Bureau County, Illinois
Bureau County is a county in north-central Illinois, located west of the Illinois River and encompassing approximately 874 square miles of primarily fertile prairie land divided into 25 townships.[1] Established on February 28, 1837, by act of the Illinois State Legislature following petitions from early settlers, the county derives its name from Big Bureau Creek, associated with French trader Pierre de Beuro's 18th-century trading post.[1] As of 2023, Bureau County had a population of 33,027, with a median age of 44.1 years and a median household income of $65,894, reflecting a slight annual decline of 0.53% amid broader rural depopulation trends.[2] Its county seat and largest city is Princeton, surrounded by communities like Spring Valley and Cherry.[1] The local economy relies on manufacturing (employing 2,421 people), retail trade (2,376), health care and social assistance (2,031), and robust agriculture, including corn, soybeans, and livestock production valued at over $564 million in market sales.[2][3] Historically, the county experienced coal mining prominence, marred by the 1909 Cherry Mine Disaster that claimed 259 lives, one of the worst industrial accidents in U.S. history.[1] Defining features include the scenic Hennepin Canal for recreation and the preserved Red Covered Bridge from 1863, alongside natural areas like DePue State Fish and Wildlife Park attracting migratory birds.[1][4] Major transportation routes such as Interstate 80 facilitate connectivity, supporting the region's agricultural exports and manufacturing base.[2]Formation and Naming
Establishment and Legal Origins
Bureau County was established through an act of the Illinois General Assembly approved on February 28, 1837, which partitioned territory from Putnam County to form the new county.[5][6] This legislation, documented in the Laws of Illinois for 1837 at page 93, addressed petitions submitted by settlers residing west of the Illinois River, who cited the logistical burdens of traveling to Hennepin, the seat of Putnam County, for administrative and judicial matters.[1][7] The act delineated the county's boundaries, encompassing approximately 863 square miles of prairie and timberland, which have persisted without alteration to the present day.[5] The legal framework for the county's creation followed standard procedures under Illinois state law for territorial divisions, requiring legislative approval based on demonstrated population and geographic justification.[8] Provisional county officers were appointed immediately upon enactment, with elections for permanent officials scheduled shortly thereafter to organize governance, including the establishment of a county seat at Princeton.[7] Subsequent adjustments in 1839 incorporated minor additions from Putnam County and unorganized territories to refine the borders, though these did not fundamentally alter the 1837 delineation.[9] This formation reflected the rapid county-making process in early statehood Illinois, driven by settler demands for localized administration amid westward expansion.[8]Etymology of the Name
Bureau County is named for Pierre Buero (also spelled Bureau or de Bureo), a French trader who established a trading post with Native Americans along the Illinois River in the late 18th century.[5][10] Buero's activities in the region, particularly near the confluence of Big Bureau Creek and the Illinois River, are credited with originating the local geographic nomenclature that later extended to the county upon its formation from part of Putnam County on August 28, 1837.[11][12] Some historical accounts reference brothers Michel and Pierre Bureau, French Canadians who operated the trading post from approximately 1776 to the 1780s at the creek's junction with the river, supplying goods to indigenous groups in exchange for furs and other items.[9] This familial association underscores the French colonial influence in early Midwestern trade networks, though primary attribution typically centers on Pierre as the namesake.[7] The surname "Bureau," of French origin meaning "office" or "desk," reflects the traders' role in administrative-like exchanges rather than implying any bureaucratic entity.[13]Physical Environment
Topography and Natural Features
