About Boone County, Illinois

Boone County is a unique slice of history and nature in northern Illinois. Named for the great American frontiersman Daniel Boone, Boone County still offers some of the most stunning natural beauty in the state, and beyond. Boone County is made up of nine distinct townships with Belvidere as its county seat. The entire area is known for its commitment to protecting and enjoying nature, but there is also a strong industrial presence. In Boone County, you get the best of both worlds!

Learn more about living in Boone County, Illinois.

Boone County Home & Community Information

Boone County's total population of 53,940 has been growing at a brisk pace since 2000, with 81% of those residents living in urban areas. The cost of living here is about 15% below national averages, and the area also posts strong employment, median income, and home value numbers compared to state averages. You'll find that Boone County's demographics are quite similar to Illinois as a whole. In fact, the average age of 36 years is exactly the same as the state average. Search Boone County homes for sale by city.

Schools & Education

Boone County is served by five different school districts: Community Unit School District 100, Harvard Community Unit School District 50, Hiawatha Community Unit School District 426, North Boone Community School District 200, and Rockford Public Schools. The North Boone District has an especially strong reputation for early childhood education, with Manchester Elementary School and Poplar Grove Elementary School leading the way. Colleges in the area include Kishwaukee College, Rock Valley College, and Northern Illinois University. Search homes for sale in Boone County by school district.

Job Opportunities

The employment landscape in Boone County is diverse, with everything from agriculture to heavy industry. Farms in the area create many jobs, in addition to providing fresh, local food for residents. Boone County is also home to a booming industrial sector, especially in manufacturing. Construction, production, management, and material moving jobs all beat state averages. Thriving industry means plenty of heavy machinery, so you'll also find opportunities in installation and repair. Local small businesses complete the employment picture, and also add plenty of flair to local culture.

Things to Do in Boone County

Boone County offers something for everyone, especially if you love the great outdoors. The Boone County Conservation District, which focuses on preserving the area's natural beauty, also puts on many events for the community. The Autumn Pioneer Festival is one of the best, transporting you back to the days when Illinois was frontier territory. And you don't have to wait until the leaves start falling for family fun—the Boone County Fair is a must-see stop every summer. The Boone County Historical Museum is another local favorite, and does a great job showcasing the area's history.

Boone County, IL Real Estate Services

You can easily search for homes for sale in Boone County, IL with our team of local real estate experts. Get started by contacting us to find all of the best Boone County real estate listings today!