Marion County, Illinois
Encyclopedia
Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Illinois
. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 39,437, which is a decrease of 5.4% from 41,691 in 2000. Its county seat
is Salem
.
The Centralia
Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Marion County.
The southwest corner of Marion County is the intersection of the Baseline with the Third Principal Meridian, the point of origin for the third survey of the Northwest Territory under the Land Ordinance of 1785
. The origin is marked with a boulder south of Centralia
just off U.S. 51.
and Fayette Counties
. It was named in honor of Revolutionary War Gen. Francis Marion
, the "Swamp Fox".
As of the census
of 2000, there were 41,691 people, 16,619 households, and 11,483 families residing in the county. The population density
was 73 people per square mile (28/km²). There were 18,022 housing units at an average density of 32 per square mile (12/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.05% White
, 3.83% Black
or African American
, 0.22% Native American
, 0.57% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 0.22% from other races
, and 1.07% from two or more races. 0.91% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 25.6% were of German
, 23.2% American
, 11.3% English
and 10.6% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 16,619 households out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% were married couples
living together, 11.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families. 27.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.50% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,227, and the median income for a family was $41,427. Males had a median income of $31,459 versus $21,967 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,235. About 8.60% of families and 11.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.70% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 39,437, which is a decrease of 5.4% from 41,691 in 2000. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Salem
Salem, Illinois
Salem is a city located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is the county seat of Marion County. The population was 7,485 at the 2010 census.Salem is the birthplace of William Jennings Bryan and his brother vice presidential candidate Charles W. Bryan, the G. I. Bill of Rights, and Miracle Whip salad...
.
The Centralia
Centralia, Illinois
Centralia is a town located in Marion, Washington, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 13,032 at the 2010 census. The town was founded because it was the point where the two original branches of the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1853, converged....
Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Marion County.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 576.04 square miles (1,491.9 km²), of which 572.36 square miles (1,482.4 km²) (or 99.36%) is land and 3.67 square miles (9.5 km²) (or 0.64%) is water.The southwest corner of Marion County is the intersection of the Baseline with the Third Principal Meridian, the point of origin for the third survey of the Northwest Territory under the Land Ordinance of 1785
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was adopted by the United States Congress on May 20, 1785. Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress did not have the power to raise revenue by direct taxation of the inhabitants of the United States...
. The origin is marked with a boulder south of Centralia
Centralia, Illinois
Centralia is a town located in Marion, Washington, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 13,032 at the 2010 census. The town was founded because it was the point where the two original branches of the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1853, converged....
just off U.S. 51.
Major highways
U.S. Highway 50
U.S. Highway 51
Adjacent counties
- Fayette CountyFayette County, IllinoisFayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 22,140, which is an increase of 1.6% from 21,802 in 2000. Its county seat is Vandalia...
- north - Clay CountyClay County, IllinoisClay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1950, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in Clay County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 13,815, which is a decrease of 5.1% from 14,560 in 2000...
- east - Wayne County - southeast
- Jefferson CountyJefferson County, IllinoisJefferson County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 38,827, which is a decrease of 3.0% from 40,045 in 2000...
- south - Washington CountyWashington County, IllinoisWashington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 14,716, which is a decrease of 2.9% from 15,148 in 2000. Its county seat is Nashville.-Geography:...
- southwest - Clinton CountyClinton County, Illinois-Demographics: As of the census of 2000, there were 35,535 people, 12,754 households, and 9,221 families residing in the county. The population density was 75 people per square mile . There were 13,805 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
- west
History
Marion County was organized in 1823 from portions of JeffersonJefferson County, Illinois
Jefferson County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 38,827, which is a decrease of 3.0% from 40,045 in 2000...
and Fayette Counties
Fayette County, Illinois
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 22,140, which is an increase of 1.6% from 21,802 in 2000. Its county seat is Vandalia...
. It was named in honor of Revolutionary War Gen. Francis Marion
Francis Marion
Francis Marion was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Acting with Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions, he was a persistent adversary of the British in their occupation of South Carolina in 1780 and 1781, even after the Continental Army was driven...
, the "Swamp Fox".
Demographics
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 41,691 people, 16,619 households, and 11,483 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 73 people per square mile (28/km²). There were 18,022 housing units at an average density of 32 per square mile (12/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.05% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.83% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.57% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.07% from two or more races. 0.91% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 25.6% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 23.2% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 11.3% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 10.6% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 16,619 households out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families. 27.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.50% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,227, and the median income for a family was $41,427. Males had a median income of $31,459 versus $21,967 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,235. About 8.60% of families and 11.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.70% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and villages
- AlmaAlma, IllinoisAlma is a village incorporated in 1854 in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 386 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Alma is located at ....
- Central CityCentral City, IllinoisCentral City is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,371 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Central City is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- Centralia (part, including downtown)Centralia, IllinoisCentralia is a town located in Marion, Washington, Clinton, and Jefferson Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 13,032 at the 2010 census. The town was founded because it was the point where the two original branches of the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1853, converged....
- IukaIuka, IllinoisIuka is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 598 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Iuka is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- Junction CityJunction City, IllinoisJunction City is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 559 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Junction City is located at ....
- KellKell, IllinoisKell is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 231 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Kell is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- KinmundyKinmundy, IllinoisKinmundy is a city in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 892 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Kinmundy is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
- OdinOdin, IllinoisOdin is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,122 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Odin is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- PatokaPatoka, IllinoisPatoka is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 633 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Patoka is located at ....
- SalemSalem, IllinoisSalem is a city located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is the county seat of Marion County. The population was 7,485 at the 2010 census.Salem is the birthplace of William Jennings Bryan and his brother vice presidential candidate Charles W. Bryan, the G. I. Bill of Rights, and Miracle Whip salad...
- SandovalSandoval, IllinoisSandoval is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,434 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Sandoval is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land.-History:...
- VernonVernon, IllinoisVernon is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 178 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Vernon is located at ....
- Walnut HillWalnut Hill, IllinoisWalnut Hill is a village in Marion County, Illinois, United States. The population was 109 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Walnut Hill is located at ....
Census designated places
- Cartter
- Fairman
- Finney Heights
- Glen Ridge
- Helm
- Slap Out
- Suburban