Bureau County exhibits a topography of flat to gently rolling terrain, largely influenced by Pleistocene glaciation, with elevations ranging from approximately 450 feet above mean sea level at the Illinois River's exit in the south to 950 feet on the Providence Moraine in Indiantown Township to the northwest. The county's total relief measures about 500 feet, and the average slope stands at 1.23%.[14] Glacial landforms predominate, including moraines such as the Providence Moraine, till plains across the east, central, and southeast regions, a dissected till plain in the southwest, and outwash plains. Sand dunes, reaching heights of 4 to 15 meters, are notable in the northwest, having formed on outwash plains, moraines, and stream terraces through eolian processes following glacial retreat.[14][15][16] Hydrologically, the county is drained by the Illinois River along its southern boundary and tributaries including the Green River, Bureau Creek, and Spoon River, with additional creeks such as Alfords Creek, Big Bureau Creek, Coon Creek, East Bureau Creek, and Fox Creek. Principal lakes comprise Senachwine Lake at 5,450 acres, Lake DePue at 531 acres, and Spring Lake at 226 acres; wetlands total 15,762.5 acres, with 72.9% classified as palustrine (including forested and shrub-dominated systems), 17.9% lacustrine, and 9.1% riverine.[14] Natural vegetation features scattered deciduous forests covering 9.2% of the area (51,178 acres), primarily oak-hickory stands along streams and river bluffs, alongside prairie remnants preserved in sites like Center Prairie Natural Area and Warnecke Woods Natural Area. Soils, derived from loess over glacial till, outwash, dune sands, and alluvium, are highly fertile, with 75.6% (422,804.7 acres) rated as prime farmland and 15% as farmland of statewide importance.[14][17][18]Adjacent Counties and Boundaries
Bureau County borders seven counties in north-central Illinois. To the north lies Lee County, while Whiteside County adjoins it to the northwest. Henry County forms the western boundary, Stark County the southwest, Marshall County the south, Putnam County the southeast, and LaSalle County the east.[19][20] The county's boundaries were preliminarily defined by an act of the Illinois General Assembly passed on February 28, 1837, which organized the area into Bureau County pending local referendum approval. These boundaries, encompassing approximately 863 square miles, have remained unchanged since the county's formal establishment later that year.[1]| Direction | Adjacent County |
|---|---|
| North | Lee County |
| Northwest | Whiteside County |
| West | Henry County |
| Southwest | Stark County |
| South | Marshall County |
| Southeast | Putnam County |
| East | LaSalle County |
Climate Characteristics
Bureau County, Illinois, features a hot-summer humid continental climate classified as Köppen Dfa, marked by four distinct seasons with significant temperature variations driven by its inland Midwestern location and lack of moderating oceanic influences.[21] Winters are cold and snowy, with average January highs around 30°F (–1°C) and lows near 14°F (–10°C), while summers are warm and humid, peaking with July highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C).[22] Annual temperatures typically range from a low of 17°F (–8°C) to a high of 84°F (29°C), with extremes occasionally dipping below –3°F (–19°C) or exceeding 92°F (33°C).[23] Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 38 inches (965 mm) of rain annually, comparable to the national average, supplemented by about 26 inches (660 mm) of snowfall, primarily from November to March.[24] Monthly rainfall peaks in late spring and summer, with June averaging 4.1 inches (104 mm), supporting agricultural productivity but also contributing to occasional flooding risks along the Illinois River valley.[22] Snowfall accumulates most in January at around 8 inches (203 mm), influenced by lake-effect enhancements from Lake Michigan, though Bureau County's position slightly west reduces this compared to eastern Illinois counties.[22]| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Precipitation (in) | Snowfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30 | 14 | 1.5 | 8.0 |
| February | 35 | 18 | 1.6 | 6.0 |
| March | 48 | 28 | 2.5 | 4.0 |
| April | 62 | 38 | 3.3 | 0.5 |
| May | 73 | 50 | 4.0 | 0 |
| June | 82 | 60 | 4.1 | 0 |
| July | 84 | 63 | 3.9 | 0 |
| August | 82 | 61 | 3.5 | 0 |
| September | 75 | 52 | 3.1 | 0 |
| October | 63 | 40 | 2.6 | 0 |
| November | 48 | 29 | 2.4 | 2.0 |
| December | 33 | 18 | 2.0 | 5.0 |
Transportation Infrastructure
Bureau County is traversed by a network of state, federal, and county highways totaling over 800 miles, including approximately 200 miles of county-maintained highways and 212 miles of municipal roads and streets.[26] The Bureau County Highway Department oversees maintenance and construction on county routes, with recent projects focusing on resurfacing and bridge repairs funded through state programs like Rebuild Illinois.[27] Interstate 80 (I-80), a primary east-west corridor, runs through the southern portion of the county for nearly 20 miles, entering from Henry County in the east and exiting toward LaSalle County, with interchanges at Illinois Route 26 near Princeton and U.S. Route 34/Illinois Route 92.[26][28] I-80 connects to Interstate 180 (I-180) north of Princeton, providing access to the Illinois River valley; ongoing resurfacing from the Henry County line to east of the Illinois Route 40 interchange (exit 45) reduced traffic to one lane per direction during 2024-2025 construction phases.