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Jackson County, Illinois

Coordinates: 37°47′N 89°23′W / 37.79°N 89.38°W / 37.79; -89.38
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Jackson County
County
Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro
Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro
Map of Illinois highlighting Jackson County
Location within the U.S. state of Illinois
Map of the United States highlighting Illinois
Illinois's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°47′N 89°23′W / 37.79°N 89.38°W / 37.79; -89.38
Country United States
State Illinois
FoundedJanuary 10, 1816
Named forAndrew Jackson
SeatMurphysboro
Largest cityCarbondale
Area
 • Total602 sq mi (1,560 km2)
 • Land584 sq mi (1,510 km2)
 • Water18 sq mi (50 km2)  3.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total52,974
 • Estimate 
(2023)
52,141 Decrease
 • Density88/sq mi (34/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district12th
Websitewww.jacksoncounty-il.gov

Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois with a population of 52,974 at the 2020 census, the county is located 98 miles southeast of St. Louis.[1][2] Its county seat is Murphysboro,[3] and its most populous city is Carbondale, home to the main campus of Southern Illinois University. The county was incorporated on January 10, 1816, and named for Andrew Jackson. The community of Brownsville served as the fledgling county's first seat. Jackson County is included in the Carbondale-Marion, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located in the southern portion of Illinois known locally as "Little Egypt".

History

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Human occupation of Jackson County began about 11,500 years ago. Extensive documentation of the area's indigenous peoples is ongoing. Exploration from the European explorers began with the Joliet-Marquette exploration along the Mississippi River. It was not until the 18th and 19th century when pioneer farmers began to settle in the area's inexpensive land along the Mississippi River and in the forested Shawnee hills with its one-hundred-foot trees.

As early as 1810 William Boone and his indentured servant Peter mined coal from the banks along Big Muddy River. This was Illinois' first coal mine. By 1813, Conrad Will, namesake of Will County, conducted a large salt extraction operation using slave labor on the banks of the Big Muddy River, south of today's Murphysboro. As this was in the "free" Northwest Territory, Will had to have a legal exemption to own slaves. Jackson County, Illinois' ninth county to be organized, was organized in 1816, having been carved out of Randolph County, Illinois on the north and Johnson County, Illinois on the South. It was named for Andrew Jackson, who had just defeated the British Army at the Battle of New Orleans.[4] Brownsville, located near Will's salt works, was established as the county seat. When the courthouse burned in 1843, the county voted to move the county seat to a more central location. Murphysboro, located on land owned by Dr. John and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Logan, became the second county seat in September 1843. It was named after William C. Murphy, one of the three Commissioners appointed to select the site.

Civil War Major General John A. Logan, Dr. John and Elizabeth Logan's son, was born in what is now Murphysboro on February 9, 1826. During the Civil War he moved to Carbondale, about 10 miles (16 km) east of his birthplace. He moved to Chicago in 1871. During his residence in Carbondale, he took part in a Memorial Day observation at that city's Woodlawn Cemetery. In 1868, Logan, as Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order No. 11 which established Memorial Day as a national holiday.[5]

On March 18, 1925, the great Tri-State Tornado ripped through Jackson County, leaving devastation in its path. The villages of Gorham and De Soto and the city of Murphysboro were hit especially hard.

The county courthouse is in downtown Murphysboro. The current reinforced concrete courthouse, completed in 1928, replaced earlier brick structures.

  • Jackson County (1816–1818), including unorganized territory (formerly part of Johnson County) temporarily attached to it[6]
    Jackson County (1816–1818), including unorganized territory (formerly part of Johnson County) temporarily attached to it[6]
  • Jackson County (1818–1827)
    Jackson County (1818–1827)
  • Jackson County (1827–present)
    Jackson County (1827–present)

Geography

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According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 602 square miles (1,560 km2), of which 584 square miles (1,510 km2) is land and 18 square miles (47 km2) (3.0%) is water.[7] The average elevation is around 400 feet (120 m), except near the Mississippi River.

The first coal mine in Illinois was opened on the south bank of the Big Muddy River near the present-day Route 127 Bridge.

Climate and weather

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Murphysboro, Illinois
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
2.9
 
 
39
21
 
 
3
 
 
45
24
 
 
4.3
 
 
55
33
 
 
4.5
 
 
66
42
 
 
4.8
 
 
76
52
 
 
4.8
 
 
84
61
 
 
3.4
 
 
88
66
 
 
3.9
 
 
87
63
 
 
3.1
 
 
80
55
 
 
2.9
 
 
69
43
 
 
4.6
 
 
55
35
 
 
3.7
 
 
44
26
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[8]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
74
 
 
4
−6
 
 
76
 
 
7
−4
 
 
108
 
 
13
1
 
 
113
 
 
19
6
 
 
121
 
 
24
11
 
 
121
 
 
29
16
 
 
85
 
 
31
19
 
 
100
 
 
31
17
 
 
80
 
 
27
13
 
 
74
 
 
21
6
 
 
117
 
 
13
2
 
 
94
 
 
7
−3
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Murphysboro have ranged from a low of 21 °F (−6 °C) in January to a high of 88 °F (31 °C) in July, although a record low of −25 °F (−32 °C) was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of 113 °F (45 °C) was recorded in August 1930. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.91 inches (74 mm) in January to 4.78 inches (121 mm) in May.[8]

