Putnam County Public RecordsIllinois

Putnam County, IL, has one public high school, Putnam County High School, serving about 290 students with a graduation rate of approximately 91%. Around 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district includes four schools total, scoring a 6/10 on GreatSchools. School safety incidents are below the state average, and programs include AP courses, dual credit, and career-technical education. Adult education opportunities are limited but accessible via nearby community colleges.

Putnam County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 57.6%. Major industries include manufacturing (20%), health care and social assistance (17%), and retail trade (11%). The most common occupations are production (19%), office and administrative support (12%), and sales (9%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Many residents work outside the county, primarily traveling to neighboring LaSalle and Bureau counties for employment.

Putnam County, IL, features a homeownership rate of about 83%, with median home values around $115,000 and typical monthly rents near $850. Most homes are single-family structures, with limited multi-family units reflecting the county’s rural character. Neighborhoods include Hennepin, Granville, and McNabb, each offering quiet, family-friendly environments. Property values have remained relatively stable, with slight growth in recent years (up about 2-3% annually). Property taxes average 1.72% of home value, below the Illinois state average, providing residents with affordable living costs compared to neighboring areas.

Putnam County, IL, the state's least populous county with about 5,600 residents, had approximately 3,600 registered voters in 2022. The county holds general, primary, and local elections, with polling locations in Hennepin and Granville. In the 2020 presidential election, 63% voted Republican, 35% Democrat. Key issues include agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Putnam County Clerk's office. The county has a predominantly Republican voter base, but both parties are active. Voter turnout averages around 65% in presidential election years.

Putnam County, IL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county recorded approximately 120 crimes, with 85% being property-related and only 15% classified as violent crimes. The violent crime rate stands at about 1.7 per 1,000 residents—well below the Illinois average of 4.3. Law enforcement receives regular reports through the sheriff’s office, and proactive community policing has contributed to a declining trend in incidents over the past five years. Public safety initiatives continue to support the community’s secure environment.

As of the 2020 Census, Putnam County, IL had a population of 5,637. The median age was 48.1 years, with 22.3% under 18 and 23.2% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was roughly 49.7% male and 50.3% female. The county was predominantly White (94.7%), with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 4.9%, Black or African American 0.5%, Asian 0.2%, and other races making up the remainder.