Scott County Public RecordsIllinois

Scott County, Illinois, had 3,195 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in primary, general, and consolidated elections, with 63.2% turnout in the 2020 general election. Republicans dominate local offices; recent results show GOP candidates receiving over 70% of ballots. The County Clerk administers elections, with polling at sites like Winchester City Hall. Local issues include agricultural policies and school funding. Administration works to ensure compliance with state election laws. Major parties represented are Republican and Democrat, though third-party presence is minimal.

As of the 2020 Census, Scott County, Illinois, had a population of 4,949. The median age was about 44 years. Gender distribution was approximately 49.6% male and 50.4% female. The county's racial makeup was predominantly White (96.7%), with smaller percentages of African American (0.5%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.4%), and those identifying as two or more races (1.8%). Hispanic or Latino individuals made up around 1.1% of the population.

Scott County, IL is known for its low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 150 total crime incidents, with violent crimes constituting less than 5% (about 7 cases). Property crime is the most common, but remains low at 140 incidents. The local sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and swift reporting; over 90% of crimes are reported within 24 hours. Annual crime rate per 1,000 residents is around 12, making Scott County one of the safer regions in Illinois.

Scott County, IL, serves around 850 K-12 students in 3 public schools, with an average high school graduation rate of 94%, above the state average. Only 15.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting limited higher education access. School safety reports indicate minimal incidents and a strong community focus on student well-being. Educational programs emphasize core academics and career readiness, but advanced placement options are limited. Overall, Scott County schools score an average of 7/10 on state assessments, showcasing solid performance amid rural resource constraints.

Scott County, IL has an employment rate of approximately 60.5%. The leading industries include educational, health, and social services (24.1%), agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (16.2%), and manufacturing (12.7%). The most common occupations are management, business, science, and arts (28.8%), followed by sales and office occupations (21.3%). About 82% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 26 minutes. Most residents work within Scott or adjacent counties, reflecting the rural and agricultural employment base.

Scott County, IL, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $98,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, and the median gross rent is approximately $700 per month. The housing market trends show stable values, with modest annual appreciation below the national average. Most homes are single-family detached types, primarily in small towns like Winchester (the county seat) and rural areas. Residential property tax rates average 1.8%. Neighborhoods are close-knit, reflecting the county’s small population of about 4,800 and a strong sense of local community.