Cook County Public RecordsIllinois

Cook County, IL, with over 1.6 million registered voters in Chicago and 1.5 million suburban, conducts general, primary, and local elections. In the 2020 Presidential election, turnout exceeded 72%, with Democrat Joe Biden receiving about 74% of the vote. Voters cast ballots at roughly 800 polling locations. Key issues include public safety and taxation. Elections are administered by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners and the Cook County Clerk, overseeing both Democratic and Republican parties. Election results and detailed information are published online for transparency and accuracy.

As of 2022, Cook County, IL has a population of about 5.1 million. The median age is around 38 years, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 40% White, 24% Black or African American, 8% Asian, and 26% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county’s diversity reflects significant immigrant populations and vibrant multicultural communities.

Cook County, IL, is home to approximately 930 public schools, including over 100 high schools. Around 86% of adults have a high school diploma, and about 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school score, based on standardized tests, is about 5/10. School safety initiatives and varied educational programs, such as STEM and college prep courses, are widely available. Adult education centers also serve thousands yearly. Programs and safety measures vary by district, with Chicago Public Schools being the largest, serving over 330,000 students.

As of 2023, Cook County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 59%. Leading industries include healthcare (14%), professional services (12%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupations are in office/administrative support (15%) and sales (10%). About 60% of workers commute via car, while 25% use public transit. Chicago accounts for over 70% of employment locations within the county, drawing commuters from surrounding suburbs. The average commute time is about 33 minutes.

Cook County, IL, has a homeownership rate around 55%, with median home values at $282,000 and median rents near $1,400/month. Housing types range from urban apartments in Chicago to suburban single-family homes. Popular neighborhoods include Hyde Park, Evanston, and Oak Park. The real estate market has seen 4% annual price growth in 2023. Property taxes are among the highest in the U.S., averaging 2.3% of assessed value. The county offers diverse options for both owners and renters, influenced by neighborhood, school districts, and proximity to public transit.

Cook County, IL, has a higher crime rate than the national average, with approximately 38 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. In 2022, there were over 200,000 reported crimes, including 22,000 violent offenses and 178,000 property crimes. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Cook County is 1 in 26. Key cities like Chicago contribute significantly to these figures. Crime reporting relies on both police data and community reports, which help identify hotspots and deploy resources for public safety improvements.