[29] Other key routes include U.S. Route 6 (Lincoln Highway) paralleling I-80 eastward, U.S. Route 34 running northwest-southeast through Princeton, Illinois Route 26 as a north-south artery, and secondary state roads such as Illinois Routes 29, 40, 89, and 92 serving rural connections.[4] Rail service includes about 100 miles of active track, primarily operated by the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) on a north-south line through Princeton and the BNSF Railway on an east-west alignment, facilitating freight for agriculture and manufacturing.[26] Historically, the LaSalle and Bureau County Railroad operated a 15-mile shortline from 1892 until abandonment in the late 20th century, connecting to larger carriers like the Rock Island and Illinois Central.[30] Air transportation relies on general aviation facilities, with Foley Airport (FAA LID: 72LL), a private airstrip 3 miles north of Princeton featuring a 2,600-foot turf runway, serving local pilots; no commercial service operates within the county, with the nearest airports being Peoria International (50 miles south) and Quad City International (59 miles west).[31][32] Public transit is minimal, limited to demand-response services for seniors and disabled residents coordinated by the county.[26]Historical Timeline
Indigenous Occupation and Early European Contact
The territory now known as Bureau County was primarily occupied by Algonquian-speaking Indigenous groups, including the Potawatomi, who established villages and utilized the area's river valleys and prairies for agriculture, hunting, and seasonal migrations.[1][6] The Potawatomi, in particular, maintained settlements in locales such as the vicinity of Tiskilwa, where they practiced maize cultivation alongside gathering wild resources from the wooded bluffs and waterways.[1] Adjacent Sauk and Fox bands also frequented the region for hunting grounds along the Illinois River, with evidence of their presence in northwestern Illinois dating to at least the early 18th century.[33] These groups coexisted with occasional intertribal tensions but shared the landscape until European encroachment disrupted traditional land use patterns. Initial European contact in the area began with French fur traders navigating the Illinois River system during the late 18th century, exploiting Indigenous networks for pelts from beaver, deer, and other game.[34] A notable early figure was Pierre de Beuro, a French trader who established a post near the mouth of Bureau Creek around the period of American independence in 1776, facilitating exchanges of European goods like metal tools and cloth for furs and provisioning Indigenous trappers.[1] By the early 19th century, American traders such as Hubbard of the North-Western Fur Company had constructed cabins opposite the Bureau Creek outlet on the Illinois River, intensifying commercial ties but also introducing diseases and alcohol that eroded tribal self-sufficiency.[34] These interactions, initially cooperative, sowed seeds of displacement as settler demands for farmland grew, evidenced by treaties like those of 1816 and 1829 ceding Potawatomi and Sauk lands in northern Illinois to the United States.[35] Tensions escalated during the Black Hawk War of 1832, when Sauk leader Black Hawk's band, resisting removal east of the Mississippi, raided settlements in the Bureau area, including the killing of settler Elijah Phillips at Ament's Cabin.[36][37] This conflict prompted the construction of Fort Thomas on June 10, 1828—later reinforced during the war—as the first defensive structure in the county, with settlers fleeing southward amid fears of broader attacks on Bureau Creek farmsteads.[37] The war's outcome, including decisive U.S. victories, accelerated Indigenous removal via subsequent treaties, vacating the region for white settlement by the mid-1830s and marking the effective end of sustained Native presence.[36]19th-Century Settlement and County Organization
Settlement in Bureau County commenced in the late 1820s amid the broader westward expansion into northern Illinois, then a sparsely populated wilderness. The first permanent white settlers were Henry Thomas and his family, who arrived on May 5, 1828, in Bureau Township near the Illinois River. Thomas established the area's inaugural post office in 1830, designated "Bureau," facilitating communication for early pioneers.[38][39][40] Expansion accelerated in the early 1830s as migrants from New England and Mid-Atlantic states sought arable prairie land for agriculture. In 1831, a group of emigrants from Northampton, Massachusetts, founded the settlement that evolved into Princeton, the future county seat, marking a key influx of Yankee settlers. Additional pioneers, including the Ament brothers who built the first structure in Walnut Township in 1828, contributed to dispersed homesteads focused on farming and self-sufficiency.[12][41][42] By 1836, the burgeoning population west of the Illinois River, initially under Putnam County's jurisdiction, sought administrative independence due to geographic separation and governance challenges. Local residents petitioned the Illinois General Assembly for detachment, leading to the enactment of Bureau County on February 28, 1837, carved directly from Putnam County. The new county's organization was formalized on April 3, 1837, with Princeton selected as seat, reflecting the concentration of early settlement there. Boundaries defined at creation—encompassing approximately 863 square miles—have persisted without alteration.[1][5][9][8]Industrial and Agricultural Expansion (Late 19th-Early 20th Century)
