Elections
Gallatin County, IL, had 3,331 registered voters as of November 2022. The county conducts general, primary, consolidated, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican and 21% Democrat. Major polling locations include Shawneetown City Hall and the Equality Community Center. Recent issues include school funding and rural infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Gallatin County Clerk’s Office. The county leans heavily Republican, with Democrats maintaining a modest presence. Voter turnout was 62% in the 2022 general election.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Gallatin County, Illinois, had a population of 4,946. Approximately 22% are under 18, while 24% are 65 and older, with a median age of 46.7 years. The gender distribution is about 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.2%), with Black or African American (1.3%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.2%), and Hispanic or Latino residents accounting for 1.1% of the population.
County Crime & Safety
Gallatin County, IL, reported a total crime rate of 1,170 per 100,000 residents in 2022, significantly below the national average of 2,346. Violent crime remains rare, with only two incidents reported, while property crimes such as theft and burglary made up the majority of cases, totaling 15. The sheriff’s department regularly updates local statistics, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity. Overall, Gallatin County is considered a safe rural area, with crime rates on a steady decline over the past five years.
Education, Employment and Housing
Gallatin County, IL, has 3 public schools, including Gallatin County High School. About 85% of adults have a high school diploma and 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings are above average with minimal major incidents reported. The average student-teacher ratio is 14:1. Academic performance scores slightly trail the state average, with a proficiency rate of 28% in math and 32% in reading. Educational programs focus on college and career readiness, and limited adult education classes are available through community partnerships.
As of 2022, Gallatin County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 47%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (20%), Retail Trade (15%), and Manufacturing (12%). Most workers are employed in Office & Administrative Support (18%), Sales (14%), and Management (12%) occupations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, with about 75% of residents driving alone to work. Roughly 26% of workers are employed outside the county, commuting mainly to neighboring Saline and White counties for employment opportunities.
Gallatin County, IL, saw a 2022 homeownership rate of 76%, with median home values around $74,500—well below the national average. About 24% of residents rent, with median gross rents near $584 per month. The housing stock largely consists of single-family homes and older structures, especially in towns like Shawneetown and Ridgway. Property values have remained relatively stable or slightly declining over the past five years. Property tax rates average 1.8%, making taxes modest compared to statewide figures. Neighborhoods are rural and close-knit, offering affordable living for families and retirees.
Popular names
- Roger Valter
- Anthony Drone
- David Smith
- James Hise
- Mary York
- George Carter
- Mary Morgan
- Rebecca Oldham
- Sonny Couser
- Steven Hise
- Angela Johnson
- Angie Rigsby
- Anthony Wargel
- Ashlyn Nelson
- Barbara Stacey
- Benny Tanner
- Billy Martin
- Blake Luckett
- Braxton Raben
- Carl Downen
- Dakoda Saltzman
- Danny York
- David Bradley
- Donald Prince
- Donna Wood
- Edward Downen
- Frank Bourland
- Gordon Littrell
- Heath Mann
- Heather Heffington
- Helen Lane
- Jared Smith
- Jason Wilson
- John Sisk
- Jon Smith
- Joseph Simpson
- Karen Williams
- Keith Walker
- Kerry Williams
- Larry Hodge
- Larry Lackey
- Lora Jackson
- Louise Tuggle
- Lynda Prince
- Martha Cox
- Michael Cox
- Michael Maloney
- Michael Scates
- Miranda Oldham
- Patricia Jackson
- Patricia Tanner
- Patsy Howell
- Patti Walker
- Paul Stacey
- Phyllis Bradley
- Robert Brazier
- Robert Mcguire
- Rolanda Hinton
- Ruth Jones
- Samantha Clifford
Other Counties in Illinois
- Adams
- Alexander
- Bond
- Boone
- Brown
- Bureau
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Champaign
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Coles
- Cook
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- Dekalb
- Dewitt
- Douglas
- Dupage
- Edgar
- Edwards
- Effingham
- Fayette
- Ford
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Henderson
- Henry
- Iroquois
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jersey
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- Knox
- La Salle
- Lake
- Lawrence