Whiteside County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Illinois
The population of Whiteside County, Illinois is 55,192 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $64,536, the median home value is $125,800, and the median age is 43.4.
The population of Whiteside County has declined 6.6% since 2010 (58,489 → 54,657), a -0.48% annualized rate.
55,192
Population
-0.48%
Annual growth
81
People / sq mi
$64,536
Median Income
$125,800
Median Home Value
Whiteside County covers 684 sq mi of land at 80.7 people per square mile.
About Whiteside County, IL
What sets Whiteside County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 4.9% versus 14.0% nationally. Whiteside County is a county in Illinois with a population of 55,192. It ranks #24 among counties in Illinois by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,536, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.3%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $125,800, with typical rent around $808.
Roughly 20.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Whiteside County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Whiteside County had a population of 58,489 in 2010 and 54,657 in 2024, a -6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 58,489 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.48%.
54,657
Population (2024)
58,489
Population (2010)
58,489
Peak (2010)
-0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 58,489 |
| 2011 | 58,288 |
| 2012 | 57,772 |
| 2013 | 57,477 |
| 2014 | 57,037 |
| 2015 | 56,943 |
| 2016 | 56,505 |
| 2017 | 56,009 |
| 2018 | 55,532 |
| 2019 | 55,215 |
| 2020 | 55,574 |
| 2021 | 55,320 |
| 2022 | 54,602 |
| 2023 | 54,582 |
| 2024 | 54,657 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.4
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
21.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,536$-17,166 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,990 |
| Per-capita income | $36,788 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Whiteside County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
80.6%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
19.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$125,800$-124,700 vs state
Median home value
$808
Median rent
75.5%
Homeownership rate
25,850
Total housing units
89.8%
Occupied
10.2%
Vacant
24.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
91.8%
With broadband internet
23.8%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
92.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.0%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Whiteside County, Illinois has a population of 55,192 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 81 people per square mile.
The population of Whiteside County has declined 6.6% since 2010 (58,489 → 54,657), a -0.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Whiteside County, Illinois is $64,536, with mean (average) household income of $84,990 and per-capita income of $36,788. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Whiteside County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Whiteside County, Illinois is 43.4 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Whiteside County is $125,800 and median monthly rent is $808. 75.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 25,850 total housing units, 10.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Whiteside County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Whiteside 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.