During the late 19th century, agricultural production in Bureau County expanded significantly due to the adoption of mechanical improvements and infrastructure that enhanced soil utilization and market access. The completion of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad through Princeton in 1854, with further extensions in subsequent decades, enabled efficient transport of crops such as corn, wheat, oats, and hay to larger markets, reducing spoilage and increasing profitability for farmers. [43] Tile drainage systems, increasingly implemented from the 1870s onward, transformed previously marshy prairies into arable land, boosting yields on the county's rich black soil; by 1885, Bureau County was noted for its substantial output in grain and livestock, contributing to Illinois ranking third nationally in agricultural products and employment in farming. Livestock raising, including cattle and hogs, also grew, supported by improved breeding and fodder from expanded corn acreage, with local directories by 1916 highlighting diversified operations that included dairy and poultry alongside grains. [44] Industrial development centered on coal mining, which surged after the establishment of Spring Valley in 1884 as the county's primary mining hub. The Spring Valley Coal Company opened Mine No. 1 in 1884, extracting from the Illinois No. 2 seam, with operations continuing until 1925 and employing hundreds in underground extraction using room-and-pillar methods. [45] By 1913, the company's four mines supported 2,500 workers, producing coal for regional railroads and industries amid Illinois' broader coal boom, though hazards like roof falls and gas explosions were common. [46] The Ladd Mine, operational from 1888 to 1924 in nearby Ladd, further exemplified this growth, tapping the Third Vein coal reserves and drawing immigrant labor to process thousands of tons annually. These mines, concentrated in eastern Bureau County, fueled local economic activity through 1920, with output peaking before depletion and labor disputes prompted diversification. [47] Limited manufacturing complemented these sectors, particularly in Princeton, where late-19th-century establishments included mills, tub factories, and distilleries that processed agricultural outputs into goods like barrels and spirits for rail shipment. [48] Overall, the interplay of rail connectivity and resource extraction drove population influx and capital investment, though agriculture remained dominant, with coal providing episodic booms vulnerable to market fluctuations and safety risks inherent to manual deep-shaft operations. [49]Post-World War II Developments and Recent History
Following World War II, Bureau County's economy continued to revolve around agriculture, with mechanization and technological advancements driving significant productivity gains in corn and soybean production, though these changes reduced the labor demands of farming and contributed to gradual farm consolidation. The county's population remained relatively stable during this period, recording 37,594 residents in 1960 and reaching a peak of 39,114 in 1980, supported by steady agricultural output and emerging manufacturing sectors such as fabricated metals and machinery manufacturing, which employed hundreds in facilities like those producing industrial hardware.[50][51][52] By the late 20th century, population decline set in as rural outmigration accelerated, driven by fewer on-farm jobs and limited non-agricultural opportunities compared to urban areas, dropping to 35,688 by 1990 and 35,503 by 2000; manufacturing provided some buffer, with sectors like metal fabrication sustaining over 700 jobs into the 2010s, but overall labor force participation stagnated amid broader Illinois rural trends. Agriculture adapted with larger operations—farm numbers rose modestly from 1,091 in 2002 to 1,189 in 2007—boosting the market value of products sold by 49% to $303 million in that period, while the county ranked seventh statewide in total cash receipts from crops and livestock by 2010.[51][52][14] In recent decades, the population has continued to fall to 33,244 by 2020 and approximately 32,828 by 2022, reflecting ongoing challenges like aging demographics and net domestic outmigration, though median household income held at around $65,894 with manufacturing remaining the top employer at over 2,400 jobs. Wind energy has emerged as a growth sector, with the Crescent Ridge wind farm operational since the early 2000s and projects like Providence Heights (72 MW capacity) and upcoming developments such as Braided Creek (147 MW, construction slated for 2027) adding revenue through leases and local economic activity. Initiatives like the Bureau County Economic Development group and the North Central Illinois Economic Development District's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, active since 2006, aim to attract manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology firms by leveraging interstate access and targeting high-tax burdens as a hurdle.[53][2][54][55][52]Economic Foundations
