Stark County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Stark County is located in Illinois with a total population of 5,324. It is the 95th most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Stark County is 44.6 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Stark County is $62,284. 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 12.0%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $103,500. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Stark County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Stark County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (92.3% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

19.3% 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 91.7%.