Union County, Illinois

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,093 km² (422 mi²). 1,078 km² (416 mi²) of it is land and 15 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.41% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 18,293 people, 7,290 households, and 4,971 families residing in the county. The population density is 17/km² (44/mi²). There are 7,894 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.28% White, 0.82% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.19% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. 2.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,290 households out of which 30.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% are married couples living together, 9.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.80% are non-families. 28.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 2.93.

In the county the population is spread out with 23.20% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 25.10% from 45 to 64, and 17.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 94.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,994, and the median income for a family is $37,710. Males have a median income of $30,016 versus $22,305 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,450. 16.50% of the population and 10.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 19.80% are under the age of 18 and 12.10% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Alto Pass
• Anna
• Cobden
• Dongola
• Jonesboro
• Mill Creek