Fayette County Public RecordsIllinois

Fayette County, IL, hosts around 11 public schools, including Vandalia Community High School. About 84% of adults hold a high school diploma, while approximately 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools score around 4–5 out of 10 on GreatSchools ratings, reflecting average educational performance. The county prioritizes safety, with most schools implementing standard security protocols. Educational programs cover basic academics, vocational training, and limited advanced placement options. Adult education is supported by local community colleges and GED programs, aiming to boost workforce readiness and lifelong learning.

As of 2022, Fayette County, IL had an employment rate of approximately 57%. Major industries include manufacturing (21.6%), health care and social assistance (14.6%), and retail trade (12.6%). The top occupation types are production (13.7%), office and administrative support (11.2%), and sales (10.9%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23.7 minutes. Most employment is local, but a notable share commutes to neighboring counties, including Effingham and Marion.

Fayette County, IL, has a homeownership rate around 73%, with median home values at approximately $93,000 and typical monthly rents near $750 (2024). Housing stock largely comprises single-family homes, with some apartments in Vandalia, the county seat. Recent property values have remained steady or shown modest growth of 2–3% annually. Neighborhoods in Vandalia offer historic homes, while rural areas provide spacious lots. The effective property tax rate is about 2.1%, translating to a median property tax bill around $1,950 per year, making the area relatively affordable compared to urban Illinois regions.

Fayette County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2023, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 930 incidents per 100,000 residents, with violent crime accounting for around 180 and property crime for 750 per 100,000. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and safety programs, resulting in high clearance rates. Despite occasional spikes, overall safety remains above state averages, with local agencies continually working to improve public security and awareness.

As of the 2020 Census, Fayette County, IL had a population of 21,488. The median age was 41.4 years. About 51% were male and 49% female. Racially, the county was 91.2% White, 5.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 2.7% identified as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people comprised 2.3% of the population.

Fayette County, IL, has approximately 12,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in primary, general, and local elections, with turnout around 55% in presidential years. Key polling locations include the Vandalia Moose Lodge and Brownstown Firehouse. In the 2020 general election, Republicans received 72% and Democrats 27% of votes. Election administration is managed by the County Clerk’s office. Recent issues include road improvement funding and school consolidation. The county’s electorate is predominantly Republican, with Democratic and independent voters also present, and voter registration can be done online, in person, or by mail.