Mason County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Mason County is located in Illinois with a total population of 12,878. It is the 81st most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Mason County is 45.5 years. This is 17% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. 10.2% 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 Mason County is $62,127. This is 24% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%. This is 20% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $106,100. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Mason County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Mason County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (95.5% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

17.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% 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 92.1%.