Alexander County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Alexander County, Illinois, had a population of 5,240. The racial makeup was predominantly White (58.6%) and Black or African American (36.5%). The county covers approximately 252 square miles. The median household income was around $32,500, and about 27.6% of the population lived below the poverty line.

As of the latest data, Alexander County, IL has a median home value of around $45,000. The county has roughly 3,000 housing units, with a homeowner vacancy rate of about 4%. Approximately 70% of the housing units are owner-occupied, while rental units make up around 30%. The median gross rent is roughly $600 per month. The county's population is declining, impacting housing demand. Note that values can vary and it's advisable to check recent sources or local listings for the most up-to-date information.

Alexander County, Illinois, typically participates in various federal, state, and local elections. As of the 2022 midterms, major offices on the ballot included those for U.S. Congress, Illinois General Assembly, and local positions. Republican Darren Bailey and Democrat J.B. Pritzker were key contenders for Illinois governor. For the U.S. House of Representatives, 12th District incumbent Republican Mike Bost faced Democratic challenger Homer Markel.

In local elections, key offices included county commissioners, sheriff, and other administrative roles. For instance, in 2020, the county had around 5,000 registered voters with a turnout rate of approximately 55%. Results and candidate lists can usually be found on the official Alexander County Clerk’s website or the Illinois State Board of Elections for the latest data.

Alexander County, IL, has educational attainment levels that significantly lag behind national and state averages. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, roughly 79.3% of individuals aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of about 88.3% and the Illinois state average of approximately 89.8%. Furthermore, only about 11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly less than the national average of 33.1% and the Illinois average of 35.5%. These indicators highlight a substantial disparity in educational attainment in Alexander County compared to broader benchmarks, contributing to socio-economic challenges in the region.

Alexander County, IL, has a workforce primarily engaged in a few key industries. The largest sectors are manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. As of the latest data, the county's unemployment rate hovers around 8.3%, significantly higher than Illinois' state average of approximately 4.6% and the national average of 3.9%. Manufacturing jobs constitute around 14% of total employment in the county, which is above the national average of about 8.5% for this sector. Meanwhile, healthcare and social assistance make up about 20% of jobs, which closely aligns with both state and national averages. Retail trade, accounting for 12% of employment, also parallels broader trends. Overall, Alexander County demonstrates a heavier reliance on manufacturing compared to the broader averages, while maintaining average employment levels in healthcare and retail sectors.

As of the latest available data, Alexander County, Illinois, has an average household income of approximately $35,000. This is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is about $68,700, while Illinois has a median household income of around $69,187. The disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by Alexander County residents in contrast to broader benchmarks.

The income gap underscores the economic disparities and emphasizes the necessity for targeted socio-economic initiatives in Alexander County.

As of the latest available data, Alexander County, Illinois, has a crime rate of 29.29 per 1,000 residents. The county experiences a mix of violent and property crimes, with larceny-theft being the most prevalent. The table below highlights specific crime types and their respective incidents:

Efforts are ongoing to improve public safety and reduce crime rates in Alexander County.