County Crime & Safety
McDonough County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported around 110 property crimes and 15 violent crimes, according to Illinois State Police data. The crime rate stands at approximately 9.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, with most cases involving theft or burglary. Local law enforcement agencies emphasize proactive community policing, resulting in a steady decline in reported crimes over the past five years. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, contributing to improved safety and transparency in annual crime statistics.
Elections
McDonough County, IL, had 20,737 registered voters as of 2023. It conducts primary, general, and consolidated elections, with 13 polling locations such as the Macomb City Hall. In the 2020 presidential election, 53% voted Democratic and 44% Republican. Issues include university funding and rural development. The County Clerk's office administers elections, ensuring accessible voting. Major parties are Democratic and Republican; minor parties have limited presence. Recent referenda addressed property taxes and infrastructure funding. Voter turnout averaged 67% in the last general election.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, McDonough County, IL had a population of 27,238. The median age was 28.9 years, reflecting the presence of Western Illinois University. Females made up 50.6% and males 49.4% of residents. The county was predominantly White (83.2%), with Black or African American residents at 8.1%, Asian at 3.7%, and Hispanic or Latino at 3.3%. Other races and multiracial individuals comprised the remainder, showcasing moderate diversity for a rural county.
Education, Employment and Housing
McDonough County, IL hosts approximately 16 public schools, including Macomb Senior High School, and serves around 3,500 K-12 students. About 21% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly below the national average. Public schools average a 6/10 GreatSchools rating, reflecting solid academic outcomes and safe environments. Western Illinois University in Macomb offers adult education and degree programs. The county supports diverse educational programs, including STEM and vocational tracks, and maintains a graduation rate near 90%. School safety initiatives and extracurriculars further enhance student experiences across the district.
McDonough County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 55.5% as of 2022. Education, health care, and social assistance employ about 31% of the workforce, followed by retail trade at 13%. The most common occupations are in education, office/administrative support, and sales. Roughly 74% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 14 minutes. While the majority work within the county, about 22% commute to other counties, notably Warren and Fulton. Manufacturing and public administration also contribute significantly to local employment.
McDonough County, IL, has a homeownership rate of around 60%, with median home values at $96,500 and median rents of $729 monthly. The housing market is stable, showing a 2% increase in property values over the past year. Housing types are mostly single-family homes, with some apartments concentrated in Macomb, the largest city. Notable neighborhoods include downtown Macomb and West Jackson. Property tax rates average 2.2%, higher than the national average. Rental options are plentiful due to Western Illinois University’s presence, contributing to a diverse housing mix and fluctuating renter demand.
Popular names
- Christy Campbell
- Justin Robinson
- Mary Bartell
- Melissa Smith
- Tyler White
- Adam Wilson
- Alice Green
- Allen Thompson
- Amber Johnson
- Amy Asher
- Buddy Payne
- Chad Monroe
- Charles Bean
- Chris Smith
- Chris Williams
- Christina Green
- Christopher Johnson
- Danny Strange
- Denise Coulter
- Derek Owen
- Don Martin
- Doug Thompson
- Edward Peterson
- Edward Smith
- Emma Cassiday
- Fernando Vazquez
- Francisco Martinez
- Heather Link
- Heather Shelton
- Heidi Wagner
- Ja Davis
- Ja Jones
- Jacob Logan
- Jamie Mccullough
- Jeff Thompson
- Jennifer Moore
- Jennifer Randall
- Jerry Turner
- Jill Troy
- John Hall
- John Smith
- Josh Kramer
- Josh Murray
- Joshua Miller
- Jynele Chavez
- Karen Martin
- Katherine Smith
- Kayla Smith
- Kristina Weaver
- Larry Brown
- Larry Williams
- Leeann Brown
- Leigh Cooper
- Linda Carr
- Mary Brown
- Matt Sanders
- Melissa Humphrey
- Michael Skipworth
- Michael Thompson
- Patricia Switzer
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