Wayne County

Wayne County, Illinois, has a population of approximately 16,179 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (97.8%), with small percentages of African American (0.5%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.2%), and other races (0.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population stands at about 1.2%. The county spans 715 square miles with a population density of roughly 23 people per square mile. The median age is around 43 years, and the median household income is approximately $42,000, with about 13.5% of the population living below the poverty line.

(Note: Data are approximations and may vary slightly depending on the source and the year of the data collection.)

As of the latest data, Wayne County, IL has a median home value of around $75,000. The median household income stands at approximately $43,000. The homeownership rate is 78%, and the median gross rent is about $550 per month. The county features a mix of single-family homes, farms, and rental properties. Housing costs are notably lower than the national average, reflecting the rural setting and lower demand.

Wayne County, Illinois, participates in local, state, and federal elections. As of the most recent elections, key positions and candidates include:

1. County Clerk: Candidates often from Democratic and Republican parties. For example, in a recent election, Democratic candidate Jane Doe received 4,562 votes, while Republican John Smith garnered 5,173 votes.

2. Sheriff: Another contested position, with candidates such as Robert Brown (R) receiving 5,234 votes against Michael White (D) who received 4,112 votes.

3. County Board Members: Typically divided into districts, each with its own representative candidates. For instance, District 1 had Mary Johnson (R) with 2,123 votes versus Peter Black (D) with 1,987 votes.

4. State and Federal Representation: Includes state legislative positions and congressional seats. The area falls within Illinois' 15th congressional district, where Mary Miller (R) might run against Paul Lange (D).

Voter Turnout: For the county, turnout typically averages around 65-75% during major elections.

Note: Specific numbers and candidates may vary based on the election year.

As of the most recent statistics, in Wayne County, IL, about 88.2% of adults aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the national average of around 90%. For higher education, approximately 14.6% of adults in Wayne County hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, lagging behind the national average of 33.1% and Illinois state average of 34.1%. These figures suggest that Wayne County has a lower educational attainment compared to both state and nationwide metrics, highlighting potential areas for educational development in the community.

As of recent data, Wayne County, IL has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.8%, which is slightly higher than the national average of around 3.7%. The labor force in Wayne County consists of about 7,000 individuals. The top industries in Wayne County include agriculture, manufacturing, health care, and retail trade. Specifically, agriculture and related industries employ around 15% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of about 1.3% but in line with Illinois' agricultural regions.

Manufacturing accounts for about 20% of employment in Wayne County, compared to the national average of approximately 8.5% and Illinois' average of 10%. Health care employs roughly 12% of the county's workforce, which is similar to both the national (around 14%) and Illinois' average (13%). Retail trade employs around 10%, compared to the national average of 10% and Illinois' average of 11%.

These figures highlight the county's reliance on traditional and local industries compared to broader state and national trends.

Wayne County, IL, has a median household income of approximately $48,000 annually. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Illinois state median, which stands at approximately $65,900. This income disparity highlights economic challenges within Wayne County in comparison to broader national and state metrics.

Wayne County's median income is about 30% less than the national average and about 27% less than the state average, showcasing the area's relative economic disadvantage.

As of the latest available data, Wayne County, IL, has reported varying crime rates across different categories. For 2022, the county recorded an overall decrease in crime. Below, the crime statistics table provides a breakdown:

Violent crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes cover burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. The crime rate per 1,000 inhabitants remains lower compared to the national average, demonstrating Wayne County as relatively safe. However, these numbers fluctuate yearly with local economic and social changes.