Laurie Jenner (lajenner) Cary, IL 60013 (847) 287-1432

McHenry County is located in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of 2000, the population was 260,077. As of 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population to be 318,641. Its county seat is Woodstock, Illinois[1]. This county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is the sixth largest county, in terms of population, in the state of Illinois. Long known as a center of agriculture and recreation, it has recently grappled with rapid rates of suburbanization and urbanization

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 260,077 people, 89,403 households, and 69,287 families residing in the county. The population density was 431 people per square mile (166/km²). There were 92,908 housing units at an average density of 154 per square mile (59/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.91% White, 0.59% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.45% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.77% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 7.54% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.5% were of German, 12.2% Irish, 9.8% Polish, 8.8% Italian and 5.6% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 89.3% spoke English, 6.4% Spanish and 1.0% Polish as their first language. The population of the Polish population has doubled within the last several years.

There were 89,403 households out of which 42.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.50% were married couples living together, 7.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.50% were non-families. 18.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the county the population was spread out with 30.20% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 33.50% from 25 to 44, 21.30% from 45 to 64, and 8.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 100.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $64,826, and the median income for a family was $71,553. Males had a median income of $50,479 versus $31,141 for females. The per capita income for the county was $26,476. About 2.50% of families and 3.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.80% of those under age 18 and 3.60% of those age 65 or over.

 McHenry County has historically been a reliable stronghold for the Republican Party. The county has voted for the Republican candidate for President in almost every election for at least the past 50 years. Recent elections in 2004 and 2000 saw George W. Bush capture 59.72% and 58.5% of the county vote, respectively. However in the 2008 Presidential Election, Democrat Barack Obama captured McHenry County with 52% of the vote.

McHenry County is served in the United States House of Representatives by Donald Manzullo (R, IL-16), who represents the southern and western portions of the county, and Melissa Bean (D, IL-8), who represents the northeastern parts of the county.

In the Illinois Senate, McHenry County is served by Pamela Althoff (R) and William Peterson (R) and in the Illinois House of Representatives by Mike Tryon (R), Jack Franks (D), and Mark Beaubien, Jr. (R).

A majority of elected county officials are Republican

Above Information credit to: Wikipedia