Macon County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Macon County is located in Illinois with a total population of 102,591. It is the 19th most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Macon County is 40.9 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Macon County is $62,449. This is 24% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%. This is 25% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 7.1%. This is 23% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $121,800. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Macon County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Macon County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 73.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 17.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

24.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% 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 93.0%.