Dominant Role of Agriculture
Agriculture constitutes the primary economic driver in Bureau County, with 1,138 farms operating on 455,336 acres of land as of 2022, representing a substantial portion of the county's approximately 860 square miles of total area.[3] These operations generated a total market value of agricultural products sold exceeding $564 million in 2022, a 57% increase from 2017 levels, underscoring the sector's robust output amid fluctuating commodity markets.[3] Net cash farm income reached $221 million in the same year, reflecting a sharp 128% rise driven by higher crop prices and yields despite elevated production expenses of $374 million.[3] Crops account for 90% of agricultural sales, totaling $510 million, with corn for grain and soybeans as the dominant commodities, cultivated on 229,049 acres and 161,728 acres respectively.[3] This emphasis on row crops aligns with the county's fertile prairie soils and flat topography, which facilitate large-scale mechanized farming and contribute to Bureau County's ranking among Illinois's top agricultural producers.[14] Livestock, comprising 10% of sales at $55 million, includes significant hog production with 69,875 head inventoried, alongside smaller cattle inventories of 7,520 head, providing diversification but secondary to crop revenues.[3] The sector's dominance is further evidenced by its structure: 92% of farms are family-owned, with an average size of 400 acres and 28% hiring farm labor, supporting local employment in a county with a total workforce of about 16,000.[3][2] Agriculture's high-value output, bolstered by proximity to transportation networks like Interstate 80, sustains rural economic stability and influences land values, with recent farmland sales averaging over $13,000 per acre.[14][56] Despite comprising a modest direct share of total employment—concentrated in high-earning roles for male workers at a median of $68,438—the industry's multiplier effects through inputs, processing, and exports amplify its foundational role in the local economy.[2]Manufacturing and Other Industries
Manufacturing constitutes the primary non-agricultural economic sector in Bureau County, employing 2,421 residents in 2023, surpassing retail trade (2,376 employees) and health care (2,031 employees).[2] This sector accounted for approximately 10.1% of total employment in the county as of 2024, with 1,358 workers across 49 establishments.[57] Key subsectors include fabricated metal product manufacturing, which supported 744 jobs, and machinery manufacturing with 328 positions, reflecting the county's historical ties to industrial production adapted to modern machinery and components.[52] Prominent manufacturing firms in the county include LCN, a hardware producer employing 275 workers; L.W. Schneider, Inc., focused on industrial machinery with 265 employees; and Gardner Denver, Inc. (now part of Champion Gardner Denver), which manufactures air compressors and employs 120 individuals in Princeton.[52][58] Smaller operations, such as Tee Group (polyethylene film production, 60 employees) and Riverfront Machine, Inc. (filters and components, 80 employees), contribute to diversified output in plastics and precision parts.[52] These enterprises leverage the county's central Illinois location for logistics, though employment figures from detailed surveys date to 2011 and may understate current scale given statewide manufacturing resilience.[59] Beyond manufacturing, warehousing and storage emerged as a significant secondary industry, employing 1,058 workers and supporting distribution tied to regional agriculture and goods handling.[52] Construction and mining, including vestiges of historical coal operations from the 19th and early 20th centuries, play minor roles today, with limited active extraction focused on aggregates rather than coal.[60] Food services, credit intermediation, and ambulatory health services round out non-primary sectors, but manufacturing remains the anchor for value-added production amid the county's rural-industrial mix.[52]Economic Challenges and Policy Impacts
