Stephenson County, Illinois

Last updated

Stephenson County
County
Stephenson County Courthouse.jpg
Stephenson County Courthouse
Map of Illinois highlighting Stephenson County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Illinois
Illinois in United States.svg
Illinois's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 42°21′N89°40′W / 42.35°N 89.67°W / 42.35; -89.67
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Illinois.svg  Illinois
Founded1837
Named for Benjamin Stephenson
Seat Freeport
Largest cityFreeport
Area
 • Total565 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Land565 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Water0.5 sq mi (1 km2)  0.09%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total44,630
 • Estimate 
(2021)
44,021
 • Density79/sq mi (30/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional districts 16th, 17th
Website www.co.stephenson.il.us

Stephenson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2020 United States Census, it had a population of 44,630. [1] Its county seat is Freeport. [2]

Contents

Stephenson County is included in the Freeport, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Rockford-Freeport-Rochelle, IL Combined Statistical Area.

History

The land that became Stephenson County was first settled by William Waddams in 1832, who founded Waddams Grove. [3] By 1837, population was sufficient to form Stephenson County, taking land from Jo Daviess and Winnebago counties. The county was named for Colonel Benjamin Stephenson, an official of the Illinois Territory. [4]

Geography

According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 565 square miles (1,460 km2), of which 565 square miles (1,460 km2) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2) (0.09%) is water. [5]

Climate and weather

Freeport, Illinois
Climate chart (explanation)
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F
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1.3
 
 
25
9
 
 
1.3
 
 
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25
 
 
3.2
 
 
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4.5
 
 
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2.7
 
 
44
28
 
 
1.7
 
 
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█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel [6]
Metric conversion
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34
 
 
−4
−13
 
 
34
 
 
−1
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66
 
 
16
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68
 
 
7
−2
 
 
44
 
 
−1
−9
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

In recent years the average temperatures in the county seat of Freeport, have ranged from a low of 9 °F (−13 °C) in January to a high of 82 °F (28 °C) in July, although a record low of −29 °F (−34 °C) was recorded in January 2009 and a record high of 101 °F (38 °C) was recorded in July 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.33 inches (34 mm) in January to 4.46 inches (113 mm) in June. [6]

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1840 2,800—
1850 11,666316.6%
1860 25,112115.3%
1870 30,60821.9%
1880 31,9634.4%
1890 31,338−2.0%
1900 34,93311.5%
1910 36,8215.4%
1920 37,7432.5%
1930 40,0646.1%
1940 40,6461.5%
1950 41,5952.3%
1960 46,20711.1%
1970 48,8615.7%
1980 49,5361.4%
1990 48,052−3.0%
2000 48,9791.9%
2010 47,711−2.6%
2020 44,630−6.5%
2023 (est.)43,105 [7] −3.4%
US Decennial Census [8]
1790–1960 [9] 1900–1990 [10]
1990–2000 [11] 2010–2013 [1]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 47,711 people, 19,845 households, and 13,015 families residing in the county. [12] The population density was 84.5 inhabitants per square mile (32.6/km2). There were 22,081 housing units at an average density of 39.1 per square mile (15.1/km2). [5] The racial makeup of the county was 86.5% white, 9.0% black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.2% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.9% of the population. [12] In terms of ancestry, 46.6% were German, 12.5% were Irish, 10.0% were English, and 8.0% were American. [13]

Of the 19,845 households, 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.4% were non-families, and 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.90. The median age was 43.1 years. [12]

The median income for a household in the county was $43,304 and the median income for a family was $54,224. Males had a median income of $41,672 versus $29,510 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,608. About 12.3% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over. [14]

Education

There are five public high schools and one private high Schools in the county: (approximate enrollment included)

Public high schools

Private high school

Communities

A northerly look across Stephenson County's western edge from an overlook near Kent Kent Il Scenic view3.JPG
A northerly look across Stephenson County's western edge from an overlook near Kent