Major highways

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Transit

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Local

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Intercity

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Adjacent counties

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Protected areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18201,542—
18301,82818.5%
18403,56695.1%
18505,86264.4%
18609,58963.6%
187019,634104.8%
188022,50514.6%
189027,80923.6%
190033,87121.8%
191035,1433.8%
192037,0915.5%
193035,680−3.8%
194037,9206.3%
195038,1240.5%
196042,15110.6%
197055,00830.5%
198061,52211.8%
199061,067−0.7%
200059,612−2.4%
201060,2181.0%
202052,974−12.0%
2023 (est.)52,141[10]−1.6%
US Decennial Census[11]
1790-1960[12] 1900-1990[13]
1990-2000[14] 2010-2013[2]
2000 census age pyramid for Jackson County, skewed by Southern Illinois University

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 60,218 people, 25,538 households, and 12,621 families residing in the county.[15] The population density was 103.1 inhabitants per square mile (39.8/km2). There were 28,578 housing units at an average density of 48.9 per square mile (18.9/km2).[7] The racial makeup of the county was 77.8% white, 14.3% black or African American, 3.2% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.6% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.0% of the population.[15] In terms of ancestry, 26.0% were German, 14.5% were Irish, 10.6% were English, and 5.7% were American.[16]

Of the 25,538 households, 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.5% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 50.6% were non-families, and 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age was 29.1 years.[15]

The median income for a household in the county was $32,169 and the median income for a family was $50,787. Males had a median income of $42,747 versus $31,244 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,294. About 17.4% of families and 28.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.[17]

Economy

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Much of the county's economic situation is dependent upon Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the city of Carbondale. A rapidly developing city, it is part of the Metro Lakeland area consisting mainly of the major communities of Carbondale, Marion, Herrin, and Carterville. The outer regions of the Metro include Murphysboro, the rest of Jackson County, the rest of Williamson County, Perry County, and Saline County. Jackson County is also located near the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Communities

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Cities

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Villages

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Census-designated place

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Unincorporated communities

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Ghost town

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Townships

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Politics

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Jackson County has had a distinctive political history owing to the combination of its typically “Southern” Southern Illinois culture combined with the presence in recent times of a strong student voter population in Carbondale.

In its early years Jackson County was solidly Democratic; no Republican presidential candidate won the county until 1888. In the following seven decades Jackson County turned solidly Republican, but incumbent Ronald Reagan was the last Republican to carry Jackson County until Donald Trump won it in 2024.

United States presidential election results for Jackson County, Illinois[25]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 10,890 47.94% 11,181 49.22% 647 2.85%
2016 10,843 44.05% 11,634 47.26% 2,140 8.69%
2012 9,864 40.92% 13,319 55.26% 921 3.82%
2008 9,687 37.81% 15,248 59.52% 682 2.66%
2004 11,190 43.33% 14,300 55.37% 336 1.30%
2000 9,823 42.54% 11,773 50.99% 1,494 6.47%
1996 7,422 33.72% 12,214 55.49% 2,375 10.79%
1992 6,899 28.24% 13,373 54.73% 4,162 17.03%
1988 9,687 45.73% 11,334 53.50% 164 0.77%
1984 13,609 52.55% 12,105 46.74% 182 0.70%
1980 10,505 44.08% 10,291 43.19% 3,033 12.73%
1976 10,152 42.09% 12,940 53.64% 1,030 4.27%
1972 12,393 48.42% 13,146 51.36% 55 0.21%
1968 9,134 46.47% 8,856 45.05% 1,667 8.48%
1964 7,013 36.57% 12,165 63.43% 0 0.00%
1960 10,568 55.30% 8,527 44.62% 17 0.09%
1956 10,526 58.72% 7,391 41.23% 10 0.06%
1952 10,193 57.67% 7,457 42.19% 24 0.14%
1948 8,288 53.79% 6,939 45.04% 181 1.17%
1944 10,002 59.57% 6,735 40.11% 54 0.32%
1940 11,980 55.19% 9,600 44.22% 128 0.59%
1936 10,363 50.44% 9,971 48.53% 212 1.03%
1932 7,636 43.10% 9,730 54.93% 349 1.97%
1928 9,180 60.79% 5,836 38.64% 86 0.57%
1924 6,424 49.30% 4,707 36.12% 1,899 14.57%
1920 8,003 59.96% 4,575 34.28% 769 5.76%
1916 8,356 54.09% 6,780 43.89% 311 2.01%
1912 2,780 35.49% 3,323 42.42% 1,730 22.09%
1908 4,016 53.07% 3,149 41.61% 403 5.33%
1904 3,984 56.30% 2,350 33.21% 742 10.49%
1900 4,054 50.97% 3,723 46.81% 177 2.23%
1896 3,879 50.91% 3,631 47.65% 110 1.44%
1892 3,031 46.92% 2,858 44.24% 571 8.84%

See also

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Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "Distance from Jackson County, IL to Saint Louis, MO". www.travelmath.com. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 167.
  5. ^ Eclebarger, Gary, Black Jack Logan: An Extraordinary Life in Peace and War
  6. ^ White, Jesse. Origin and Evolution of Illinois Counties. State of Illinois, March 2010. [1]
  7. ^ a b "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  8. ^ a b "Monthly Averages for Murphysboro IL". The Weather Channel. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  9. ^ Giant City State Park, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  10. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  11. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  13. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  15. ^ 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 11, 2015.
  16. ^ "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 11, 2015.
  17. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  18. ^ Etherton, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  19. ^ Hallidayboro, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  20. ^ Howardton, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  21. ^ Mount Carbon, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  22. ^ Neunert, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  23. ^ Raddle, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  24. ^ Sand Ridge, Jackson County IL Google Maps (accessed 29 December 2018)
  25. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
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37°47′N 89°23′W / 37.79°N 89.38°W / 37.79; -89.38

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