Regional Demographics
Explore demographic, housing, workforce, and economic characteristics throughout our five-county South Central Illinois region. Data is compiled from federal and state sources to support community economic development efforts.
County Comparison
Population
115,500
Median Income
$64,960
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Median Age
42.4
Regional Workforce
59,000
Housing Units
52,064
| County | Population | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Median Age | Regional Workforce | Housing Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | 12,800 | $60,400 | 14.0% | 45.0 | 6,100 | 6,165 |
| Effingham | 34,700 | $80,400 | 9.0% | 40.0 | 18,500 | 15,495 |
| Fayette | 21,500 | $59,000 | 16.0% | 43.5 | 11,000 | 8,824 |
| Jasper | 9,200 | $63,000 | 11.5% | 41.5 | 4,900 | 4,217 |
| Marion | 37,300 | $62,000 | 15.2% | 42.0 | 18,500 | 17,363 |
| Total / Avg |
Housing
Median Home Value
$130,000
Median Rent
$775
Vacancy Rate
9.1%
Economy, Jobs & Workforce
Unemployment
~5.0%
Annual Economic Output
$5.3 Billion +
Largest Industry
Manufacturing
Educational Attainment (25+)
High School or Higher
89%
Associate Degree
22%
Bachelor Degree or Higher
15%
Graduate or Post-Bachelor’s Degree
4%
Key Planning Insights
- Population has remained relatively stable with mild long-term decline in some counties.
- Housing development has been limited, contributing to slower workforce attraction.
- The region continues to experience an aging population trend.
- Manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration remain key employment sectors.
Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Illinois Department of Employment Security.