Stark County, Illinois is located in the northwest corner of the state, bordering Iowa and Wisconsin. The county has a population of 5,843 people, with a median age of 43.7 years. The median household income is $50,619, and the poverty rate is 11.5%.
The county has a diverse economy, with the largest employers being manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and education. Manufacturing accounts for about 25% of all jobs in the county, with retail, healthcare, and education each accounting for about 10%. The unemployment rate in Stark County is 4.2%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 4.7%.
Stark County is home to several higher education institutions, including Western Illinois University, Spoon River College, and Carl Sandburg College. The county also has several public and private K-12 schools.
The real estate market in Stark County is relatively affordable. The median home value is $86,700, which is lower than the national median of $184,700. The median rent is $739, which is also lower than the national median of $949. The median household income is $50,619, which is slightly lower than the national median of $55,322.
Overall, Stark County is a diverse and affordable place to live. The economy is diverse, with manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and education being the largest employers. The real estate market is relatively affordable, with median home values and rents being lower than the national averages. The county also has several higher education institutions and public and private K-12 schools.