RANK #159 / 1001 NAT · #10 / 28 IL · POP 130,290
1YR FORECAST: +3.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
Morton, Illinois, known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World" due to its role in pumpkin processing, offers a distinctive entry point to Tazewell County. Located in central Illinois, adjacent to Peoria, the county provides a blend of urban amenities and rural landscapes. The community feel leans towards a hometown atmosphere, with many century-old buildings and family businesses contributing to its character. Outdoor recreation is accessible, with 25 recreational areas offering opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and bird watching, particularly along the Illinois and Mackinaw River valleys. Life in Tazewell County often appeals to families and young professionals, with a high homeownership rate and public schools generally rated as above average. The economy is diverse, with significant employment in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Recent economic developments include investments in data centers and energy, contributing to the county's evolving economic landscape. The county also participates in the Southern Tazewell Enterprise Zone, which offers incentives for business investment and job creation.
Tazewell County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — near the profile average on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +7.1% runs above the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Tazewell County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties · counties where safety is improving.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Pekin Data Center (Lutticken Farm)
Western Hospitality Partners (WHP)
|
$2,000M | Proposed |
|
Mackinaw Solar Farm
Doral Renewables
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Tazewell Battery Storage Project
Unknown
|
$300M | Planned |
|
Huff - Towerline 138kV Wind Project
Unknown
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Coyote Road Solar
RWE
|
$150M | In Development |
|
Rail Splitter II Wind Farm
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA)
|
$140M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Tazewell County ranks #159 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 84/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $77,982 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Tazewell County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $167,500, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.47 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $909/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Tazewell County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs -0.4%. Home values shifted +7.1% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.06% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Tazewell County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +7.1% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Tazewell County is now valued at $167,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.