Bureau County's economy grapples with chronic population decline, which shrank the resident count from 33,203 in 2022 to 33,027 in 2023, eroding the local labor pool and straining fiscal resources for public services and infrastructure maintenance.[2] This trend mirrors broader rural depopulation patterns driven by limited job opportunities outside agriculture and manufacturing, compounded by an aging demographic with a median age of 44.1 years that reduces workforce participation rates.[61] The manufacturing sector, historically a pillar alongside agriculture, has undergone substantial contraction, aligning with Illinois' 33.5% loss of manufacturing employment since 2000 amid automation, offshoring, and regulatory pressures.[62] In Bureau County, employment across leading industries fell by 13% in the measured period, reflecting plant closures and reduced hiring that diminish taxable payrolls and local spending power.[2] Unemployment hovered around 5.2% through 2023-2025, exceeding national averages and signaling underutilized capacity in a county where industrial output once supported diversified livelihoods.[61][63] Agriculture dominates economic output as one of Illinois' top-producing counties for corn and soybeans, yet its monoculture focus exposes producers to volatile global prices, trade disruptions, and climatic variability.[14] Federal subsidies have totaled $711 million from 1995 to 2024, with $13.28 million disbursed in 2023 alone, primarily through crop insurance and direct payments that buffer losses but incentivize high-risk planting on marginal lands.[64][65] These subsidies, embedded in recurring Farm Bills, sustain short-term viability but foster dependency that discourages crop rotation or diversification, amplifying vulnerability to events like flooding or droughts despite premium support for insurers.[66][67] State-level policies, including Illinois' third-highest national unemployment ranking at 5.2% in December 2024, stem from high property and business taxes alongside regulatory burdens that deter reinvestment in manufacturing and agribusiness expansion.[68] Such fiscal structures accelerate outmigration and capital flight, perpetuating a cycle of economic contraction without targeted reforms to enhance competitiveness.[69]Demographic Profile
Population Dynamics and Trends
The population of Bureau County has declined steadily since at least 2010, mirroring patterns of rural depopulation in the Midwest driven by net out-migration and natural decrease from low birth rates amid an aging demographic. The 2010 United States Census recorded 34,959 residents, falling to 33,244 by the 2020 Census—a 4.9% decrease over the decade.[53] [70] Post-2020 estimates confirm the ongoing trend, with the population at 32,828 in 2022 and 32,486 in 2024, reflecting annual declines averaging 0.6% to 1.1% in recent years.[53] [61] Projections indicate a further drop to 32,216 by 2025, assuming continued annual contraction of about 0.8%.[71] Key drivers include domestic out-migration, primarily of working-age residents seeking employment elsewhere, compounded by natural decrease as deaths exceed births in a county with a median age of 44.1 years.[2] [72] Over 90% of residents remained in the same house from the prior year in recent data, but net county-level losses persist due to outflows to urban areas or other states.[72] Economic factors, such as stagnation in manufacturing and agriculture, contribute to youth exodus, while Illinois-wide trends amplify this through higher state taxes and regulatory burdens prompting interstate moves.[73] [74]| Year | Population | Percent Change from Prior Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,959 | - |
| 2020 | 33,244 | -4.9% (decade) |
| 2022 | 32,828 | -1.2% |
| 2024 | 32,486 | -0.4% (est.) |
Socioeconomic Indicators
Bureau County exhibits socioeconomic characteristics typical of rural Midwestern counties, with median household income lagging behind state and national averages amid reliance on agriculture and manufacturing. The median household income stood at $65,894 in 2023, below Illinois's $80,300 and the U.S. median of approximately $75,000 for the same period.[2][76] The poverty rate was 12.6% in recent estimates, slightly above Illinois's 11.7% but aligned with national figures around 12%.[77][78] Educational attainment reflects practical workforce needs, with 91% of residents aged 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher, comparable to Illinois's 90.3%. However, only about 15-20% possess a bachelor's degree or higher, lower than the state average of 36% and indicative of limited access to higher education institutions in the region.[77]| Indicator | Bureau County | Illinois | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income (2023) | $65,894 | $80,300 | ~$75,000 |
| Poverty Rate (latest ACS) | 12.6% | 11.7% | ~12% |
| Unemployment Rate (2024-25 est.) | 5.2% | 4.4% | ~4.1% |
| Homeownership Rate (2023) | 78.3% | 68.5% | ~65% |
| High School or Higher (25+) | 91% | 90.3% | 89.4% |
Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Composition
