Coles County Public RecordsIllinois

Coles County, IL has around 18 public schools, including Mattoon and Charleston High Schools. The high school graduation rate is about 90%, while approximately 21% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Charleston CUSD 1 schools average a 22 ACT score. School safety initiatives include resource officers and emergency drills. Adult education is offered through Lake Land College. Educational programs feature Advanced Placement, dual credit, and vocational tracks, supporting varied student needs.

As of 2022, Coles County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 57%. Key industries include education and health services (27%), retail trade (15%), and manufacturing (13%). The most common occupations are in education, office and administrative support, and sales. Around 74% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19 minutes. Nearly 60% of Coles County’s workforce is employed within the county, while the remainder commutes to nearby areas such as Champaign and Charleston.

Coles County, IL, has a homeownership rate of about 66%, with median home values around $109,000 and median rents near $780 monthly. The housing market has seen modest price growth of 4% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and student rentals, particularly in Charleston and Mattoon. Popular neighborhoods feature historic homes and newer subdivisions. Property tax rates average 2.1%, resulting in annual taxes of approximately $2,300 for a median-priced home. The area offers diverse, affordable options for families, students, and retirees.

Coles County, IL, has a crime rate of approximately 19.6 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 2.5 per 1,000. Property crime is higher, around 17.1 per 1,000 people. Recent FBI data show crime in Coles County is near the national average, but slightly higher than the Illinois state average. Most incidents are property-related, such as theft and burglary. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting through anonymous tip lines, which saw over 300 reports submitted in 2023, contributing to increased safety and crime awareness.

As of 2022, Coles County, IL, has a population of approximately 46,300. The median age is 36.4 years. The population is about 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 87.4% White, 5.5% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.7% identifying as two or more races. The county features a mix of urban and rural communities, including the cities of Charleston and Mattoon.

Coles County, Illinois, has approximately 33,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, and local contests, with major parties being Democratic and Republican. In the 2020 presidential election, 60% voted Republican and 38% Democrat. Key issues include rural development and education funding. Polling locations include Charleston High School and Mattoon Middle School among others. The Coles County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance and transparency. Voter turnout in recent primaries averaged around 25%. Absentee, early, and in-person voting options are available to all registered residents.