Edwards County Public RecordsIllinois

Edwards County, IL, had 4,018 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including general, primary, and consolidated elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 80.1% backed the Republican candidate, while 18.2% voted Democratic. Polling locations include Albion Community Center and West Salem Community Center. Issues often focus on agriculture, taxation, and local schools. Elections are administered by the Edwards County Clerk, with major parties being Republican and Democratic. Turnout in recent elections has averaged 56%. For more information, visit the county’s official website.

As of the 2020 Census, Edwards County, Illinois, had a population of 6,245. The median age was 45.6 years, with approximately 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial composition was predominantly White (96%), with small percentages of African American (0.5%), Asian (0.2%), Native American (0.3%), and individuals of two or more races (2%). Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for about 1.2% of the population.

Edwards County, Illinois, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported 58 total criminal offenses, including 4 violent crimes and 54 property crimes, according to Illinois State Police data. The violent crime rate stands at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are at 15.8 per 1,000. Community policing and prompt reporting contribute to effective law enforcement. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, as over 90% of incidents are resolved without escalation, supporting a generally safe environment in Edwards County.

Edwards County, IL has approximately four public schools, including Edwards County High School. The high school graduation rate is about 89%, while only around 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The district reports above-average safety, with minimal incidents annually. Schools offer career-technical and dual-credit programs. Average test scores are near the Illinois state mean. Adult education opportunities are limited, primarily offered through nearby community colleges.

As of 2022, Edwards County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 56.4%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (21.5%), Manufacturing (14.8%), and Retail Trade (11.6%). Most workers are employed in office/administrative support (13.6%), sales (11.1%), and production occupations (10.7%). About 82% of employed residents commute to work by car, with an average travel time of 21.9 minutes. Notably, over 57% of workers are employed within the county, while others commute to neighboring counties such as Wabash and White.

Edwards County, IL, has a homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values near $81,500 and median gross rents about $675. The housing market remains stable, with moderate price increases over recent years. Most residences are single-family homes, and neighborhoods such as Albion and West Salem offer quiet, rural living. Property taxes are comparatively low; the average effective property tax rate is roughly 1.8%. Rental options are limited, reflecting the county’s small population and higher owner occupancy, appealing to those seeking affordable, small-town Illinois living.