Stephenson County, Illinois

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,463 km² (565 mi²). 1,461 km² (564 mi²) of it is land and 1 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.10% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 48,979 people, 19,785 households, and 13,473 families residing in the county. The population density is 34/km² (87/mi²). There are 21,713 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (38/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 89.29% White, 7.68% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. 1.53% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 19,785 households out of which 30.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.40% are married couples living together, 9.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% are non-families. 27.60% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 2.97.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 93.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $40,366, and the median income for a family is $48,510. Males have a median income of $36,300 versus $24,238 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,794. 9.00% of the population and 6.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 11.60% are under the age of 18 and 8.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Cedarville
• Dakota
• Davis
• Freeport
• German Valley
• Lake Summerset
• Lena
• Orangeville
• Pearl City
• Ridott
• Rock City
• Winslow