DeKalb County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

DeKalb County is located in Illinois with a total population of 100,512. It is the 20th most populous county out of 102 in Illinois. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in DeKalb County is 32.6 years. This is 16% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in DeKalb County is $69,022. This is 16% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%. This is 36% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 7.1%. This is 22% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $231,900. Housing costs are 7% lower than the state median of $250,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 60.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in DeKalb County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 72.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 14.0%. The Asian population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

32.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% 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 92.4%.