County Crime & Safety
McLean County, IL, has a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 2.61 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 13.18 per 1,000. Bloomington, the largest city, reported 256 violent crimes and 1,197 property crimes. The Sheriff’s Department encourages community reporting through Crime Stoppers and neighborhood watch programs. Overall, McLean County’s crime rates remain below national averages, with ongoing efforts to improve safety through proactive policing and public engagement.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, McLean County, IL had a population of 170,954. The median age is 34.2 years, with 48.7% male and 51.3% female. Racially, the county is 81.2% White, 8.1% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 4.1% Hispanic or Latino (of any race), with the remainder identifying as other or multiracial.
Elections
McLean County, IL, had approximately 112,000 registered voters in 2022. It conducts general, primary, consolidated, and special elections, with major parties being Democratic and Republican. In the 2020 presidential election, Democratic candidate Joe Biden received 52% of the county’s vote, while Republican Donald Trump got 46%. Key issues include local school funding and rural infrastructure. The McLean County Clerk’s office administers elections, with over 45 polling locations across cities like Bloomington and Normal. Early voting and mail-in ballots are available to all registered voters to increase participation and accessibility.
Education, Employment and Housing
McLean County, IL, features 34 public schools, including 7 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 88%, while 38% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating in the county is 7 out of 10. School safety measures are robust, with most districts employing resource officers and implementing security protocols. Educational programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and career-technical education. Adult education is supported by Heartland Community College, enrolling over 5,000 students annually in degree and certificate programs.
As of 2023, McLean County, IL, has an employment rate of about 65.2%. Major industries include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance (23.4%), Retail Trade (11.2%), and Manufacturing (10.5%). The leading occupation types are Management, Business, Science & Arts (38.6%). Approximately 82.1% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 19.9 minutes. Most employment is located in Bloomington-Normal, with State Farm and Illinois State University as top employers. Remote work accounts for 11.7% of the workforce.
McLean County, IL, features a homeownership rate of about 64%, with median home values near $197,000 in 2023. Median gross rent stands at around $930 per month. The housing market shows modest growth, with property values rising roughly 3% annually. Single-family homes dominate, though apartments and townhomes are also available, especially in Bloomington and Normal. Notable neighborhoods include Brookridge Estates and Founders’ Grove. The average property tax rate is about 2.23%, making it higher than the national average. Housing affordability remains reasonable compared to nearby urban areas.
Popular names
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Other Counties in Illinois
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- Bond
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- Champaign
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- Cook
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