Education, Employment and Housing
Jo Daviess County, IL, has 12 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving about 2,100 students. The high school graduation rate is 91%, while approximately 27% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school safety scores are high, with minimal reported incidents. The county offers a variety of educational programs, such as vocational and dual-credit courses. Adult education is supported through community initiatives and partnerships with nearby colleges, enhancing lifelong learning opportunities. School ratings average 7/10, reflecting solid academic performance and community support.
As of 2023, Jo Daviess County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 59%. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Retail Trade (13%), and Accommodation & Food Services (12%). The most common occupations include Management (12%), Sales (11%), and Food Preparation/Serving (9%). About 78% of employees commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but around 35% commute to nearby counties such as Stephenson or Dubuque for employment.
Jo Daviess County, IL, offers a median home value around $190,000 and a homeownership rate near 80%, with median rents at approximately $850 per month. Single-family homes dominate, especially in neighborhoods like Galena and East Dubuque. The housing market has seen modest annual growth of about 3% recently. Property taxes average 1.8% of home value. Rental options are limited, with most housing owner-occupied. Residents enjoy historic neighborhoods and rural settings, with real estate values remaining stable compared to statewide trends.
Elections
Jo Daviess County, IL has about 15,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in primary, general, and consolidated elections, with major parties being Republican and Democratic—the county voted 61% Republican in the 2020 presidential election. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, setting up roughly 20 polling locations. Key local issues include property taxes and rural broadband. Early voting and vote-by-mail are available. Election results and polling place details are posted on the official county website, with turnout typically near 70% in presidential years.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Jo Daviess County, IL had a population of approximately 22,035. The median age is 50.8 years, reflecting an older demographic, with 23.7% aged 65 or over. Females make up about 50.5% and males 49.5%. The county is predominantly White (94.1%), with smaller groups of Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (0.6%), Asian (0.6%), and others. Jo Daviess is known for its rural character and historic communities.
County Crime & Safety
Jo Daviess County, IL, is generally considered a safe area with lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. According to recent data, the violent crime rate stands at around 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, well below the Illinois average of 4.1. Property crime is also low, at approximately 7.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the state average of 17.8. The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office regularly reports statistics and engages in proactive community policing to maintain safety. Overall, residents enjoy a secure environment with consistent law enforcement presence.
Popular names
- Robert Johnson
- Richard Burlingame
- Richard Curtiss
- Russell Cox
- William Miller
- James Sullivan
- Jason Rath
- Robert Smith
- Vance Koehler
- James Miller
- Kenneth Freiburger
- Kevin Duerr
- Kevin Ward
- Matthew Wand
- Stephen Howard
- David Gaines
- David Smith
- George Dombeck
- Jennifer Sullivan
- John Davis
- John Scott
- Joseph Winter
- Mary Morden
- Mary Smith
- Michael Smith
- Richard Allen
- Scott Hanson
- Scott Hayes
- Shawn Saunders
- William Holland
- William Timmerman
- William Wiley
- Adam Wurster
- Amanda Habel
- Andrew Miller
- Brian Green
- Brian Hoftender
- Brian Miller
- Carrie Golackson
- Carrie Williams
- Chad Heidenreich
- Charles Davis
- Christopher Chumbler
- Dale Johnson
- Daniel Sheehan
- Danielle Venhuizen
- Danny Broshous
- David Feldermann
- David Galbraith
- David Goldman
- David Hannaman
- Donald Wearmouth
- Donald Wienen
- Donald Winter
- Ellen Barthel
- Eugene Mulgrew
- Gary Schnitzler
- Gary Williams
- Ivo Puidak
- James Furlong
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