City

Villages

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Townships

Historic Sites

Politics

United States presidential election results for Stephenson County, Illinois [15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 12,52156.63%9,05540.95%5352.42%
2016 11,08354.48%7,76838.19%1,4927.33%
2012 10,51249.75%10,16548.11%4512.13%
2008 9,90945.75%11,34952.40%3991.84%
2004 12,21257.28%8,91341.81%1950.91%
2000 10,71555.29%8,06241.60%6013.10%
1996 8,87148.94%7,14539.42%2,10911.64%
1992 9,00541.58%7,89936.47%4,75221.94%
1988 11,34259.87%7,46039.38%1430.75%
1984 14,23767.37%6,72331.82%1710.81%
1980 10,77952.87%6,19530.39%3,41416.75%
1976 11,67861.02%7,19237.58%2671.40%
1972 13,58467.86%6,40431.99%310.15%
1968 11,82159.32%7,04035.33%1,0675.35%
1964 9,25246.02%10,85453.98%00.00%
1960 13,87263.07%8,05536.62%680.31%
1956 14,24569.10%6,34930.80%200.10%
1952 14,44668.51%6,60531.32%350.17%
1948 10,56458.29%7,40940.88%1490.82%
1944 11,94860.28%7,75539.13%1180.60%
1940 14,04060.92%8,91138.67%940.41%
1936 9,94346.59%10,56749.51%8323.90%
1932 8,96344.38%10,72853.11%5072.51%
1928 11,99267.97%5,57931.62%720.41%
1924 8,63853.27%2,45215.12%5,12631.61%
1920 9,57074.64%2,77221.62%4793.74%
1916 8,62058.39%5,46337.00%6814.61%
1912 3,47638.37%3,85042.49%1,73419.14%
1908 4,60550.93%4,07645.08%3603.98%
1904 4,87656.63%3,27538.03%4605.34%
1900 4,67752.49%3,98344.70%2502.81%
1896 4,72854.16%3,77643.26%2252.58%
1892 3,57446.76%3,71748.63%3524.61%

See also

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Freeport is the county seat and largest city of Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 census, and the mayor of Freeport is Jodi Miller, elected in 2017. Freeport is known for hosting the second Lincoln-Douglas debate of 1858, and as "Pretzel City, USA", due to a popular local German bakery that became well known for its prolific pretzel production after it opened in 1869. Freeport High School's mascot is the Pretzel to honor its heritage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">German Valley, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

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Lena is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. The population was 2,772 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orangeville, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Orangeville is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The town's sign lists the population at 800 as of January 2021. The population in 2020 was 738. The population according to the 2010 census was 793, up from 751 in 2000. Using the 2020 population of 738 Orangeville is the 741st largest city in Illinois and the 11,650th largest city in the United States. Orangeville is currently declining at a rate of -0.94% annually and its population has decreased by -6.94% since the 2010 census. The area's earliest white settlers arrived in the year 1833, and the village was platted in 1851 by John Bower, who is considered the village founder. In 1867 Orangeville was incorporated as a village. The town's central business district contains several 19th century commercial buildings, many of which were built during the railroad boom of 1888–1914. By the time the Great Depression was ongoing, business in Orangeville had started to decline, with the last bank closing in 1932. In 1956 another bank started operating in the village and is still in town today. Some recent infrastructure jumps have restored some of the village's old decor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pearl City, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Pearl City is an incorporated village in Stephenson County, Illinois, with a population of 838 at the 2010 census, up from 780 in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ridott, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Ridott is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the village population was 164, up from 158 in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winslow, Illinois</span> Village in Illinois, United States

Winslow is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. The population was 338 at the 2010 census, down from 345 in 2000.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waddams Township, Stephenson County, Illinois</span> Township in Illinois, United States

Waddams Township is located in Stephenson County, Illinois. As of the 2010 census, its population was 807 and it contained 360 housing units. The unincorporated communities of McConnell and Damascus are located in the township, and once New Pennsylvania was located here also.

References

  1. 1 2 "QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Historical News". Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 27 (3): 347. October 1934.
  4. ↑ "Fifteenth Judicial Circuit". State of Illinois. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Monthly Averages for Freeport IL". The Weather Channel. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  8. ↑ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  15. ↑ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.

42°21′N89°40′W / 42.35°N 89.67°W / 42.35; -89.67

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