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
Whiteside County is a county in Illinois with a population of 55,192. It ranks #24 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 43.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Whiteside County is $64,536, below the US median of $74,580. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $125,800, with monthly rent averaging $808. The homeownership rate of 75.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Whiteside County reflects 20.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.9 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+
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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.