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{{Short description|County in Illinois, United States}}
{{Infobox U.S. County
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
| county = Stephenson County
{{Infobox U.S. county
| state = Illinois
| county = Stephenson County
| seal =
| state = Illinois
| founded = 1837
| named for = [[Benjamin Stephenson]]
| ex image = Stephenson County Courthouse.jpg
| ex image cap = [[Stephenson County Courthouse]]
| seat wl= Freeport
| founded = 1837
| largest city wl= Freeport
| named for = [[Benjamin Stephenson (politician)|Benjamin Stephenson]]
| seat wl = Freeport
| largest city = Freeport
| area_total_sq_mi = 565
| area_total_sq_mi = 565
| area_land_sq_mi = 565
| area_land_sq_mi = 565
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.5
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.5
| area percentage = 0.09%
| area percentage = 0.09
| population_as_of = 2020
| census yr = 2010
| population_total = 44630
| pop = 47711
| pop_est_as_of = 2023
| density_sq_mi = 85
| population_est = 43105 {{decrease}}
| time zone = Central
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
| footnotes =
| time zone = Central
| web = www.co.stephenson.il.us
| web = www.co.stephenson.il.us
| district = 17th
| district = 16th
}}
| district2 = 17th }}

'''Stephenson County''' is a [[County (USA)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Illinois]]. According to the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], it had a population of 47,711.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/17/17177.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Freeport, Illinois|Freeport]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|accessdate=2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>


Stephenson County is included in the Freeport, IL [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is also included in the [[Rockford, Illinois|Rockford]]-Freeport-[[Rochelle, Illinois|Rochelle]], IL [[Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area|Combined Statistical Area]].
'''Stephenson County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Illinois]]. According to the [[2020 United States Census]], it had a population of 44,630.<ref name="QF">{{Cite web |title=QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/stephensoncountyillinois/PST045221 |access-date=January 23, 2021 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Freeport, Illinois|Freeport]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Find a County |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> Stephenson County is included in the Freeport, IL [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is also included in the [[Rockford, Illinois|Rockford]]-Freeport-[[Rochelle, Illinois|Rochelle]], IL [[Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area|Combined Statistical Area]].


==History==
==History==
Stephenson County was formed in 1837 out of [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess]] and [[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago]] counties. The county was named for Colonel [[Benjamin Stephenson]], an official of the [[Illinois Territory]].
The land that became Stephenson County was first settled by William Waddams in 1832, who founded [[Waddams Grove, Illinois|Waddams Grove]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=October 1934 |title=Historical News |journal=Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society |volume=27 |issue=3 |page=347}}</ref> By 1837, population was sufficient to form Stephenson County, taking land from [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess]] and [[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago]] counties. The county was named for Colonel [[Benjamin Stephenson (politician)|Benjamin Stephenson]], an official of the [[Illinois Territory]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fifteenth Judicial Circuit |url=http://www.state.il.us/court/CircuitCourt/CircuitMap/15th.asp#Stephenson |access-date=February 20, 2016 |publisher=State of Illinois}}</ref>
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Waddams hill.jpg|Marker marking Waddams' first settlement in Stephenson County
File:Stephenson County Illinois 1837.png|Stephenson County at the time of its creation in 1837
File:Stephenson County Illinois 1837.png|Stephenson County at the time of its creation in 1837. Its boundaries have remained unchanged since then.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|565|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|565|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.5|sqmi}} (0.09%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|US Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|565|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|565|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.5|sqmi}} (0.09%) is water.<ref name=CD/>


===Climate and weather===
===Climate and weather===
Line 51: Line 54:
|units=imperial
|units=imperial
|clear=both
|clear=both
|source=The Weather Channel<ref name="WX">{{Cite web |title=Monthly Averages for Freeport IL |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USIL0434 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |publisher=The Weather Channel}}</ref>}}
|source=The Weather Channel<ref name="weather">{{cite web
In recent years the average temperatures in the county seat of Freeport, have ranged from a low of {{convert|9|°F}} in January to a high of {{convert|82|°F}} in July, although a record low of {{convert|-29|°F}} was recorded in January 2009 and a record high of {{convert|101|°F}} was recorded in July 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from {{convert|1.33|in}} in January to {{convert|4.46|in}} in June.<ref name=WX/>
|url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USIL0434
|title=Monthly Averages for Freeport, Illinois
|accessdate=2011-01-27
|publisher=The Weather Channel
}}</ref>}}
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Freeport have ranged from a low of {{convert|9|°F}} in January to a high of {{convert|82|°F}} in July, although a record low of {{convert|-27|°F}} was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of {{convert|101|°F}} was recorded in July 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from {{convert|1.33|in}} in January to {{convert|4.46|in}} in June.<ref name="weather"/>


