Education, Employment and Housing

Grundy County, IL, has approximately 26 public schools, including 3 high schools, with a high school graduation rate of around 89%. About 18.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school safety scores rate above the state average, and schools offer diverse educational programs such as AP courses and dual-credit options. Adult education opportunities include GED and continuing education programs through local community colleges. Overall, Grundy County's schools have an average rating of 6/10, reflecting solid academic performance and comprehensive educational support.

As of early 2024, Grundy County, IL has an employment rate of approximately 96% with an unemployment rate near 4%. Major industries include manufacturing (23%), retail trade (13%), and healthcare (11%). The largest occupational groups are production (15%), office and administrative support (13%), and sales (10%). Over 60% of employed residents commute outside the county, mainly traveling to Will and Cook counties, with an average commute time of 32 minutes. Local employment is concentrated in Morris and Coal City, which serve as key employment hubs within the county.

Grundy County, IL, boasts a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $220,000 as of 2023. Rental occupancy is approximately 23%, and median gross rent is about $1,000 per month. Housing types range from historic single-family homes in Morris to modern developments in Minooka and Channahon. Neighborhoods are predominantly suburban and family-oriented. Property values have risen 6% year-over-year, reflecting a steady market. Property tax rates average 2.2% of assessed value, slightly above the national average. The county offers affordable, stable living with diverse housing options.

Elections

Grundy County, IL has around 33,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in local, state, and national elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 61% voted Republican, 37% Democrat. The County Clerk’s office administers elections at over 25 polling locations. Key local issues include property taxes and infrastructure. The major parties are Republican and Democratic. Voter turnout in recent general elections has averaged 68%. Registration is available online or at county offices, ensuring accessible, secure elections.

Demographics

As of 2020, Grundy County, IL, had a population of approximately 52,500. The median age was 38.7 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the population was 87.5% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1% Asian, 7.6% from other races, and 2.3% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 14.9% of the population.

County Crime & Safety

Grundy County, IL maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 350 total crimes, with violent crimes constituting only around 8% (about 28 incidents), and property crimes comprising the rest. The crime rate stands at about 9.6 per 1,000 residents, notably lower than Illinois’s average of 15.4. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, resulting in high crime solve rates and enhanced safety efforts, contributing to Grundy County’s reputation as a safe community.