Peoria County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
179,645
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,108/yr
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
84,930
-0.1% year-over-year change

Peoria County population

How many people live in Peoria County

Peoria County is home to 179,645 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Peoria County locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
179,645
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
87,595
Female
51.2%
92,050
Value Percent YoY change
Male 87,595 48.8% -0.1%
Female 92,050 51.2% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Peoria County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 35,790 19.9% -0.4%
15 to 24 22,929 12.8% 0.5%
25 to 44 46,196 25.7% -0.1%
45 to 64 41,917 23.3% -1.6%
Over 65 32,813 18.3% 1.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Peoria County, 92% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.3% of locals are Caucasian, 17.3% are African American and 4.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 165,370 92% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,812 3.8% 6.0%
Non-citizens 7,463 4.2% 0.9%
Racial breakdown
White
67.3%
Black or African American
17.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 120,891 67.3%
Black or African American 31,145 17.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 509 0.3%
Asian 8,302 4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 112 0.1%
Two or more races 14,144 7.9%
Other 4,542 2.5%

Households in Peoria County

A peek inside Peoria County households

Peoria County has 77,755 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57% are families, while the remaining 43% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
77,755
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
33,456
Family households
44,299
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 33,456 43% 0.7%
Family households 44,299 57% 1.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Peoria County

The housing landscape of Peoria County

Peoria County's housing consists of 84,930 units, with 72% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
84,930
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 61,158 72%
1 unit, attached 3,470 4.1%
2 units 2,511 3%
3 or 4 units 1,642 1.9%
5 to 9 units 4,646 5.5%
10 to 19 units 4,079 4.8%
20 to 49 units 3,338 3.9%
50 or more units 3,135 3.7%
Mobile home 950 1.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
432
92.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Peoria County

In Peoria County, the median construction year is 1966. About 19.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 16,755 19.7% -6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,183 7.3% 1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 12,475 14.7% 4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,068 13% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 13,341 15.7% -4.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,409 6.4% 3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,812 8% 0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,925 10.5% 1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,530 4.2% 5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 432 0.5% 92.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Peoria County occupancy rates

Out of the 77,755 occupied housing units in Peoria County, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
77,755
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
25,656
Owner occupied
52,099
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 25,656 33% 0.8%
Owner occupied 52,099 67% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Peoria County housing costs

Housing costs in Peoria County come to a median of $1,035 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $993.

Median housing costs per month
$1,035/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Peoria County
$993/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Peoria County

Peoria County education at a glance

About 33% of the population in Peoria County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 20.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,712 2% -1.7%
High school diploma 45,113 33% 0.1%
College diploma 31,670 23.2% -1.0%
Associate degree 12,361 9% -2.9%
Bachelor's degree 28,548 20.9% 3.9%
Graduate degree 16,270 11.9% -3.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Peoria County

How much people earn in Peoria County

The average annual household income in Peoria County was $92,598 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,108, reflecting a +0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Peoria County
$92,598/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Peoria County
$65,108/year
0.3% year-over-year change

Peoria County income by age

In Peoria County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,580. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,211 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,545, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,859 in earnings. Overall, 84.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,545 13.7%
25 - 44 $74,580 1.4%
45 - 64 $81,211 2.7%
Over 65 $51,859 0.9%
Above poverty level
145,543
Below poverty level
26,781
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 145,543 84.5% -0.6%
Below poverty level 26,781 15.5% 0.9%

Employment in Peoria County

Workforce and job types in Peoria County

The job market in Peoria County is powered by 82,270 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
82,270
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
66,298
Blue collar
15,972
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 66,298 80.6% 0.1%
Blue collar 15,972 19.4% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,038 7.3% 4.4%
Private companies 53,832 65.4% -1.1%
Governmental workers 10,539 12.8% 6.8%
Not for profit companies 11,861 14.4% 0.1%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
-5.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Peoria County stands at 6.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Peoria County

How people get around in Peoria County

In Peoria County, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 68,351 84.6% -1.1%
Taxicab 143 0.2% 18.2%
Bus or trolleybus 971 1.2% 7.2%
Motorcycle 11 0% 22.2%
Bicycle 186 0.2% 12.7%
Walk 1,351 1.7% -9.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Peoria County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61451 272 120 $44,167 $63,902
61517 3,033 1,144 $99,886 $115,035
61523 10,203 4,635 $79,453 $100,524
61525 12,357 4,079 $161,165 $182,573
61526 1,105 382 $118,393 $150,437
61528 3,212 1,177 $183,140 $190,410
61529 2,763 1,151 $91,661 $104,699
61531 3,007 1,221 $70,107 $87,695
61533 2,441 916 $73,051 $85,040
61536 3,503 1,649 $74,249 $94,964

Explore more communities

FAQs about Peoria County demographics 

What is the total population of Peoria County?

Peoria County has a total population of 179,645 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Peoria County?

The gender ratio in Peoria County is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (87,595 residents)
  • 51.2% females (92,050 residents)

What is the median age in Peoria County?

The median age in Peoria County is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Peoria County?

The age distribution in Peoria County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (35,790 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (22,929 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (46,196 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (41,917 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (32,813 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Peoria County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Peoria County is as follows:
  • White: 67.3% (120,891 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.3% (31,145 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (509 residents)
  • Asian: 4.6% (8,302 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (112 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (14,144 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (4,542 residents)

What percentage of the population in Peoria County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92% of the population in Peoria County.

How many housing units are there in Peoria County?

There are 84,930 housing units in Peoria County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Peoria County and what is the average household size?

Peoria County has a total of 77,755 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Peoria County?

Peoria County has a median household income of $65,108, representing a +0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Peoria County?

The employment rate is 93.8% in Peoria County, with a workforce of 82,270 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.6% (66,298 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (15,972 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (6,038 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (53,832 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (10,539 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (11,861 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025