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Hardin County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Hardin County, Illinois has a population of 3,623, the 102nd most populous county in Illinois. The median household income is $57,155 and the median home value is $91,700. The poverty rate is 10.5%.

Hardin County Quick Facts

Population 3,623
Median Household Income $57,155
Median Home Value $91,700
Poverty Rate 10.5%
Unemployment Rate 3.3%
Median Age 55.0 years
Homeownership Rate 80.7%
Affordability Ratio 1.6x
Bachelor's Degree+ 12.2%
High School Graduation 88.5%
Cities/Places 0
Population 3,623 102nd of 102
Median Income $57,155 30% lower state
Poverty Rate 10.5%
Unemployment 3.3%

Economy & Housing

Employment

3.3% Unemployment Rate State: 5.8% | National: 5.2%
39.4% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 80.7%
Renter 19.3%
Affordability Index Very Affordable
1.6x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

9out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 60 | National average: 60

Education

Explore Illinois Rankings

Cities by Population All cities ranked by size Richest Cities Ranked by median income Most Educated By bachelor's degree rate Most Affordable By housing affordability

Population Overview

Hardin County is located in Illinois with a total population of 3,623. It is the 102nd most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Hardin County is 55.0 years. This is 41% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. Only 13.6% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 14.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Hardin County is $57,155. This is 30% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 27% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $91,700. Housing costs are 63% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Hardin County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Hardin County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.6% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 1.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (95.6% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 18.5%.

Education

12.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 67% 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 88.5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Hardin County, Illinois?

Hardin County has a population of 3,623, making it the 102nd most populous county in Illinois.

What is the median income in Hardin County?

The median household income in Hardin County is $57,155 with a poverty rate of 10.5%.

How many cities are in Hardin County, Illinois?

Hardin County contains 0 Census-designated places.