Will County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Illinois
The population of Will County, Illinois is 698,450 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $107,799, the median home value is $298,000, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Will County has grown 4.4% since 2010 (678,829 → 708,583), a +0.31% annualized rate.
698,450
Population
+0.31%
Annual growth
836
People / sq mi
$107,799
Median Income
$298,000
Median Home Value
Will County covers 836 sq mi of land at 835.6 people per square mile.
About Will County, IL
What sets Will County apart is money: median household income runs $107,799, above the US median of $78,538. Will County is a county in Illinois with a population of 698,450. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Illinois in the country, at #4 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $107,799, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.2%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $298,000, with typical rent around $1,413.
About 36.5% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. A solid 13.3% of workers are based at home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Will County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Will County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Will County had a population of 678,829 in 2010 and 708,583 in 2024, a 4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 708,583 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.31%.
708,583
Population (2024)
678,829
Population (2010)
708,583
Peak (2024)
0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 678,829 |
| 2011 | 680,813 |
| 2012 | 682,459 |
| 2013 | 683,720 |
| 2014 | 685,123 |
| 2015 | 685,825 |
| 2016 | 688,330 |
| 2017 | 690,356 |
| 2018 | 690,934 |
| 2019 | 690,176 |
| 2020 | 696,909 |
| 2021 | 699,327 |
| 2022 | 699,110 |
| 2023 | 703,383 |
| 2024 | 708,583 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.0% |
| Black or African American | 11.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
14.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.2% · Seniors (65+): 14.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $107,799+$26,097 vs state |
| Mean household income | $131,203 |
| Per-capita income | $46,216 |
| Poverty rate | 5.2%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Will County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
2.4%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
74.3%
Public transit
13.3%
Work from home
31.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$298,000+$47,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,413
Median rent
82.5%
Homeownership rate
252,684
Total housing units
95.5%
Occupied
4.5%
Vacant
17.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.7%
With health insurance
96.6%
With broadband internet
13.0%
Foreign-born
4.9%
Veterans (18+)
9.7%
With a disability
78.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
36.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Illinois
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County rankings
Common questions about Will County, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Will County, Illinois has a population of 698,450 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 836 people per square mile.
The population of Will County has grown 4.4% since 2010 (678,829 → 708,583), a +0.31% annualized rate.
The median household income in Will County, Illinois is $107,799, with mean (average) household income of $131,203 and per-capita income of $46,216. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Will County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.0%), Black or African American (11.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Will County, Illinois is 38.9 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Will County is $298,000 and median monthly rent is $1,413. 82.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 252,684 total housing units, 4.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Will County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Will County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
Will County, IL Climate
Will County, IL has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 951 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
951
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 38 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 36 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 70 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 100 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 101 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 107 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 99 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 95 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 93 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 70 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 78 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 64 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Will County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Will County, IL are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Will County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.