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Knox County

county

Knox County, Illinois

Overview

Classification: County
FIPS Code: 17095
Country: United States
County: Knox County

Geography

Region: West-Central Illinois
Total Area: 720 sq mi
Land Area: 716 sq mi
Water Area: 3.4 sq mi
Latitude: 40.93
Longitude: -90.21
Climate: Humid continental climate with warm, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures range from 14°F in January to 84°F in July. Average rainfall is 38 inches per year, and average snowfall is 24 inches per year.
Notable Features: Spoon River · Lake Storey
Neighboring Areas: Mercer County (northwest) · Henry County (north) · Stark County (east) · Peoria County (southeast) · Fulton County (south) · Warren County (west)

Demographics

Population (2020): 49,967
Est. Population (2024): 48,716
Median Age: 42.4
Median Income: $53,291
Poverty Rate: 10.5%
Family Households: 56.6%
Owner-Occupied: 69.8%
Racial & Ethnic Composition: 80.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 7.73% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 2.94% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 6.27% Hispanic or Latino.

Governance

Government Type: County Board
Governing Body: Knox County Board
Body Size: 13 members
Municipal Services: Law Enforcement · Road Maintenance · Health Services · Parks & Recreation

U.S. Congress

Durbin, Richard J.

Durbin, Richard J.D

U.S. Representative

Duckworth, Tammy

Duckworth, TammyD

U.S. Representative

Jackson, Jonathan L.

Jackson, Jonathan L.D

U.S. Representative - District 1

Kelly, Robin L.

Kelly, Robin L.D

U.S. Representative - District 2

Ramirez, Delia C.

Ramirez, Delia C.D

U.S. Representative - District 3

García, Jesús G. "Chuy"

García, Jesús G. "Chuy"D

U.S. Representative - District 4

Quigley, Mike

U.S. Representative - District 5

Casten, Sean

U.S. Representative - District 6

Davis, Danny K.

Davis, Danny K.D

U.S. Representative - District 7

Krishnamoorthi, Raja

Krishnamoorthi, RajaD

U.S. Representative - District 8

Schakowsky, Janice D.

Schakowsky, Janice D.D

U.S. Representative - District 9

Schneider, Bradley Scott

Schneider, Bradley ScottD

U.S. Representative - District 10

Foster, Bill

U.S. Representative - District 11

Bost, Mike

U.S. Representative - District 12

Budzinski, Nikki

Budzinski, NikkiD

U.S. Representative - District 13

Underwood, Lauren

Underwood, LaurenD

U.S. Representative - District 14

Miller, Mary E.

Miller, Mary E.R

U.S. Representative - District 15

LaHood, Darin

U.S. Representative - District 16

Sorensen, Eric

Sorensen, EricD

U.S. Representative - District 17

Economy

Economic Profile: Diverse blend of existing business · Solid labor market
Employment Sectors: Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Educational Services
Major Employers: OSF Healthcare · Galesburg CUSD #205 · Carl Sandburg College · Knox College

Education

School Districts: Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 · Knoxville Community Unit School District 202 · ROWVA Community Unit School District 208
Colleges & Universities: Carl Sandburg College · Knox College

Infrastructure

Transportation: Interstate 74 · U.S. Highway 34 · U.S. Highway 150 · Amtrak
Utilities: Electricity · Natural Gas · Water · Sewer · Broadband Internet
Major Facilities: Knox County Courthouse · OSF St. Mary Medical Center · Galesburg Cottage Hospital

Recreation

Outdoor Access: Yes
Major Recreation Areas: Lake Storey Park · Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area
Parks & Trails: Knox County Parks · City of Galesburg Parks

History

Founded: 1825
Named After: Henry Knox, the first US Secretary of War
Historical Significance: Rich agricultural and industrial heritage; important role in Illinois history.
Key Events: Fifth Lincoln-Douglas debate held at Knox College in 1858 · Galesburg was a stop on the Underground Railroad