===Adjacent counties===
===Adjacent counties===
{{div col}}
*[[Green County, Wisconsin|Green County]], [[Wisconsin]] (north)
*[[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago County]] (east)
* [[Green County, Wisconsin|Green County]], [[Wisconsin]] (north)
*[[Ogle County, Illinois|Ogle County]] (southeast)
* [[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago County]] (east)
*[[Carroll County, Illinois|Carroll County]] (southwest)
* [[Ogle County, Illinois|Ogle County]] (southeast)
*[[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess County]] (west)
* [[Carroll County, Illinois|Carroll County]] (southwest)
*[[Lafayette County, Wisconsin|Lafayette County]], [[Wisconsin]] (northwest)
* [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess County]] (west)
* [[Lafayette County, Wisconsin|Lafayette County]], [[Wisconsin]] (northwest)
{{div col end}}


===Major highways===
===Major highways===
{{div col}}
*[[Image:US 20.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Highway 20]]
*[[Image:Illinois 26.svg|20px]] [[Illinois Route 26]]
* [[Image:US 20.svg|20px]] [[US Highway 20]]
*[[Image:Illinois 73.svg|20px]] [[Illinois Route 73]]
* [[Image:Illinois 26.svg|20px]] [[Illinois Route 26]]
*[[Image:Illinois 75.svg|20px]] [[Illinois Route 75]]
* [[Image:Illinois 73.svg|20px]] [[Illinois Route 73]]
* [[Image:Illinois 75.svg|20px]] [[Illinois Route 75]]
{{div col end}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{US Census population
{{USCensusPop
|1840=2800
|1840= 2800
|1850=11666
|1850= 11666
|1860=25112
|1860= 25112
|1870=30608
|1870= 30608
|1880=31963
|1880= 31963
|1890=31338
|1890= 31338
| 1900= 34933
|1900= 34933
| 1910= 36821
|1910= 36821
| 1920= 37743
|1920= 37743
| 1930= 40064
|1930= 40064
| 1940= 40646
|1940= 40646
| 1950= 41595
|1950= 41595
| 1960= 46207
|1960= 46207
| 1970= 48861
|1970= 48861
| 1980= 49536
|1980= 49536
| 1990= 48052
|1990= 48052
| 2000= 48979
|2000= 48979
| 2010= 47711
|2010= 47711
|2020 = 44630
|estyear=2013
|estyear=2023
|estimate=46740
|estimate=43105
|footnote=<div align="center">U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/il190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2013<ref name="QF"/></div>
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html |access-date=April 2, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=US Decennial Census<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=July 8, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref><br/>1790–1960<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu |access-date=July 8, 2014 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/il190090.txt |access-date=July 8, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref><br/>1990–2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |access-date=July 8, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010–2013<ref name=QF/>
}}
}}


As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 47,711&nbsp;people, 19,845&nbsp;households, and 13,015&nbsp;families residing in the county.<ref name="DP1">{{Cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US17177 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213013500/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US17177 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|84.5|PD/sqmi}}. There were 22,081 housing units at an average density of {{convert|39.1|/sqmi}}.<ref name="CD">{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US17177 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212200302/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US17177 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref> 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.<ref name=DP1/> In terms of ancestry, 46.6% were [[Germans|German]], 12.5% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 10.0% were [[English people|English]], and 8.0% were [[Americans|American]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US17177 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213033400/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US17177 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref>
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=American FactFinder}}</ref> of 2000, there were 48,979 people, 19,785 households, and 13,473 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 87 people per square mile (34/km²). There were 21,713 housing units at an average density of 38 per square&nbsp;mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 89.29% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 7.68% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.15% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.68% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.63% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.53% from two or more races. 1.53% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 45.0% were of [[Germans|German]], 13.5% [[English people|English-American]] and 7.0% [[Irish people|Irish]].


There were 19,785 households out of which 30.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.40% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.97.
Of the 19,845&nbsp;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.<ref name=DP1/>


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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US17177 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213020744/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US17177 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}</ref>
In the county the population was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,366, and the median income for a family was $48,510. Males had a median income of $36,300 versus $24,238 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $19,794. About 6.50% of families and 9.00% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.60% of those under age 18 and 8.50% of those age 65 or over.


