Winnebago County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Illinois
The population of Winnebago County, Illinois is 283,289 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $64,363, the median home value is $155,100, and the median age is 39.7.
The population of Winnebago County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (295,090 → 283,790), a -0.28% annualized rate.
283,289
Population
-0.28%
Annual growth
552
People / sq mi
$64,363
Median Income
$155,100
Median Home Value
Winnebago County covers 513 sq mi of land at 552.2 people per square mile.
About Winnebago County, IL
Winnebago County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 552 people per square mile. With 283,289 residents, Winnebago County is a county in Illinois. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Illinois nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $64,363 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $155,100, with typical rent around $986.
Roughly 24.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.3%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Winnebago County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Winnebago County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Winnebago County had a population of 295,090 in 2010 and 283,790 in 2024, a -3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 295,090 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.28%.
283,790
Population (2024)
295,090
Population (2010)
295,090
Peak (2010)
-0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 295,090 |
| 2011 | 293,667 |
| 2012 | 292,128 |
| 2013 | 291,006 |
| 2014 | 288,770 |
| 2015 | 287,237 |
| 2016 | 286,171 |
| 2017 | 284,658 |
| 2018 | 283,588 |
| 2019 | 282,465 |
| 2020 | 284,963 |
| 2021 | 283,413 |
| 2022 | 282,081 |
| 2023 | 282,214 |
| 2024 | 283,790 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.1% |
| Black or African American | 13.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,363$-17,339 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,470 |
| Per-capita income | $34,775 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Winnebago County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
78.9%
Public transit
8.3%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,100$-95,400 vs state
Median home value
$986
Median rent
65.2%
Homeownership rate
124,959
Total housing units
92.4%
Occupied
7.6%
Vacant
34.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
21.0%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
85.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.6%
High School+
24.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Winnebago County, Illinois has a population of 283,289 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 552 people per square mile.
The population of Winnebago County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (295,090 → 283,790), a -0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Winnebago County, Illinois is $64,363, with mean (average) household income of $84,470 and per-capita income of $34,775. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Winnebago County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.1%), Black or African American (13.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Winnebago County, Illinois is 39.7 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Winnebago County is $155,100 and median monthly rent is $986. 65.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 124,959 total housing units, 7.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Winnebago County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Winnebago 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.