Pekin
RANK #30 / 996 NAT · #6 / 28 IL · POP 131,276
1YR FORECAST: +5.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +41%
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.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low 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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 996 counties.
Tazewell County ranks #30 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 97/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.9% and a median household income of $74,606 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Tazewell County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $159,100, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.47 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $850/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Tazewell County is losing population (-0.5% YoY) while the job market is essentially flat (+0.9% employment change). Home values are +9.3% over the past 12 months. A slow-bleed pattern — not a collapse, but residents are leaving faster than employers are hiring.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.32% 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 +9.3% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Tazewell County is now valued at $159,100. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.