Lee County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Lee County is located in Illinois with a total population of 34,058. It is the 42nd most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lee County is 43.0 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Lee County is $68,459. This is 16% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. This is 37% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $155,100. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Lee County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Lee County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.2%. The Black or African American population (5.4%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (7.2%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

19.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 48% 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 90.5%.