Saint Clair County Public RecordsIllinois

Saint Clair County, IL, has over 50 public schools, including 14 high schools. About 90% of adults hold a high school diploma and 25% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is 16:1, and schools maintain a safety rating of 7/10, with regular safety drills and security protocols. Notable educational programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and vocational tracks, while adult education centers serve over 2,500 learners yearly. High school graduation rates are approximately 86%, reflecting a strong focus on educational attainment and development in the county.

As of 2023, Saint Clair County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 55.3%. The largest employment sectors are Health Care & Social Assistance (16.1%), Retail Trade (12.0%), and Educational Services (10.2%). Most workers (62%) are in private wage and salary jobs, while 22% work in government. The top occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (13.6%) and Sales (10.8%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 25.6 minutes. Major employment hubs include Belleville and nearby St. Louis, MO.

Saint Clair County, IL, has a homeownership rate of around 66%, with median home values near $135,000 and typical rents averaging $1,030 monthly. The county’s housing market has seen modest appreciation recently, with home prices rising about 4% year-over-year. Single-family homes dominate, though apartments and townhomes are present, especially in Belleville and O’Fallon neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 2.2%, higher than the national median. Notable communities include Swansea, Fairview Heights, and Shiloh, each offering diverse housing options and amenities.

Saint Clair County, IL, faces higher-than-average crime rates compared to state and national levels. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 6.1 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate was about 22.6 per 1,000. Cities like East St. Louis notably contribute to these numbers. The Saint Clair County Sheriff's Department and local police encourage prompt crime reporting, resulting in over 7,500 incidents logged annually. Despite ongoing efforts, residents are advised to remain vigilant, as the area’s safety index is below the Illinois average, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data.

As of 2022, Saint Clair County, IL has a population of approximately 257,400. The racial composition is about 61% White, 29% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Asian. The median age is around 39 years. Females comprise 52% of the population, while males make up 48%. The age distribution includes roughly 22% under 18, 59% aged 18-64, and 19% aged 65 or older, reflecting a diverse and moderately aging community.

Saint Clair County, IL, has over 175,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include local, state, and federal races, with recent turnout around 57%. Major parties are Democratic and Republican. Voters cast ballots in 192 polling locations or via early/mail voting. Key issues include property taxes and public safety. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, providing certified results and managing voting technology. In the 2020 presidential election, Democrats received 53% and Republicans 45% of the vote. Election results and polling place changes are published on the county’s official website after each election.