Richland County Public RecordsIllinois

Richland County, IL, reports lower crime rates compared to statewide averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 160 total crimes, with 18 violent crimes and 142 property crimes per year, reflecting a crime rate of about 13.7 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s office and Olney Police Department emphasize community policing and timely crime reporting, contributing to a 10% decrease in incidents over the past five years. Online resources offer updated statistics, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, supporting the area’s reputation for safety and proactive crime prevention.

Richland County, IL, had 10,237 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include general, primary, and consolidated, with administration by the Richland County Clerk’s Office. Recent general elections saw Republican candidates typically securing over 65% of the vote. Polling locations include Olney City Hall and township halls. Major issues debated locally are school funding and agriculture policy. Two main parties, Republican and Democrat, dominate county politics. Voter turnout averages around 60% in presidential election years, with typically lower participation in municipal and primary elections.

As of 2023, Richland County, Illinois, has a population of approximately 15,500. The median age is around 42 years, with 22% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49% male and 51% female. The racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly White (94%), with smaller proportions of Hispanic or Latino (2%), African American (1%), Asian (1%), and other races (2%).

Richland County, IL, has one public high school—Richland County High School—and several elementary and middle schools, serving about 1,400 K-12 students in total. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%. About 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools generally score around average on statewide assessments. School safety is prioritized, with reported incidents below state averages. The county also offers adult education programs through the Olney Central College campus, supporting workforce development and continuing education for over 200 adults annually.

As of 2022, Richland County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 59.6%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (18.5%), Manufacturing (15.9%), and Retail Trade (13.4%). The most common occupations are Office & Administrative Support (13.8%), Production (11.7%), and Management (9.8%). About 82.9% of workers commute by driving alone, with an average commute time of 20.8 minutes. Most residents work within the county itself, though around 19.4% commute to neighboring counties for employment.

Richland County, IL, boasts a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with median home values near $97,000 and median rents around $685 per month. The housing market remains stable, seeing slight annual appreciation of 2-3%. Residential options primarily include single-family homes, with some duplexes and limited apartment complexes, especially in Olney, the county seat. Popular neighborhoods feature quiet, family-friendly streets with mature trees. Property tax rates average 1.7% of assessed value, making housing relatively affordable compared to state averages.