Elections

Williamson County, IL has approximately 41,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, with presidential turnout reaching nearly 60%. In 2020, Republican candidates won most county offices, reflecting a GOP majority. Williamson County Clerk’s Office administers elections, overseeing 37 polling locations. Key issues include economic development and public safety. Both Democratic and Republican parties maintain local organizations, but recent results favor Republicans by a margin of about 65% to 35%. Voter registration and polling details are managed online and at the courthouse in Marion.

County Crime & Safety

Williamson County, IL, reported a crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000 residents in 2023, below the state average. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 4.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes stood at 21.3 per 1,000. Local law enforcement agencies reported over 1,300 total crimes last year, with a 5% decrease compared to 2022. Increased community policing and public reporting have contributed to improved safety and faster response times. Overall, Williamson County remains relatively safe, emphasizing transparency and proactive crime prevention.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Williamson County, IL, had a population of 66,358. The median age is 41.3 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.6% female and 49.4% male. Racially, the county is 89.1% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and those identifying as two or more races make up about 4%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Williamson County, IL, hosts approximately 34 public schools, including 8 high schools. About 89.5% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 18.1% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county average a rating of 6/10, according to GreatSchools. Adult and continuing education programs are available via John A. Logan College. The area prioritizes safety, with most schools reporting low incident rates. Educational programs focus on STEM, vocational training, and college prep, enhancing opportunities for the county’s nearly 16,000 K-12 students.

As of 2022, Williamson County, IL, has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.7%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (22.2%), retail trade (12.6%), and educational services (10.3%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (12.9%) and sales roles (10.1%). Around 82.5% of residents commute by car, with an average travel time of 20.8 minutes. The majority work locally within Williamson County, though a notable portion commutes to nearby Jackson and Franklin counties.

Williamson County, IL boasts a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $135,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is roughly $800. The local housing market trends stable, with modest annual value increases near 2–3%. Single-family homes dominate, alongside some apartments and townhomes. Notable neighborhoods include Marion, Herrin, and Carterville. Property tax rates are approximately 2.1% of assessed value, higher than the national average. Residents benefit from affordable housing relative to statewide figures, making the area attractive for families and retirees seeking value.