Pope County Public RecordsIllinois

As of the 2020 Census, Pope County, IL, had a population of 3,763. The median age was 50.6 years, indicating an older demographic. Approximately 51% were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.7%), with Black or African American (2.1%), two or more races (2.2%), and other races each less than 1%. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 1.1% of the population.

Pope County, IL, contains one public high school, Pope County High School, with an enrollment of around 150 students and a graduation rate of 95%. The county has a bachelor's degree attainment rate of about 10%, below the national average. School safety is ranked above average, with minimal incidents reported annually. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses. Adult education opportunities are limited but available through local partnerships. The district's average standardized test score is around 60%, reflecting statewide trends.

As of 2022, Pope County, IL, had an employment rate of approximately 46%, with about 1,250 residents employed. Major industries include health care (21%), retail trade (12%), and public administration (12%). Leading occupation types are management, sales, and office/administrative support. The average commute time is roughly 27 minutes, with over 80% of workers commuting by car; most work within or just outside county limits, primarily in Harrisburg and Paducah, KY. Around 8% of residents work from home.

Pope County, IL has a high homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $83,000 and median monthly rents near $600. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few apartments. Property values have remained stable, with slight increases in recent years. Notable neighborhoods include Golconda and its historic districts. Property tax rates average 1.5% of assessed value, lower than many parts of Illinois. The area offers affordability and a rural lifestyle for residents.

Pope County, IL, is known for its notably low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported fewer than 10 violent crimes and under 30 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of approximately 6.4 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor and report incidents to the Illinois State Police database, ensuring transparency and community safety. The low population and close-knit communities contribute to these favorable statistics, making Pope County one of the safer regions in Illinois.

As of 2024, Pope County, IL, has around 2,700 registered voters. The county conducts primary, general, and local elections, with Republican dominance—Donald Trump received 82% of the vote in 2020. There are four main polling locations, including Golconda City Hall. Key issues include rural healthcare and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Pope County Clerk’s Office. The Republican and Democratic parties are active, though GOP often prevails. Voter turnout in recent general elections was approximately 69%.