As of the 2020 United States Census, Bureau County's population of 33,244 was composed primarily of individuals identifying as White, with non-Hispanic Whites accounting for 85.4% of residents.[2] Hispanic or Latino residents of any race represented 9.8%, marking an increase from prior decades and reflecting broader trends in Illinois rural counties where Mexican-origin populations have grown due to agricultural labor migration.[71] Black or African American residents comprised 0.8%, Asian residents 0.9%, American Indian and Alaska Native 0.2%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander less than 0.1%, and those identifying with two or more races 3.0%.[2] These figures indicate a relatively homogeneous racial profile, with non-White groups totaling under 15% and minimal presence of sub-Saharan African, East Asian, or Indigenous North American ancestries beyond historical traces.[82]| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage (2020) | Approximate Number |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 85.4% | 28,400 |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9.8% | 3,260 |
| Two or more races | 3.0% | 1,000 |
| Black or African American | 0.8% | 270 |
| Asian | 0.9% | 300 |
| Other groups combined | <0.1% | <30 |
Government and Political Landscape
County Governance Structure
Bureau County, Illinois, operates under the township form of government, which was adopted on November 6, 1849, and features a County Board of Supervisors as the primary governing body since 1850.[5] This structure aligns with the majority of Illinois counties, where the board serves dual legislative and executive functions, including enacting ordinances, adopting resolutions, levying taxes, and approving annual budgets for county operations.[85] The board oversees essential services such as highway maintenance, public health administration, zoning enforcement, and economic development initiatives, while township-level officials handle localized road districts, poor relief, and assessments within their jurisdictions.[86] The County Board comprises 18 members, each elected from single-member districts to staggered four-year terms, ensuring continuity in governance.[87] [88] Elections occur in even-numbered years during consolidated primary and general elections, with district boundaries apportioned based on population to reflect the county's approximately 33,000 residents as of the 2020 census.[89] The board elects its chairperson internally; as of recent records, Marshann Entwhistle serves in this role, presiding over monthly meetings and appointing members to standing committees on topics including transportation, finance, and personnel.[90] In addition to the board, county governance includes seven principal elected row officers mandated by the Illinois Constitution: the county clerk (who also serves as recorder and manages board records), treasurer, sheriff, coroner, circuit clerk, state's attorney, and supervisor of assessments.[91] These officials operate independently but coordinate with the board on fiscal and administrative matters; for instance, the sheriff enforces laws and manages the county jail, while the treasurer collects property taxes funding board-approved expenditures. Township supervisors, numbering one per each of the county's 13 townships, participate in county board proceedings but hold separate elections for local duties like property assessment appeals and relief administration.[92] This layered structure promotes decentralized decision-making suited to rural needs, though it can complicate unified policy implementation compared to commission forms in other counties.[93]Electoral History and Voting Patterns
Bureau County has demonstrated a strong Republican preference in presidential elections over recent decades, supporting the Republican nominee in five of the six contests from 2000 to 2020, with the sole deviation occurring in 2008 when Barack Obama secured the county amid a national Democratic wave driven by economic concerns following the financial crisis.[94] This pattern reflects the county's rural, agrarian base, where voters prioritize policies favoring agricultural deregulation, trade protections, and limited federal intervention, contrasting with Illinois's overall Democratic tilt concentrated in urban centers like Chicago.[94] In the 2020 presidential election, Republican Donald Trump won Bureau County with 59.7% of the vote (10,411 votes) to Democrat Joe Biden's 38.3% (6,669 votes), yielding a margin of over 3,700 votes amid a reported voter turnout of 73%.[95][96] This outcome exceeded Trump's statewide performance in Illinois (40.5%), underscoring the county's divergence from urban-dominated state trends.[95] The 2024 election reinforced this Republican stronghold, as Trump garnered 9,784 votes to Democrat Kamala Harris's 5,900, with independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receiving 308 votes, representing approximately 61% support for Trump in a total of about 15,992 ballots cast.[97]| Year | Republican Candidate | Votes (%) | Democratic Candidate | Votes (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Donald Trump | 10,411 (59.7%) | Joe Biden | 6,669 (38.3%) |
