.
11,199
Population
-0.58%
Annual growth
50
People / sq mi
$53,650
Median Income
$103,900
Median Home Value
Wabash County covers 223 sq mi of land at 50.1 people per square mile.
About Wabash County, IL
Wabash County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 49.1% of the population. With 11,199 residents, Wabash County is a county in Illinois.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $53,650, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.0%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $103,900, with typical rent around $774.
18.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Wabash County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Wabash County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wabash County had a population of 11,916 in 2010 and 10,979 in 2024, a -7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,916 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.58%.
10,979
Population (2024)
11,916
Population (2010)
11,916
Peak (2010)
-0.58%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,916 |
| 2011 | 11,796 |
| 2012 | 11,690 |
| 2013 | 11,675 |
| 2014 | 11,604 |
| 2015 | 11,627 |
| 2016 | 11,518 |
| 2017 | 11,466 |
| 2018 | 11,407 |
| 2019 | 11,370 |
| 2020 | 11,315 |
| 2021 | 11,209 |
| 2022 | 11,061 |
| 2023 | 11,032 |
| 2024 | 10,979 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.0
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
22.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,650$-28,052 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,337 |
| Per-capita income | $36,323 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wabash County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
81.3%
Public transit
3.6%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,900$-146,600 vs state
Median home value
$774
Median rent
75.4%
Homeownership rate
5,416
Total housing units
88.3%
Occupied
11.7%
Vacant
24.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
49.1%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
21.5%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
18.7%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wabash County, Illinois has a population of 11,199 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 86th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 50 people per square mile.
The population of Wabash County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (11,916 → 10,979), a -0.58% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wabash County, Illinois is $53,650, with mean (average) household income of $82,337 and per-capita income of $36,323. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wabash County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.9%), Black or African American (1.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wabash County, Illinois is 43.0 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Wabash County is $103,900 and median monthly rent is $774. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,416 total housing units, 11.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wabash County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Wabash County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.