Monroe County Public RecordsIllinois

As of 2022, Monroe County, Illinois, has a population of about 34,620. The median age is approximately 43.9 years. The gender split is nearly even, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (about 96.7%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (0.6%), Asian (0.6%), and Hispanic or Latino residents (1.7%). The population under age 18 is about 21.5%, while those 65 and older make up roughly 19.8%.

Monroe County, IL, with approximately 25,000 residents, has around 20,000 registered voters. Elections include general, primary, and local referenda, with the 2022 general election turnout at 68%. Republican and Democratic parties are active, though Republicans dominate recent results, winning 65% of countywide votes in 2022. Polling locations number 18, including Waterloo City Hall and Valmeyer Library. Issues often include property taxes and school funding. Elections are administered by the Monroe County Clerk’s office, ensuring local compliance with state laws.

Monroe County, IL, features around 16 public schools, including Waterloo and Columbia high schools. The high school graduation rate exceeds 94%, and about 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score above the state average on standardized tests, with Waterloo High School scoring 7/10 on GreatSchools. Educational programs include AP and vocational courses. Safety measures are robust, with low incidents of violence reported yearly. Adult education is supported through local community colleges and workforce training programs, contributing to the county’s relatively high educational attainment and safe learning environments.

Monroe County, IL, boasts an employment rate of 64.1% (2022), with leading industries including health care & social assistance (13.5%), manufacturing (13.2%), and educational services (10.7%). The predominant occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (39.4%). About 85% of workers commute outside the county, mainly to St. Louis, with an average commute time of 28.7 minutes. The county’s unemployment rate remains low at 3.1%, reflecting a stable local economy heavily integrated with the greater St. Louis metro area.

Monroe County, IL has a homeownership rate of approximately 85%, with median home values around $245,000 as of 2023. Rental units are less common, with median rents near $950 per month. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual appreciation of 2-3%. Most homes are single-family, predominantly in small towns like Waterloo and Columbia; neighborhoods are generally suburban and family-friendly. Property taxes average about 1.9% of assessed value. The county boasts low vacancy rates and well-maintained public amenities, making it an attractive area for both homeowners and renters seeking a close-knit community.

Monroe County, IL, consistently records lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 52 crimes, including 7 violent crimes and 45 property crimes, translating to a rate of 6.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. The Sheriff’s Department actively encourages community reporting and crime prevention initiatives, contributing to a high clearance rate of 80%. Residents generally consider Monroe County a safe area, supported by responsive law enforcement and regular public safety updates.