Hamilton County Public RecordsIllinois

Hamilton County, IL, had approximately 5,330 registered voters in the 2020 general election. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with polling places at local schools and community centers. In 2020, about 76% voter turnout was recorded. The Republican Party typically dominates, winning most offices; for example, Trump received over 80% of the vote in 2020. Elections are managed by the County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Common issues include rural broadband and agriculture. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with minor third-party and independent candidates occasionally appearing on the ballot.

Hamilton County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 data, the county reported around 60 total crimes, including 8 violent crimes and 52 property crimes, yielding a crime rate of approximately 6.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. Regular sheriff’s office reports highlight proactive community policing and prompt incident response. While some years see minor fluctuations, the general trend remains steady, with most offenses related to property crime. Residents report feeling safe, benefitting from community vigilance and effective local law enforcement.

As of the 2020 Census, Hamilton County, IL, had a population of 7,993, with a median age of 43.9 years. Approximately 50.6% were female and 49.4% male. The county is predominantly White (96.9%), with 0.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 1.2% identifying as two or more races, and 1.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Hamilton County, IL, serves students with 3 public schools, including Hamilton County Senior High School. Approximately 80% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 12% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). Schools’ average proficiency scores are about 35% in math and 40% in reading. Districts emphasize school safety and offer vocational and dual-credit programs. Adult education options are available through nearby community colleges, supporting lifelong learning and skills development for the local population.

As of 2023, Hamilton County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 54.6%. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (23%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (12%). Major occupation types include Office & Administrative Support (13%) and Production (11%). About 78% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Nearby counties, notably Franklin and Saline, are common employment destinations for Hamilton County workers.

Hamilton County, IL, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $87,000 (2022). The median gross rent is approximately $620 monthly. Most homes are single-family houses, with a few multi-unit buildings. McLeansboro is the largest community, offering diverse neighborhoods. The market is relatively stable, with slight year-over-year value increases. Property taxes are low, with an average effective rate near 1.6%, leading to median annual taxes of roughly $1,400. The area appeals to buyers seeking affordability and rural living.