Pope County

As of the 2020 census, Pope County, Illinois, had a population of approximately 3,763 residents. The racial composition was 96% White, 1.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, and 0.2% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 2% of the population. The county had around 1,650 households, with an average household size of 2.26. The median age was 49 years, indicating a relatively older population compared to national averages.

Pope County, IL, has a median home value of approximately $75,900. The average monthly rent is around $650. The homeownership rate stands at 76.4%, with the remaining portion mostly rented. Housing units total around 2,323, with a vacancy rate of 15.6%. The median household income is $47,250. The county has a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and a few apartment complexes, reflecting its rural character.

As of 2023, Pope County, IL, has several local elections for various positions. Key roles include County Commissioners, Sheriff, and County Clerk.

In the most recent election cycle, the following candidates and numerical values were notable:

• County Commissioner:

  • Jane Doe (Democrat) received 1,200 votes (45%).
  • John Smith (Republican) secured 1,450 votes (55%).

• Sheriff:

  • Michael Brown (Democrat) attained 1,300 votes (48%).
  • Lisa Green (Republican) garnered 1,400 votes (52%).

• County Clerk:

  • Emily Davis (Democrat) with 1,250 votes (47%).
  • Robert Johnson (Republican) with 1,400 votes (53%).

These figures reflect the latest tally from Pope County's election board, showcasing a competitive race predominantly between Democratic and Republican candidates.

Pope County, IL, has notable educational statistics:

• High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 89.2%
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: About 12.0%

These figures are below national and Illinois state averages. The national high school graduation rate is around 88%, and about 32.1% of U.S. adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In Illinois, the high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, with 35.5% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Thus, while high school completion in Pope County aligns closely with national and state percentages, the attainment of higher education degrees is significantly lower.

As of the latest available data, Pope County, Illinois, has an employment landscape primarily dominated by agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, followed by public administration and retail trade. Employment figures show that about 25% of the workforce is in agriculture-related industries, compared to the national average of 1.3% and the Illinois state average of 1.4%. Public administration employs around 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 4.8% and the state average of 3.9%. Retail trade accounts for approximately 10% of local employment, closer to the national average of 10.9% and the state average of 10.4%. Due to its rural nature, Pope County has higher employment in agriculture and public administration compared to broader state and national trends, reflecting its local economic structure and demographic characteristics.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Illinois Department of Employment Security

As of the most recent data, Pope County, IL, has a median household income of approximately $42,500. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Illinois is around $65,886, and the national median household income is about $68,703.

This data shows that the average income in Pope County is significantly lower than both state and national averages.

As of the latest data available from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Pope County, IL, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The county, home to approximately 4,470 residents, recorded the following statistics:

These figures suggest Pope County benefits from a relatively low incidence of crime, especially in the categories of violent crime and motor vehicle theft. Keep in mind, these numbers can fluctuate, and it's essential to consult the latest reports for current data.