Saline County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Saline County is located in Illinois with a total population of 23,387. It is the 52nd most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Saline 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 Saline County is $54,945. This is 33% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 30% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%. This is 46% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $92,900. Housing costs are 63% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Saline County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Saline County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.7% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (91.7% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

20.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 46% 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 88.8%.