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+
Largest cities in Illinois
Other counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
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.
Winnebago County, IL Climate
Winnebago County, IL has an average annual temperature of 8.4°C (47°F) and receives about 882 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.4°C
Avg Temp
882
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 32 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 29 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 60 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 87 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 88 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 107 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 99 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 98 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 67 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 65 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 48 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 Winnebago County, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Winnebago County, IL are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Winnebago County
Visiting or relocating to Winnebago County, IL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Winnebago County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Winnebago County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Winnebago County, IL by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Illinois
Population 5,185,812
Population 927,263
Population 711,885
Population 698,450
Full rankings of Illinois counties
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.