| 2024 | Donald Trump | 9,784 (~61%) | Kamala Harris | 5,900 (~37%) |
Local Policy Issues
In response to increased migrant arrivals facilitated by bus services from Chicago, the Bureau County Board passed an ordinance on July 10, 2024, prohibiting unscheduled drop-offs of individuals without prior coordination with local authorities, including provisions for the sheriff's office to impound vehicles and impose fines up to $1,000 per violation.[99] This measure aimed to prevent overburdening county resources, as similar drop-offs had strained services in other Illinois communities. Earlier, on February 13, 2024, the board approved a non-sanctuary resolution by an 11-6 vote, affirming cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and prioritizing local taxpayers amid limited shelter and welfare capacities.[100][101] Criminal justice policies have included debates over jail operations and inmate housing. In January 2025, the board reviewed but postponed a vote on an intergovernmental agreement to house up to 50 inmates from Cook County, potentially generating revenue of $100 per inmate per day to offset operational costs exceeding $2 million annually, though concerns arose regarding facility strain and public safety.[102] Such arrangements reflect broader rural county strategies to utilize excess jail capacity amid Illinois' prison overcrowding, but local opposition highlighted risks of importing urban crime dynamics. Governance appointments have sparked contention, as evidenced by the board's August 8, 2023, denial of Beth Welbers' reappointment to the Bureau County Board of Review, citing unspecified performance issues despite her prior service, while approving five other nominees; this decision drew criticism from supporters alleging political motivations in a county with a moderately conservative voting profile where 61.9% supported Republican candidates in the 2020 presidential election.[103][94] Zoning and land-use policies continue to address agricultural preservation, with ongoing hearings such as the October 2024 review of grain storage expansions under the county's comprehensive plan, which identifies challenges like drainage management and development pressures without altering boundaries fixed since 1837.[104][105]Communities and Settlements
Incorporated Municipalities
The incorporated municipalities of Bureau County consist of two cities and fifteen villages, serving as the primary urban centers amid a predominantly rural landscape. Princeton, the county seat and largest city, recorded a population of 7,499 in the 2020 United States Census, functioning as the administrative and commercial hub with government offices, retail, and services supporting the region's agricultural economy. Spring Valley, the second city, had 5,582 residents in 2020 and lies along the Illinois River, historically tied to coal mining and manufacturing, though now featuring light industry and proximity to Interstate 80 for logistics. The villages, generally smaller and focused on farming communities or former rail stops, vary in size from under 200 to over 1,500 residents. DePue, with 1,595 people, stands out for its industrial past, including zinc processing that led to environmental remediation efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the 2010s due to legacy contamination. Walnut, at 1,461, supports agriculture and small businesses near the county's western edge. The remaining villages primarily facilitate rural living, with economies centered on crop production, equipment sales, and limited local commerce.| Municipality | Type | 2020 Population |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Village | 182 |
| Buda | Village | 541 |
| Bureau | Village | 337 |
| Cherry | Village | 474 |
| Dalzell | Village | 665 |
| DePue | Village | 1,595 |
| Dover | Village | 150 |
| La Moille | Village | 285 |
| Malden | Village | 343 |
| Manlius | Village | 355 |
| Neponset | Village | 327 |
| Ohio | Village | 305 |
| Sheffield | Village | 815 |
| Tiskilwa | Village | 829 |
| Walnut | Village | 1,461 |
| Wyanet | Village | 1,008 |
Townships and Unincorporated Areas
Bureau County is divided into 25 civil townships, which operate as units of local government under Illinois law, providing services including general assistance to the poor, property assessment administration, and maintenance of rural roads.[92] These townships were established following the county's organization in 1837, with boundaries generally aligned to the federal public land survey system of sections, townships, and ranges.[1] The townships are:- Arispie
- Berlin
- Bureau
- Clarion
- Concord
- Dover
- Fairfield
- Gold
- Greenville
- Hall
- Indiantown
- La Moille
- Leepertown
- Macon
- Manlius
- Mineral
- Myer
- Neponset
- Ohio
- Princeton
- Selby
- Strothe
- Vermilion
- Walnut
- Westfield[1]