Champaign County Public RecordsIllinois

Champaign County, IL, reported a crime rate of 32.3 per 1,000 residents in 2023, higher than the national average. Violent crime, including aggravated assault and robbery, accounted for 5.8 per 1,000, while property crimes such as burglary and theft stood at 26.5 per 1,000. Urbana and Champaign cities experienced higher incident rates compared to rural areas. Law enforcement reported over 6,000 incidents in 2023, with clearance rates around 25%. Residents are encouraged to report crimes promptly, contributing to local safety initiatives. Crime rates have shown slight year-over-year decreases due to improved community policing.

Champaign County, IL, had approximately 127,000 registered voters in 2022. It conducts general, primary, municipal, and special elections. In the 2020 Presidential Election, voter turnout was about 74%, with Democrats receiving 61% and Republicans 36% of votes. Polling locations number over 50, with early voting and mail-in options available. Key issues include education funding and rural broadband. Elections are administered by the Champaign County Clerk, currently Aaron Ammons. The county's political landscape is competitive, though Democrats outnumber Republicans in recent cycles. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with some third-party participation.

As of 2022, Champaign County, IL, had a population of approximately 206,700. The median age is 29.9 years, reflecting the influence of the University of Illinois. Females comprise around 50.6%, and males 49.4%. Racially, the population is about 61% White, 15% Black or African American, 10% Asian, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 7% other or multiracial. The county remains diverse, youthful, and continues to grow steadily.

Champaign County, IL, hosts over 50 public schools, including 13 high schools, and is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Approximately 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Public school graduation rates hover around 86%, with average SAT scores near 1100. The district invests in safety initiatives and offers diverse programs, including Advanced Placement, STEM, and adult education. SchoolDigger rates several schools above state average. Educational institutions in the county are recognized for robust safety standards and a wide array of curricular and extracurricular programs.

As of 2023, Champaign County, IL had an unemployment rate of 3.3%. The largest employment sectors include education and health services (25%), followed by retail trade (12%), and manufacturing (9%). The predominant occupation types are professional and related occupations (34%), and service occupations (20%). About 81% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 19.2 minutes. Key employment locations are Champaign, Urbana, and the University of Illinois, a major employer in the county.

Champaign County, IL, has a homeownership rate around 55%, with median home values near $195,000 in 2023. Median rent is approximately $1,100/month. The market has seen modest growth, with property values rising about 4% year-over-year. Housing types range from historic homes in West Urbana to modern apartments downtown. Popular neighborhoods include Champaign’s Old Town, Urbana’s Lincoln Square, and Savoy. The county’s average effective property tax rate is approximately 2.2%, translating to about $4,300 annually on a median-priced home. Rental demand remains strong, partly due to the University of Illinois’ large student population.