==Education==
==Education==
School districts include, no matter how much or little territory they have in the county, even if their schools are in other counties:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st17_il/schooldistrict_maps/c17177_stephenson/DC20SD_C17177.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Stephenson County, IL|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-10-29}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st17_il/schooldistrict_maps/c17177_stephenson/DC20SD_C17177_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>
There are five public high schools and one private high Schools in the county, enrollment figures, are included.
* [[Dakota Community Unit School District 201]]
* [[Durand Community Unit School District 322]]
* [[Eastland Community Unit School District 308]]
* [[Forrestville Valley Community Unit School District 221]]
* [[Freeport School District 145]]
* [[Lena-Winslow Community Unit School District 202]]
* [[Orangeville Community Unit School District 203]]
* [[Pearl City Community Unit School District 200]]
* [[Pecatonica Community Unit School District 321]]
* [[Warren Community Unit School District 205]]
* [[Winnebago Community Unit School District 323]]

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


'''Public high schools'''
'''Public high schools'''
*[[Freeport High School (Illinois)|Freeport High]] 1,254
* [[Freeport High School (Illinois)|Freeport High]] 1,254
*[[Lena-Winslow High School|Lena-Winslow High]] 299
* [[Lena-Winslow High School|Lena-Winslow High]] 299
*[[Dakota High School (Illinois)|Dakota High]] 254
* [[Dakota High School (Illinois)|Dakota High]] 254
*[[Pearl City High School (Illinois)|Pearl City High]] 150
* [[Pearl City High School (Illinois)|Pearl City High]] 150
*[[Orangeville High School|Orangeville High]] 142
* [[Orangeville High School|Orangeville High]] 142


'''Private high school'''
'''Private high school'''
*[[Aquin Central Catholic High School (Illinois)|Aquin Catholic High]] 93
* [[Aquin Catholic Schools|Aquin Catholic High]] 93


==Communities==
==Communities==
[[Image:Kent Il Scenic view3.JPG|thumb|right|A northerly look across Stephenson County's western edge from an overlook near [[Kent, Illinois|Kent]], Illinois]]
[[Image:Kent Il Scenic view3.JPG|thumb|right|A northerly look across Stephenson County's western edge from an overlook near Kent]]


===City===
===City===
* [[Freeport, Illinois|Freeport]]
* [[Freeport, Illinois|Freeport]]

===Town===
* [[Dakota, Illinois|Dakota]]


===Villages===
===Villages===
{{div col}}
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Cedarville, Illinois|Cedarville]]
* [[Cedarville, Illinois|Cedarville]]
* [[Dakota, Illinois|Dakota]]
* [[Davis, Illinois|Davis]]
* [[Davis, Illinois|Davis]]
* [[German Valley, Illinois|German Valley]]
* [[German Valley, Illinois|German Valley]]
Line 141: Line 155:
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


===Census-designated place===
===Census-designated places===
* [[Baileyville, Illinois|Baileyville]] (part)
* [[Lake Summerset, Illinois|Lake Summerset]]
* [[Lake Summerset, Illinois|Lake Summerset]]
* [[Willow Lake, Illinois|Willow Lake]]


===Unincorporated communities===
===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col||15em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Afolkey, Illinois|Afolkey]]
* [[Afolkey, Illinois|Afolkey]]
* [[Bolton, Illinois|Bolton]]
* [[Bolton, Illinois|Bolton]]
Line 163: Line 179:
* [[Waddams Grove, Illinois|Waddams Grove]]
* [[Waddams Grove, Illinois|Waddams Grove]]
* [[Winneshiek, Illinois|Winneshiek]]
* [[Winneshiek, Illinois|Winneshiek]]
* [[Yellow Creek, Illinois|Yellow Creek]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

===Townships===
===Townships===
{{div col||15em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Buckeye Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Buckeye]]
* [[Buckeye Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Buckeye]]
* [[Dakota Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Dakota]]
* [[Dakota Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Dakota]]
Line 183: Line 200:
* [[Silver Creek Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Silver Creek]]
* [[Silver Creek Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Silver Creek]]
* [[Waddams Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Waddams]]
* [[Waddams Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Waddams]]
* [[West Point Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|West Point]]
* [[West Point Township, Illinois|West Point]]
* [[Winslow Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Winslow]]
* [[Winslow Township, Stephenson County, Illinois|Winslow]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

===Historic Sites===
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Kellogg's Grove]]
{{div col end}}

