Washington County, Illinois
Encyclopedia
Washington 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
.
. It was named for George Washington
. Despite its relative proximity to the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri
, the county is not considered part of the St. Louis metropolitan area, also known as the Metro-East.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 15,148 people, 5,848 households, and 4,239 families residing in the county. The population density
was 27 people per square mile (10/km²). There were 6,385 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.58% White
, 0.33% Black
or African American
, 0.22% Native American
, 0.18% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 0.13% from other races
, and 0.52% from two or more races. 0.71% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 50.8% were of German
, 13.6% Polish, 11.8% American
and 5.6% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 5,848 households out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.70% were married couples
living together, 7.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,932, and the median income for a family was $48,433. Males had a median income of $32,209 versus $22,151 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $19,108. About 3.70% of families and 6.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.00% of those under age 18 and 8.70% 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 14,716, which is a decrease of 2.9% from 15,148 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 Nashville
Nashville, Illinois
Nashville is a city in Washington County, Illinois, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,258. It is the county seat of Washington County.-Geography:Nashville is located at ....
.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 563.91 square miles (1,460.5 km²), of which 562.57 square miles (1,457 km²) (or 99.76%) is land and 1.33 square miles (3.4 km²) (or 0.24%) is water. There are many lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks in this area.Major highways
U.S. Highway 51
Adjacent counties
- 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...
(north) - Marion County (northeast)
- 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...
(east) - Perry County (south)
- Randolph CountyRandolph County, IllinoisRandolph County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 33,476, which is a decrease of 1.2% from 33,893 in 2000. Its county seat is Chester....
(southwest) - St. Clair CountySt. Clair County, IllinoisSt. Clair County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in St. Clair County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 270,056, which is an increase of 5.5% from 256,082 in 2000. Its county seat is...
(west)
History
Washington County was formed in 1818 out of St. Clair CountySt. Clair County, Illinois
St. Clair County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau placed the mean center of U.S. population in St. Clair County. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 270,056, which is an increase of 5.5% from 256,082 in 2000. Its county seat is...
. It was named for George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
. Despite its relative proximity to the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, the county is not considered part of the St. Louis metropolitan area, also known as the Metro-East.
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 15,148 people, 5,848 households, and 4,239 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 27 people per square mile (10/km²). There were 6,385 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.58% 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...
, 0.33% 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...
, 0.18% 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...
, 0.03% 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...
, 0.13% 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 0.52% from two or more races. 0.71% 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. 50.8% 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....
, 13.6% Polish, 11.8% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 5.6% 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 5,848 households out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.70% 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, 7.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,932, and the median income for a family was $48,433. Males had a median income of $32,209 versus $22,151 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 $19,108. About 3.70% of families and 6.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.00% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The county is served by seven school districts:- Oakdale CCSD 1
- West Washington County CUD 10
- Irvington CCSD 11
- Ashley CCSD 15
- Hoyleton Cons SD 29
- Nashville CCSD 49
- Nashville CHSD 99.
Cities and towns
- AddievilleAddieville, IllinoisAddieville is a village in Washington County, Illinois, in the United States. The population, at the time of the 2010 census, was 252.-Geography:The latitude of Addieville is 38.391N. The longitude is -89.49W.It is in the Central Standard Time zone...
- AshleyAshley, IllinoisAshley is a city in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 536 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Ashley is located at ....
- CentraliaCentralia, 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....
- Du BoisDu Bois, IllinoisDu Bois is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 205 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Du Bois is located at ....
- HoyletonHoyleton, IllinoisHoyleton is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 531 at the 2010 census. It is the home town of former Montréal Expos and San Francisco Giants left-handed pitcher Kirk Rueter.-Geography:...
- IrvingtonIrvington, IllinoisIrvington is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 659 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Irvington is located at ....
- NashvilleNashville, IllinoisNashville is a city in Washington County, Illinois, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,258. It is the county seat of Washington County.-Geography:Nashville is located at ....
