Calhoun County

Calhoun County, Illinois, has a population of approximately 4,700 people as of the latest estimates. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with over 98% of residents identifying as such. The median age is around 46 years, and the gender distribution is roughly equal with a slight male majority. The county's economy is primarily agricultural, with a median household income of about $48,000. The education level shows over 85% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, with around 15% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area is largely rural with a low population density.

As of the latest data, Calhoun County, IL has a median home value of approximately $110,000, with home values having increased about 5% over the past year. The median rent is around $725 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with around 20% of the housing market composed of rentals. The vacancy rate stands at approximately 15%. The majority of homes are single-family units, with a smaller presence of multifamily and mobile homes.

As of the latest elections in Calhoun County, Illinois, held in 2022, the following key positions were contested:

1. County Clerk:

   • Debbie J. Bick (Republican) won with 74% of the vote (1,854 votes).
   • Rita Hagen (Democrat) secured 26% (651 votes).

2. County Treasurer:

   • Christine A. Simon (Republican) ran unopposed and received 100% of the vote (2,370 votes).

3. Sheriff:

   • William "Bill" Heffington (Republican) received 57% of the vote (1,505 votes).
   • Gregory P. Poleskey (Democrat) had 43% (1,137 votes).

Board seats and judicial positions also saw contests, reflecting close races and high voter turnout for a small county with approximately 4,500 residents. This snapshot provides a quick perspective on the county’s electoral landscape.

Calhoun County, IL, has educational attainment levels that are below national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data:

• Approximately 87.2% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.0% and the Illinois state average of 88.9%.
• Around 14.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, substantially lower than the national average of 33.1% and the Illinois average of 35.5%.

These figures indicate that Calhoun County lags behind both the state and national levels in higher education attainment.

Calhoun County, IL, has a population of roughly 4,500, with a labor force participation rate around 58%. The unemployment rate is approximately 4.5%, which is slightly higher than the national average of about 3.7% and the Illinois state average of 4.2%.

Key industries in Calhoun County include agriculture, healthcare, education, and retail trade. Agriculture is particularly prominent, with many jobs related to crop and livestock farming. Healthcare and social assistance employ a significant portion of the workforce, while education services, thanks to local schools, also play a crucial role.

Nationally, professional and business services, healthcare, and retail trade are dominant industries. In Illinois, key sectors include manufacturing, professional services, and education. Therefore, Calhoun County's economy leans more heavily towards agriculture compared to the broader state and national employment trends.

As of recent data, the average household income in Calhoun County, IL is approximately $50,000 annually. Compared to the national average of around $68,700 and the Illinois state average of approximately $72,400, Calhoun County falls below both benchmarks.

Calhoun County's lower average income can be attributed to its predominantly rural economy, which is heavily reliant on agriculture and small businesses. Despite the economic disparities, Calhoun County boasts a lower cost of living, which somewhat mitigates the income gap.

As of the most recent data, Calhoun County, IL, boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The area's crime rates per 1,000 residents are as follows:

The county's overall crime rate is about 7.6 per 1,000 residents, making it a relatively safe place to live. Violent crime remains notably low, reflecting the rural and community-focused nature of the area.