==Politics==
{{PresHead|place=Stephenson County, Illinois|source=<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|12,347|8,278|370|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|12,521|9,055|535|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|11,083|7,768|1,492|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|10,512|10,165|451|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|9,909|11,349|399|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|12,212|8,913|195|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|10,715|8,062|601|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|8,871|7,145|2,109|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|9,005|7,899|4,752|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|11,342|7,460|143|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|14,237|6,723|171|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|10,779|6,195|3,414|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|11,678|7,192|267|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|13,584|6,404|31|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|11,821|7,040|1,067|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|9,252|10,854|0|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|13,872|8,055|68|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|14,245|6,349|20|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|14,446|6,605|35|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|10,564|7,409|149|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|11,948|7,755|118|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|14,040|8,911|94|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|9,943|10,567|832|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|8,963|10,728|507|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|11,992|5,579|72|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|8,638|2,452|5,126|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|9,570|2,772|479|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|8,620|5,463|681|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|3,476|3,850|1,734|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|4,605|4,076|360|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|4,876|3,275|460|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|4,677|3,983|250|Illinois}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|4,728|3,776|225|Illinois}}
{{PresFoot|1892|Democratic|3,574|3,717|352|Illinois}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 191: Line 251:
* [[List of counties in Illinois]]
* [[List of counties in Illinois]]
* [[List of Illinois county name etymologies]]
* [[List of Illinois county name etymologies]]
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Stephenson County, Illinois]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Stephenson County, Illinois]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
<references/>
http://ihsa.org/Schools/EnrollmentsClassifications/AlphabeticalEnrollments.aspx


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/ Stephenson County]
* [http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/ Stephenson County]
*[http://www.stephensonhouse.com/ Benjamin Stephenson House Restoration Project]
* [http://www.stephensonhouse.com/ Benjamin Stephenson House Restoration Project]
*[http://www.stephcohs.org/ Stephenson County Historical Society & Museum]
* [http://www.stephcohs.org/ Stephenson County Historical Society & Museum]
*[http://www.stephenson-county-il.org/ Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.stephenson-county-il.org/ Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau]
*[http://www.illinoisancestors.org/cemphotos/v/stephenson/ Illinois Ancestors Stephenson Tombstone Project]
* [http://www.illinoisancestors.org/cemphotos/v/stephenson/ Illinois Ancestors Stephenson Tombstone Project]
*[http://genealogytrails.com/ill/stephenson/ ''Genealogy Trails'' for Stephenson County]
* [http://genealogytrails.com/ill/stephenson/ ''Genealogy Trails'' for Stephenson County]
* [http://ihsa.org/Schools/EnrollmentsClassifications/AlphabeticalEnrollments.aspx Illinois High School Association – School Enrollments]


{{Geographic Location
{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Stephenson County, Illinois
|Centre = Stephenson County, Illinois
|North = [[Green County, Wisconsin]]
|North = [[Green County, Wisconsin]]
|Northeast =
|East = [[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago County]]
|East = [[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago County]]
|Southeast = [[Ogle County, Illinois|Ogle County]]
|Southeast = [[Ogle County, Illinois|Ogle County]]
|South =
|Southwest = [[Carroll County, Illinois|Carroll County]]
|Southwest = [[Carroll County, Illinois|Carroll County]]
|West = [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess County]]
|West = [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess County]]
|Northwest = [[Lafayette County, Wisconsin]]
|Northwest = [[Lafayette County, Wisconsin]]
}}
}}

{{Stephenson County, Illinois}}
{{Stephenson County, Illinois}}
{{Illinois}}
{{Illinois}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|42.35|-89.67|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-IL_source:UScensus1990}}
{{Coord|42.35|-89.67|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-IL_source:UScensus1990}}


[[Category:Illinois counties]]
[[Category:Stephenson County, Illinois| ]]
[[Category:Stephenson County, Illinois| ]]
[[Category:1837 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:1837 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:Illinois counties]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1837]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1837]]
[[Category:Rockford metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Rockford metropolitan area, Illinois|*]]

Latest revision as of 02:51, 7 December 2024

Stephenson County
County
Stephenson County Courthouse
Stephenson County Courthouse
Map of Illinois highlighting Stephenson County
Location within the U.S. state of Illinois
Map of the United States highlighting Illinois
Illinois's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 42°21′N 89°40′W / 42.35°N 89.67°W / 42.35; -89.67
Country United States
State Illinois
Founded1837
Named forBenjamin Stephenson
SeatFreeport
Largest cityFreeport
Area
 • Total
565 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Land565 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Water0.5 sq mi (1 km2)  0.09%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
44,630
 • Estimate 
(2023)
43,105 Decrease
 • Density79/sq mi (30/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional districts16th, 17th
Websitewww.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] 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

[edit]

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]

  • Marker marking Waddams' first settlement in Stephenson County
    Marker marking Waddams' first settlement in Stephenson County
  • Stephenson County at the time of its creation in 1837. Its boundaries have remained unchanged since then.
    Stephenson County at the time of its creation in 1837. Its boundaries have remained unchanged since then.

