Mercer County Public RecordsIllinois

As of the 2020 Census, Mercer County, IL, had a population of 15,699. The median age was 44.6 years, with 21% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. Gender was nearly balanced: 49% male, 51% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (96.0%), with 0.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.5% reporting two or more races or other ethnicities.

Mercer County, IL has approximately 10,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, about 68% voted, with Republicans typically receiving 60% of the vote and Democrats 38%. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, with 12 polling locations across the county. Voters often prioritize issues like agriculture, taxes, and education. The two main parties are Republican and Democratic, and election information is available via the official Mercer County website or county government offices.

Mercer County, IL, serves students through the Mercer County School District, featuring 3 public schools, including Mercer County High School. The high school graduation rate stands at approximately 89%, while about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools maintain safety with a below-average incident rate and participate in specialized programs such as STEM and vocational training. The average district score is 6/10 according to GreatSchools. Adult education opportunities are available through nearby community colleges, supporting lifelong learning in the area.

Mercer County, IL, boasts a civilian employment rate of 60.2%. The largest employment sectors are Education, Health Care & Social Assistance (22%), Manufacturing (15%), and Retail Trade (11%). Major occupation types include Management, Business, Science, and Arts (32%), and Production, Transportation, & Material Moving (20%). Approximately 30% of residents work outside the county, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Key employment destinations include Rock Island, Moline, and the Quad Cities metro area.

Mercer County, IL, has a homeownership rate of around 79%, with median home values near $105,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $730. The housing market remains stable, with slight appreciation in property values over recent years. Predominant housing types include single-family homes, especially in towns like Aledo. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and residential. Property tax rates average 2%, resulting in annual taxes of roughly $2,100 on a median-priced home. Rental options are limited but available, mostly single-family homes and small apartment complexes.

Mercer County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, the county saw a total crime rate of approximately 450 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, with violent crimes comprising less than 10% of cases. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, remain the most reported offenses. The local sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activity, contributing to a clearance rate of nearly 45% for reported crimes, surpassing the national average.