Elections
Stark County, IL, has approximately 3,700 registered voters as of 2024, overseen by the Stark County Clerk’s office. Elections include general, primary, and local contests, primarily conducted at 6 polling locations across the county. In the 2020 presidential election, about 67% of registered voters participated, with the Republican candidate receiving 65% of the vote and the Democratic candidate 33%. Local issues often focus on school funding and infrastructure. The administration ensures accessible polling and efficient vote tabulation, while major parties—Republican and Democratic—actively campaign and engage voters.
Education, Employment and Housing
Stark County, IL, serves about 800 K-12 students across four schools, including Stark County High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 88%, while around 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average standardized test scores slightly trail the Illinois state average. School safety is rated above average, and classrooms benefit from a low 13:1 student–teacher ratio. Stark County schools offer career and technical education programs, dual-credit courses, and some adult education opportunities, supporting both academic and vocational advancement in the community.
Stark County, IL, has an employment rate of about 57% (2022, U.S. Census). Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (19%), Manufacturing (17%), and Retail Trade (11%). Leading occupations are in management, sales, and production. About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; most employment destinations are within the county or neighboring Peoria and Knox counties. The labor force participation rate stands at approximately 59%, indicating a largely local, commuting workforce.
Stark County, IL, has a median home value around $89,000, with approximately 79% homeownership and 21% renter-occupied housing. The property market has remained relatively stable, with slight annual increases of 1-2% in home values. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some multi-unit and mobile homes. Popular communities include Toulon and Wyoming, offering quiet, rural neighborhoods. Median gross rent is about $700 monthly. Property tax rates average 2.15%, meaning the annual tax on a median-priced home is about $1,914. Stark County appeals to those seeking affordable housing and small-town charm.
Demographics
As of 2022, Stark County, Illinois, has a population of approximately 5,200. About 22% are under 18, while 23% are 65 and older, with a median age of 46. Females make up 50.5% and males 49.5%. The county is predominantly White (95%), with small minorities, including Hispanic or Latino (2%), Black (0.5%), and others (2.5%).
County Crime & Safety
Stark County, IL maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to 2023 statistics, the county reported approximately 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, with violent crime rates at 0.8 per 1,000 and property crimes at 4.5 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office encourages prompt reporting, leading to an 89% incident clearance rate. Overall, residents consider Stark County a safe community, with law enforcement maintaining active patrols and community engagement programs.
Popular names
- Carl Brittingham
- Donna Adams
- Rodney Cade
- William Turnbull
- Alan Streitmatter
- Amy Snyder
- Ashley Estes
- Ashley Kunzle
- Barbara Carroll
- Barry Streitmatter
- Billie Snider
- Carl Graham
- Craig Anell
- Dannon Wheeler
- David Krans
- Donald Colgan
- Dylan Ford
- Elizabeth Hardy
- Frazier Burwell
- Holly Zaehringer
- Jacob Berchtold
- James Graves
- James Mercer
- Jamie Swearingen
- Jenine Gardner
- Joan Ely
- John Leezer
- Justin Young
- Kevin Adams
- Kris Fussner
- Kyle Kuhrts
- Larry Shane
- Lisa Letko
- Lonny Dennison
- Mark Rumbold
- Michael Cantwell
- Michele Gibler
- Robert Taylor
- Rodney Thorne
- Ronald Wallace
- Roy Ehnle
- Ryan Blake
- Ryan Boarman
- Scott Wilson
- Tammie Holmes
- Thomas Down
- Tiffany Wall
- Timothy Ringger
- Waylon Copple
- Aaron Down
- Aaron Nunez
- Abbey Cantwell
- Adam Rose
- Adam White
- Alan Muggleton
- Alan Zaehringer
- Albert Koelling
- Alex Fragd
- Alex Nowlan
- Alexa Frazelle
Other Counties in Illinois
- Adams
- Alexander
- Bond
- Boone
- Brown
- Bureau
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Champaign
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Coles
- Cook
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- Dekalb
- Dewitt
- Douglas
- Dupage
- Edgar
- Edwards
- Effingham
- Fayette
- Ford
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gallatin
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Henderson
- Henry
- Iroquois
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jersey
- Jo Daviess
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- Knox
- La Salle
- Lake
- Lawrence