Jersey County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Jersey County is located in Illinois with a total population of 21,336. It is the 55th most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Jersey County is 43.2 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Jersey County is $79,104. This is 3% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is about average. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%. This is 15% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $168,800. Housing costs are 33% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Jersey County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Jersey County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (95.0% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 93.7%.