RANK #145 / 996 · POP 53,459 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.4%
Boone County, Illinois, distinguishes itself with the historic Baltic Mill in Belvidere, a landmark built in 1845 that now serves as a cornerstone of the Belvidere Park District. Located in northern Illinois, approximately 75 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the county offers a blend of agricultural heritage and suburban development. Commuting to nearby cities like Rockford is common, and major routes including I-90 facilitate travel to Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee. The community maintains a rural feel, with outdoor recreation opportunities along the Kishwaukee River, known for its clean water and diverse wildlife, and extensive trails like the Long Prairie Trail.
Life in Boone County often appeals to families and those seeking a balance between rural character and access to urban centers. The county is served by two public school districts, Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 and North Boone Community Unit School District 200, which include several elementary, middle, and high schools. The local economy is influenced by sectors such as manufacturing and logistics, with ongoing investments in these areas. Boone County Public Transit provides door-to-door service, offering accessibility for residents.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Stellantis Belvidere Assembly Plant Retooling, Battery Plant, and Parts Distribution Center
Stellantis
|
$5,000M | Planned |
|
Microsoft Data Center (Cherry Valley)
Microsoft
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Midwest Refrigeration Services Cold Storage Facility
Midwest Refrigeration Services
|
$250M | Operating |
|
Walmart High-Tech Perishable Distribution Center (PDC)
Walmart
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
General Mills Warehouse and Distribution Center
General Mills
|
$60M | Completed |
|
Belvidere Community Solar Project (Landfill)
Ameresco, ComEd
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Boone County has a Boom Town Index score of 86/100, ranking #145 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -4.9% and a median household income of $80,502, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Boone County is $181,700 with median rent at $938/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.443, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -4.9%. Home values changed +5.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.75% of Boone County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.