Elections

White County, Illinois, with around 9,100 registered voters as of 2022, holds elections for local, state, and federal offices, including general, primary, and consolidated elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 79% of voters supported the Republican candidate. Polling locations include Carmi City Hall and Enfield Community Center. Key local issues involve agriculture and energy policy. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance. While Republicans dominate, Democrats field candidates. Voter turnout typically ranges from 60-70%.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, White County, IL had a population of 13,877. The median age was approximately 45.7 years, indicating an older population. About 50.7% were female and 49.3% male. The racial composition was predominantly White at 96.7%, with 1.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 1.3% two or more races, and 1.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The population reflects a small, primarily White, and aging rural community.

Education, Employment and Housing

White County, IL, has about 7 public schools, including Carmi-White County High School, serving over 1,500 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, but only 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 5/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education and GED programs are available through regional centers. The district emphasizes school safety with regular drills and resource officers. Educational programs include vocational training and dual credit classes, supporting diverse student pathways.

As of 2022, White County, IL had an employment rate of 53.5%, with approximately 5,400 residents employed. Major industries include health care & social assistance (16.6%), retail trade (14.2%), and manufacturing (13.1%). The largest occupation types are office & administrative support (13.7%) and production (12.4%). About 80.6% of workers commute alone by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while others commute to neighboring counties such as Saline and Edwards.

White County, IL has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $81,000 and median gross rents near $670 per month. The housing market is relatively stable, with modest value growth (1-3% annually). Most homes are single-family detached houses, with a mix of older and newer builds across small towns like Carmi and Grayville. The county offers quiet, affordable neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.8% of assessed value, below the national average, making it attractive to both buyers and renters seeking affordability in southern Illinois.

County Crime & Safety

White County, IL, experiences lower-than-average crime rates compared to national figures. According to recent FBI data, the county's violent crime rate is around 1.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at approximately 10.5 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office encourages community reporting, with over 300 incidents documented in 2023. Efforts such as neighborhood watch programs contribute to local safety, and most reported offenses involve theft or minor assaults. Overall, White County is considered a relatively safe rural community.