Union County Public RecordsIllinois

Union County, IL, has 9 public schools, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores typically fall below the national average, with a state report card score of 49/100. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. The area offers limited adult education and career training through Shawnee Community College. Educational programs emphasize vocational training and special education support within the school district.

As of 2022, Union County, IL had an employment rate of approximately 53%. Leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (21%), Manufacturing (16%), and Retail Trade (12%). The most common occupation types are Production (13%), Office & Administrative Support (12%), and Management (11%). About 75% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes. Major employment locations include Anna and Jonesboro, while around 11% of workers commute to nearby Jackson County for work.

Union County, IL has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with a median home value near $124,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $795 per month. Single-family homes dominate, but some multifamily and manufactured options exist. Property values increased modestly, rising around 5% year-over-year. Popular neighborhoods include Anna, Jonesboro, and Cobden. Property tax rates average 1.73%, translating to roughly $2,145 annually on a median-priced home. The market offers affordability, stable values, and a predominantly owner-occupied housing landscape.

As of 2023, Union County, IL, has an estimated population of 17,179. The median age is about 42 years, with 20% under 18 and 21% aged 65 and over. The gender split is nearly equal: 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The county is predominantly White (91.2%), with 2.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 4.6% Hispanic or Latino (any race). Other races and those identifying with two or more races make up the remainder.

Union County, IL, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported approximately 145 total crimes in 2022, with about 18 violent crimes and 127 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 12.7 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and transparency. Overall, Union County remains safer than many Illinois counties, with ongoing efforts to maintain and improve public safety.

Union County, IL, had around 11,500 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local races, with turnout for the 2020 general election at approximately 66%. Major parties are Republican and Democratic. In 2020, Trump received 70% of the county’s vote. Polling locations include Jonesboro City Hall and Cobden Community Center, among others. Election issues have included economic development and local infrastructure. The Union County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with Illinois State Board of Elections regulations.