- New MindenNew Minden, IllinoisNew Minden is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 215 at the 2010 census. It possessed a post office from 1868 to 1976.-Geography:New Minden is located at ....
- OakdaleOakdale, IllinoisOakdale is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 221 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Oakdale is located at ....
- OkawvilleOkawville, IllinoisOkawville is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,434 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Okawville is located at...
- RadomRadom, IllinoisRadom is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 220 at the 2010 census.-History:Radom was named for Radom in Poland, the city where some of the early settlers came from. The people here are predominantly of Polish origin. Polish was the predominant language here...
- RichviewRichview, IllinoisRichview is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 253 at the 2010 census. Some areas around Richview were made available for homestead under the Homestead Act during the Civil War.-Geography:...
- VenedyVenedy, IllinoisVenedy is a village in Washington County, Illinois, United States. The population was 138 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Venedy is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of...
- WamacWamac, IllinoisWamac is a city in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,185 at the 2010 census. The town sits on the joining lines of adjacent three counties: Washington, Marion and Clinton. It derives its name from the first letters of those counties...
Unincorporated communities
- ElktonElkton, IllinoisElkton is an unincorporated community in Washington County, Illinois, United States. Elkton is northwest of Oakdale. Its main attraction is the Elkton Union Church....
- HuegelyHuegely, IllinoisHuegely is an unincorporated community in Washington County, Illinois, United States. Huegely is southwest of Hoyleton....
- Lively GroveLively Grove, IllinoisLively Grove is an unincorporated community in Washington County, Illinois, United States. Lively Grove is located on Illinois Route 153 northwest of Oakdale. Lively Grove is approximately from Elkton....
- PosenBolo Township, Washington County, IllinoisBolo Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 419 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
Townships
Washington County is divided into these townshipsCivil township
A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to, and geographic divisions of, a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, but in states that have both,...
:
- AshleyAshley Township, Washington County, IllinoisAshley Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 816 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- BeaucoupBeaucoup Township, Washington County, IllinoisBeaucoup Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 593 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- BoloBolo Township, Washington County, IllinoisBolo Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 419 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- CovingtonCovington Township, Washington County, IllinoisCovington Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 418 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- DuBoisDuBois Township, Washington County, IllinoisDuBois Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 748 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- HoyletonHoyleton Township, Washington County, IllinoisHoyleton Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 1,142 at the 2010 census. The village of Hoyleton is entirely within Hoyleton Township, and the eastern part of the village of New Minden is also within the township....
- IrvingtonIrvington Township, Washington County, IllinoisIrvington Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 1,285 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- JohannisburgJohannisburg Township, Washington County, IllinoisJohannisburg Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 511 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- Lively GroveLively Grove Township, Washington County, IllinoisLively Grove Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 688 at the 2010 census.The township is home to the Prairie State Energy Campus.- External links :***...
- NashvilleNashville Township, Washington County, IllinoisNashville Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 3,676 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- OakdaleOakdale Township, Washington County, IllinoisOakdale Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 594 at the 2010 census. Oakdale has a public school called Oakdale Grade School.- External links :***...
- OkawvilleOkawville Township, Washington County, IllinoisOkawville Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 1,987 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- Pilot KnobPilot Knob Township, Washington County, IllinoisPilot Knob Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 555 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- Plum HillPlum Hill Township, Washington County, IllinoisPlum Hill Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 537 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- RichviewRichview Township, Washington County, IllinoisRichview Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 343 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
- VenedyVenedy Township, Washington County, IllinoisVenedy Township is located in Washington County, Illinois. The population was 404 at the 2010 census.- External links :***...
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in Nashville have ranged from a low of 22 °F (-5.6 °C) in January to a high of 88 °F (31.1 °C) in July, although a record low of -21 °F was recorded in December 1989 and a record high of 106 °F (41.1 °C) was recorded in July 1980. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.18 inches (5.5 cm) in January to 4.1 inches (10.4 cm) in May.See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County