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

Total population
54,947
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,500/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,837
-0.1% year-over-year change

Whiteside County population

How many people live in Whiteside County

Whiteside County is home to 54,947 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Whiteside County locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
54,947
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
27,415
Female
50.1%
27,532
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,415 49.9% -0.9%
Female 27,532 50.1% 0.0%
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 Whiteside County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
21.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,896 18% -0.5%
15 to 24 6,378 11.6% -0.7%
25 to 44 12,284 22.4% 0.3%
45 to 64 14,422 26.2% -2.2%
Over 65 11,967 21.8% 1.2%
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 Whiteside County, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 53,000 96.5% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,178 2.1% 13.7%
Non-citizens 769 1.4% -0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
85.1%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 46,769 85.1%
Black or African American 691 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 206 0.4%
Asian 291 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 5,273 9.6%
Other 1,714 3.1%

Households in Whiteside County

A peek inside Whiteside County households

Whiteside County has 23,120 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.6% are families, while the remaining 37.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,120
-0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,659
Family households
14,461
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,659 37.4% -4.5%
Family households 14,461 62.6% 2.2%
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 Whiteside County

The housing landscape of Whiteside County

Whiteside County's housing consists of 25,837 units, with 81.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,837
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 21,060 81.5%
1 unit, attached 492 1.9%
2 units 1,015 3.9%
3 or 4 units 941 3.6%
5 to 9 units 636 2.5%
10 to 19 units 262 1%
20 to 49 units 313 1.2%
50 or more units 475 1.8%
Mobile home 584 2.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 59 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
67
36.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whiteside County

In Whiteside County, the median construction year is 1961. About 25.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,528 25.3% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,866 7.2% -0.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,087 15.8% -4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,133 12.1% 3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,435 17.2% 4.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,600 6.2% 8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,730 6.7% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,547 6% -8.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 844 3.3% 6.4%
Built in 2020 or later 67 0.3% 36.7%
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.

Whiteside County occupancy rates

Out of the 23,120 occupied housing units in Whiteside County, 76.9% are owner-occupied, while 23.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,120
-0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,334
Owner occupied
17,786
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,334 23.1% -6.4%
Owner occupied 17,786 76.9% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Whiteside County housing costs

Housing costs in Whiteside County come to a median of $874 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $856.

Median housing costs per month
$874/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 Whiteside County
$856/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 Whiteside County

Whiteside County education at a glance

About 43.8% of the population in Whiteside County went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 12% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,300 3% -3.6%
High school diploma 18,798 43.8% -2.0%
College diploma 9,977 23.3% 0.2%
Associate degree 4,665 10.9% 3.3%
Bachelor's degree 5,134 12% 1.9%
Graduate degree 3,008 7% 0.6%
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 Whiteside County

How much people earn in Whiteside County

The average annual household income in Whiteside County was $86,592 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,500, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whiteside County
$86,592/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whiteside County
$67,500/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Whiteside County income by age

In Whiteside County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,696. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,392 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,682, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,622 in earnings. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,682 31.1%
25 - 44 $76,696 -0.1%
45 - 64 $85,392 3.2%
Over 65 $51,622 2.8%
Above poverty level
47,013
Below poverty level
6,379
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 47,013 88% -0.1%
Below poverty level 6,379 12% -0.8%

Employment in Whiteside County

Workforce and job types in Whiteside County

The job market in Whiteside County is powered by 26,161 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,161
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
17,471
Blue collar
8,690
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,471 66.8% -2.5%
Blue collar 8,690 33.2% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
15.3%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,062 7.9% -1.2%
Private companies 17,641 67.4% 0.3%
Governmental workers 3,991 15.3% -3.4%
Not for profit companies 2,467 9.4% -4.5%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-6.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whiteside County stands at 4.4%, 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 Whiteside County

How people get around in Whiteside County

Commuting methods vary: 89.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,807 89.4% -2.2%
Bus or trolleybus 60 0.2% 15.4%
Ferryboat 23 0.1% 21.1%
Motorcycle 15 0.1% -11.8%
Bicycle 227 0.9% 35.1%
Walk 681 2.7% -25.1%
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 Whiteside County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61014 1,067 477 $69,329 $87,497
61037 145 80 $70,357 $248,985
61071 13,581 5,810 $60,508 $79,916
61081 20,844 8,884 $67,586 $88,298
61230 1,039 410 $62,344 $79,574
61243 155 59 $148,309 $153,868
61250 2,781 1,210 $84,688 $95,087
61251 377 158 $79,464 $78,073
61252 5,437 2,318 $59,861 $87,604
61261 656 327 $64,375 $78,503

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FAQs about Whiteside County demographics 

What is the total population of Whiteside County?

Whiteside County has a total population of 54,947 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whiteside County?

The gender ratio in Whiteside County is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (27,415 residents)
  • 50.1% females (27,532 residents)

What is the median age in Whiteside County?

The median age in Whiteside County is 43.

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

The age distribution in Whiteside County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (9,896 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (6,378 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (12,284 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (14,422 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.8% (11,967 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whiteside County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whiteside County is as follows:
  • White: 85.1% (46,769 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (691 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (206 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (291 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (5,273 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (1,714 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Whiteside County.

How many housing units are there in Whiteside County?

There are 25,837 housing units in Whiteside 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 Whiteside County and what is the average household size?

Whiteside County has a total of 23,120 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whiteside County?

Whiteside County has a median household income of $67,500, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Whiteside County, with a workforce of 26,161 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.8% (17,471 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.2% (8,690 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (2,062 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (17,641 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.3% (3,991 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (2,467 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