Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Tazewell County, IL had a population of 131,343. The median age was 41.8 years. Gender distribution was nearly equal, with about 49.6% male and 50.4% female. The racial composition was predominantly White (92.8%), followed by African American (2.0%), Asian (1.2%), and those of two or more races (3.0%). Hispanic or Latino origin accounted for 2.4% of the population.
Education, Employment and Housing
Tazewell County, IL, has 16 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 91%. About 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school test scores are near the Illinois state average, at around 56%. The county offers adult education and career training programs through Illinois Central College. School safety initiatives are actively implemented, with most schools reporting low incident rates. Educational programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and vocational tracks, supporting diverse learning needs.
As of 2023, Tazewell County, IL has an employment rate of approximately 62.3%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (15.9%), Manufacturing (15.8%), and Retail Trade (11.6%). Occupation types are led by Office & Administrative Support (12.2%), Production (10.1%), and Sales (9.4%). The median commute time is 21.7 minutes, with about 87% of workers driving alone. Most commuters work within Tazewell or neighboring Peoria County, with Peoria accounting for 34.6% of employment destinations for residents.
Tazewell County, IL, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with a median home value around $165,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $900 per month. The housing market has seen steady, modest value increases of roughly 3-4% annually. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some townhouses, primarily in neighborhoods like Pekin, Morton, and East Peoria. Property taxes average 2.2% of assessed value, with typical annual bills near $3,500. The area offers affordable living with diverse neighborhood options and stable market growth.
County Crime & Safety
Tazewell County, IL, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 14.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crime accounting for 1.8 per 1,000 and property crime at 12.7 per 1,000. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office and local police prioritize community safety, leading to steady declines in reported crimes over recent years. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, contributing to a 90% clearance rate for violent cases. Generally, Tazewell County is considered safer than 53% of U.S. counties.
Elections
Tazewell County, IL, had approximately 87,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and local elections, with 29 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 65.5% voted Republican and 32.7% Democrat. Typical issues include taxes, public safety, and education. The County Clerk's office administers elections, ensuring compliance and voter access. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats, reflecting consistent GOP victories. Major parties include Republican and Democratic; minor party candidates rarely surpass 3% of the vote. Voter turnout in general elections often exceeds 70%, evidencing high civic engagement.
Popular names
- James Smith
- John Smith
- David Smith
- Michael Smith
- Jennifer Miller
- Mary Smith
- Robert Johnson
- James Johnson
- Richard Smith
- John Williams
- Michael Davis
- Ashley Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Michael Jones
- Robert Miller
- Ryan Smith
- David Miller
- Richard Miller
- Robert Davis
- Robert Smith
- Amanda Smith
- Gary Smith
- Melissa Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Taylor
- Ronald Smith
- William Davis
- Christina Smith
- David Johnson
- Joe Smith
- Joseph Miller
- Lisa Smith
- Manuel Garcia
- Michael Miller
- Robert Riley
- William Miller
- Ashley Miller
- Carol Williams
- David Brown
- Donna Smith
- Jacob Smith
- Linda Miller
- Linda Williams
- Linda Wilson
- Michelle Smith
- Robert Martin
- Sandra Smith
- Stephanie Smith
- Steven Smith
- Thomas Smith
- Andrew Davis
- Anthony Williams
- Brenda Smith
- Charles Smith
- Cynthia Smith
- David Jones
- David Robbins
- David Williams
- Donald Miller
- James Williams
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