Geography

[edit]

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

[edit]
Freeport, Illinois
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
1.3
 
 
25
9
 
 
1.3
 
 
31
14
 
 
2.1
 
 
43
25
 
 
3.2
 
 
57
36
 
 
4
 
 
69
47
 
 
4.5
 
 
78
57
 
 
3.6
 
 
82
62
 
 
4.1
 
 
80
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3.7
 
 
73
50
 
 
2.6
 
 
61
39
 
 
2.7
 
 
44
28
 
 
1.7
 
 
30
16
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[6]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
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O
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D
 
 
34
 
 
−4
−13
 
 
34
 
 
−1
−10
 
 
54
 
 
6
−4
 
 
82
 
 
14
2
 
 
101
 
 
21
8
 
 
113
 
 
26
14
 
 
91
 
 
28
17
 
 
104
 
 
27
15
 
 
93
 
 
23
10
 
 
66
 
 
16
4
 
 
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

[edit]

Major highways

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18402,800—
185011,666316.6%
186025,112115.3%
187030,60821.9%
188031,9634.4%
189031,338−2.0%
190034,93311.5%
191036,8215.4%
192037,7432.5%
193040,0646.1%
194040,6461.5%
195041,5952.3%
196046,20711.1%
197048,8615.7%
198049,5361.4%
199048,052−3.0%
200048,9791.9%
201047,711−2.6%
202044,630−6.5%
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

[edit]

School districts include, no matter how much or little territory they have in the county, even if their schools are in other counties:[15]

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

Public high schools

Private high school

Communities

[edit]
A northerly look across Stephenson County's western edge from an overlook near Kent

City

[edit]

Villages

[edit]

Census-designated places

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Townships

[edit]

Historic Sites

[edit]

Politics

[edit]
United States presidential election results for Stephenson County, Illinois[16]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 12,347 58.81% 8,278 39.43% 370 1.76%
2020 12,521 56.63% 9,055 40.95% 535 2.42%
2016 11,083 54.48% 7,768 38.19% 1,492 7.33%
2012 10,512 49.75% 10,165 48.11% 451 2.13%
2008 9,909 45.75% 11,349 52.40% 399 1.84%
2004 12,212 57.28% 8,913 41.81% 195 0.91%
2000 10,715 55.29% 8,062 41.60% 601 3.10%
1996 8,871 48.94% 7,145 39.42% 2,109 11.64%
1992 9,005 41.58% 7,899 36.47% 4,752 21.94%
1988 11,342 59.87% 7,460 39.38% 143 0.75%
1984 14,237 67.37% 6,723 31.82% 171 0.81%
1980 10,779 52.87% 6,195 30.39% 3,414 16.75%
1976 11,678 61.02% 7,192 37.58% 267 1.40%
1972 13,584 67.86% 6,404 31.99% 31 0.15%
1968 11,821 59.32% 7,040 35.33% 1,067 5.35%
1964 9,252 46.02% 10,854 53.98% 0 0.00%
1960 13,872 63.07% 8,055 36.62% 68 0.31%
1956 14,245 69.10% 6,349 30.80% 20 0.10%
1952 14,446 68.51% 6,605 31.32% 35 0.17%
1948 10,564 58.29% 7,409 40.88% 149 0.82%
1944 11,948 60.28% 7,755 39.13% 118 0.60%
1940 14,040 60.92% 8,911 38.67% 94 0.41%
1936 9,943 46.59% 10,567 49.51% 832 3.90%
1932 8,963 44.38% 10,728 53.11% 507 2.51%
1928 11,992 67.97% 5,579 31.62% 72 0.41%
1924 8,638 53.27% 2,452 15.12% 5,126 31.61%
1920 9,570 74.64% 2,772 21.62% 479 3.74%
1916 8,620 58.39% 5,463 37.00% 681 4.61%
1912 3,476 38.37% 3,850 42.49% 1,734 19.14%
1908 4,605 50.93% 4,076 45.08% 360 3.98%
1904 4,876 56.63% 3,275 38.03% 460 5.34%
1900 4,677 52.49% 3,983 44.70% 250 2.81%
1896 4,728 54.16% 3,776 43.26% 225 2.58%
1892 3,574 46.76% 3,717 48.63% 352 4.61%

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  6. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c "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. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Stephenson County, IL" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2024. - Text list
  16. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
[edit]

42°21′N 89°40′W / 42.35°N 89.67°W / 42.35; -89.67

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