Coles County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Coles County is located in Illinois with a total population of 46,689. It is the 31st most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Coles County is 38.2 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Coles County is $56,040. This is 31% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%. This is 57% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 6.8%. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $121,900. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Coles County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 60.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% lower than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Coles County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.6% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (88.6% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (3.7%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.7%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

27.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% lower than the state rate of 37.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.5%.