Union County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Union County is located in Illinois with a total population of 16,972. It is the 61st most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Union County is 44.3 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Union County is $56,420. This is 31% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 28% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%. This is 65% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $131,700. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Union County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Union County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (90.1% vs 58.8%). The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.2%) is well below the state average of 18.5%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

20.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% 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 87.0%.