Demographics
Ogle County, IL has a population of approximately 51,500 as of 2023. The median age is around 42 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the county is 90% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and about 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. Children under 18 make up roughly 21% of the population, while 18% are 65 or older, reflecting an aging demographic.
Elections
Ogle County, Illinois, had 37,124 registered voters in 2022. It holds primary, general, and local elections, including school board and referenda votes. In the 2020 Presidential election, 62% voted Republican, 36% Democratic. There are 24 polling locations across municipalities like Rochelle and Oregon. Recent issues include school funding and property taxes. The County Clerk oversees election administration with bipartisan party oversight—42% registered Republicans, 29% Democrats, the rest independent or other. Turnout averages 65% in presidential years, dropping to around 30% in local cycles.
Education, Employment and Housing
Ogle County, IL, has 19 public schools serving about 6,700 students, including 6 high schools. The high school graduation rate is around 91%, while approximately 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools like Oregon High School and Rochelle Township High School have average proficiency scores near the state median. Adult education programs are available through community initiatives. School districts emphasize safety protocols, with low incident rates reported. The county offers diverse educational programs, including Advanced Placement courses and vocational training, supporting varied student interests and career paths.
As of 2022, Ogle County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 62.3%. Leading industries include Manufacturing (21.5% of jobs), Health Care & Social Assistance (13.7%), and Retail Trade (11.2%). The most common occupation types are Production (14.6%), Office/Administrative Support (12.9%), and Management (10.2%). About 77% of Ogle County residents commute outside the county for work, while only 23% both live and work in the county; the average commute time is 26.7 minutes. Major employment locations include Rockford, Chicago suburbs, and local manufacturing plants.
Ogle County, IL, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with rentals comprising 25% of occupied units. The median home value is around $164,000 (2023), with property values rising modestly in recent years. Most homes are single-family houses, with some apartments concentrated in Rochelle and Oregon neighborhoods. Housing types range from historic homes to newer suburban builds. The average property tax rate is approximately 2.3%, resulting in annual taxes near $3,750 for a median-priced home. Rental costs average $950–$1,100 monthly. Neighborhoods are generally suburban or rural, offering quiet settings and spacious lots.
County Crime & Safety
Ogle County, IL reports relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 120 property crimes and 18 violent crimes per 10,000 residents, significantly lower than the Illinois averages of 220 and 40, respectively. Law enforcement agencies promote safety through regular patrols, community outreach, and transparent crime reporting via the Illinois State Police database. Annual crime clearance rates exceed 40%, reflecting effective policing. Overall, Ogle County is perceived as a safe community with a focused approach to crime prevention and reporting.
Popular names
- David Johnson
- Michael Smith
- Gary Wright
- Jason King
- James Smith
- Jennifer Miller
- Maria Martinez
- Mary Davis
- Michael Williams
- Brian Johnson
- Daniel Miller
- Dawn Johnson
- James Miller
- John Smith
- Melissa Anderson
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Miller
- Scott Roberts
- Brian Smith
- Caleb Johnson
- David Hoffman
- David Peterson
- David Smith
- David Swanson
- Gregory Smith
- James Jackson
- Linda Smith
- Mark Miller
- Mark Smith
- Mary Smith
- Michael Thomas
- Michelle Johnson
- Richard Johnson
- Robert Smith
- Samantha Smith
- Tammy Taylor
- Aaron Smith
- Amy Smith
- Benjamin Johnson
- Carol Anderson
- Christine Johnson
- Gary Young
- James Davis
- Jason Smith
- Jenny Adams
- Jessica Miller
- John Thompson
- Kevin Miller
- Kim Johnson
- Maria Rodriguez
- Mark Davis
- Richard Longoria
- Richard Nelson
- Richard Reed
- Robert Baker
- Robert Williams
- Ronald King
- Ruth Miller
- Thomas Smith
- William Brown
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