Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Madison County, IL, had a population of approximately 264,776. The median age is 39.6 years. Females comprise 51.1% and males 48.9% of the population. Racially, the county is 83.5% White, 8.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 4.3% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.6% of the population.
Elections
Madison County, IL, has over 170,000 registered voters as of 2024. The County conducts primary, general, and consolidated elections, with about 55% voter turnout in recent general elections. Polling locations exceed 120, managed by the Madison County Clerk’s office. Major parties include Democrats and Republicans; in 2020, Republicans garnered 54% of the presidential vote. Key issues include local taxes and public safety. Voter ID is not required, but registration closes 27 days before Election Day. Election results and polling information are published online for transparency and accessibility to all residents.
Education, Employment and Housing
Madison County, IL has over 20 public high schools and several private schools, with a high school graduation rate of around 89%. Approximately 28% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county is served by institutions like Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, offering diverse educational programs. School safety measures include resource officers and security systems in most districts. Average school test scores are near the state average, with notable STEM and vocational programs available. Adult education is supported through community colleges such as Lewis & Clark Community College, ensuring continued learning and skill development for residents.
As of 2023, Madison County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 60%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (12%). The most common occupations include Office & Administrative Support (13%) and Sales (10%). About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. While many are employed locally, around 30% commute to St. Louis, MO, for work. The county continues to see stable employment in both blue- and white-collar sectors.
Madison County, IL has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with a median home value near $160,000 as of 2023. Median rent is approximately $900/month. The market has seen modest growth, with home prices rising about 5% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, offering good schools and amenities. Property taxes average $3,200/year (about 2% of home value), higher than the national average. The area offers a mix of suburban and rural living, with easy access to St. Louis.
County Crime & Safety
Madison County, IL, reported a total crime rate of approximately 2,270 per 100,000 residents in 2022, slightly lower than the state average. Violent crime rates stood at about 240 per 100,000, while property crimes accounted for the majority at roughly 2,030 per 100,000. Law enforcement agencies emphasize community policing and encourage residents to report suspicious activities via online portals and non-emergency numbers. The county has seen a gradual decline in reported offenses over the past five years, reflecting ongoing safety initiatives and proactive crime prevention programs.
Popular names
- Maria Rodriguez
- John Smith
- James Smith
- David Smith
- James Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Smith
- Mary Smith
- Michael Cox
- Michael Brown
- Robert Johnson
- Donald Woelfel
- James Williams
- John Williams
- Robert Smith
- Joseph Smith
- Michael Williams
- James Brown
- Michael Davis
- Robert Jones
- Christopher Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Terry Smith
- David Miller
- Linda Smith
- Michael Miller
- Robert Miller
- William Campbell
- William Jones
- David Baker
- James Jones
- Jennifer Brown
- Jennifer Jones
- Matthew Smith
- Michael Jones
- Richard Smith
- Robert Brown
- Brian Smith
- David Brown
- James Jackson
- Michael Taylor
- David Johnson
- Jessica Johnson
- Maria Lopez
- Mary Miller
- Robert Williams
- Steven Davis
- James Davis
- James Miller
- John Miller
- Lisa Smith
- Mary Davis
- Melissa Smith
- Michael Rodriguez
- Michael Wilson
- Susan Smith
- David Jones
- David Thompson
- David Wilson
- Dennis Smith
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
- Henry
- Iroquois
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jersey
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- Knox
- La Salle
- Lake
- Lawrence