Effingham County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Effingham County is located in Illinois with a total population of 34,505. It is the 41st most populous county out of 102 in Illinois. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Effingham County is 39.5 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Effingham County is $75,380. This is 8% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%. This is 9% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 2.2%. This is 62% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $179,800. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Effingham County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Effingham County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (94.6% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

26.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% 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 93.2%.