Jasper County Public RecordsIllinois

Jasper County, IL, serves around 1,300 K-12 students across 4 public schools, including Newton Community High School. High school graduation rates exceed 90%, yet only 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2022). School safety ratings are above state averages, and the district offers career-technical education, dual credit courses, and extracurricular activities. Adult education options are limited locally but accessible via nearby community colleges. Average SAT scores at Newton Community High School are near the Illinois state average, supporting a stable learning environment and diverse educational programs for students.

As of 2022, Jasper County, IL had an employment rate of approximately 57.2%. Major industries employing residents include Manufacturing (23.5%), Health Care & Social Assistance (17.7%), and Retail Trade (12.6%). Leading occupation types are Production (16.4%), Office & Administrative Support (11.3%), and Management (10.9%). The average commute time is 25.6 minutes, with about 85% of workers commuting by car. Most residents work outside the county, with Newton, Effingham, and Olney being common employment destinations.

Jasper County, IL, features a high homeownership rate of around 80%, with median home values near $112,000 in 2023. Rental options are limited, with median rents approximately $680/month. The housing stock mainly comprises single-family homes, scattered across small towns like Newton. Property values have shown modest annual growth of 3-5% over recent years. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 1.4% of assessed value. The area offers quiet, rural neighborhoods with affordable living costs, appealing to families and retirees seeking a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Jasper County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent data, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, whereas property crimes average about 7.8 per 1,000 residents. The county experiences few annual cases of burglary and assault, with law enforcement agencies actively reporting and addressing incidents. Overall, Jasper County is considered a safe community, with local police committed to maintaining public safety through regular patrols and community engagement.

As of the 2020 Census, Jasper County, Illinois had a population of 9,210. The median age was around 42.7 years. Approximately 50.2% were male and 49.8% female. The county is predominantly White (about 97.7%), with small populations of Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), two or more races (1%), and other races making up less than 1%. African American, Asian, and Native American residents each constitute less than 0.3% of the population.

Jasper County, IL, with approximately 6,000 registered voters, participates in federal, state, and local elections, including recent 2022 gubernatorial and county board races. In the 2020 Presidential Election, 78% of votes favored the Republican candidate. The County Clerk administers elections, overseeing five main polling locations across cities like Newton and Wheeler. Major issues include local infrastructure upgrades and school funding. Voters are primarily aligned with Republican and Democratic parties, with third-party candidates rarely exceeding 2% of the vote. Registration and election information is managed through the Jasper County Clerk’s office.