Demographics
As of 2022, Henry County, IL, has a population of approximately 48,800. The median age is about 43 years. The county's gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the population is predominantly White (91.3%), with smaller groups including Black or African American (3.1%), Hispanic or Latino (5.3%), Asian (0.4%), and others (0.9%).
Education, Employment and Housing
Henry County, IL, hosts 12 public high schools and several elementary and middle schools, with an 89.6% high school graduation rate and 16.7% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county invests in adult education and technical programs through Black Hawk College East Campus. Average public school ratings range from 5-7/10 (GreatSchools), and schools prioritize safety with security measures and anti-bullying initiatives. Educational programs include advanced placement and vocational training, supporting diverse student needs.
As of 2022, Henry County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 59%, with about 23,500 employed residents. Top industries include manufacturing (25%), health care & social assistance (15%), and retail trade (11%). Leading occupation types are production (18%), office & administrative support (13%), and sales (9%). The average commute time is 22 minutes, with over 75% of workers commuting by car; most work within the county, though about 30% commute to neighboring areas such as Rock Island and Scott Counties.
Henry County, IL, has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with median home values at approximately $118,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $750 monthly. The housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, with some multi-unit options in towns like Kewanee and Geneseo. Popular neighborhoods include Geneseo’s Victorian district and Kewanee’s tree-lined streets. The property tax rate averages 2.2%, resulting in a median property tax bill near $2,600 annually. Recent trends show modest home value appreciation of 3% year-over-year, keeping housing affordable compared to statewide averages.
Elections
Henry County, IL, had approximately 32,000 registered voters in 2022. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and general elections. In the November 2022 general election, about 60% of registered voters cast ballots. There are over 30 polling locations countywide. Election administration is overseen by the Henry County Clerk. The county typically leans Republican; in 2020, Donald Trump received 60% of the presidential vote. Key issues often include agriculture, taxes, and infrastructure. Both Democratic and Republican parties maintain local organizations and regularly field candidates for various offices.
County Crime & Safety
Henry County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2022, the county reported a total of 491 crimes, including 19 violent crimes and 472 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at 0.35 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is at 8.67 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage crime reporting and community cooperation. Overall, Henry County is considered safer than 61% of U.S. counties, with local police working toward continual improvement in public safety and transparent crime reporting.
Popular names
- Gary Wilson
- David Anderson
- David Johnson
- Jennifer Johnson
- Matthew Johnson
- Michelle Wright
- Robert Anderson
- David Smith
- James Jones
- Jeffrey Johnson
- Karen Anderson
- Michael Johnson
- Robert Johnson
- William Johnson
- Gary White
- George Wilson
- Jason Anderson
- Jennifer Smith
- Jessica Johnson
- John Smith
- Michael Smith
- Ryan Anderson
- Carol Johnson
- Chad Johnson
- David Nelson
- David Peterson
- James Davis
- James Johnson
- John Johnson
- Keshia Bliss
- Linda Thompson
- Manuel Ayala
- Mark Smith
- Mary Carlson
- Mary Johnson
- Olga Lopez
- Robert Miller
- Terry Anderson
- Thomas Wilson
- William Jones
- Amy Heaton
- Brian Johnson
- Christopher Robinson
- David Jones
- Eric Johnson
- Heather Anderson
- Jacob Miller
- James Anderson
- James Robinson
- James Taylor
- Jason Smith
- Jennifer Anderson
- Jessica Carlson
- Justin Anderson
- Mark Johnson
- Mark Williams
- Matthew Carlson
- Michael Lewis
- Michael Miller
- Nathan Johnson
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
- Gallatin
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Henderson
- Iroquois
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jersey
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- Knox
- La Salle
- Lake
- Lawrence