Herrin
RANK #184 / 996 NAT · #15 / 28 IL · POP 67,120
1YR FORECAST: +2.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +32%
Marion, the county seat of Williamson County, Illinois, is known for its local restaurants, including Italian and barbecue establishments. Located in Southern Illinois, often called "Little Egypt," the county is approximately two hours southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The community offers a slower pace of life with access to outdoor recreation, including Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting across its 44,000 acres. Williamson County also features various local parks with walking paths and lakes. Life in Williamson County often appeals to families, with public schools generally performing above average. The economy is supported by sectors such as healthcare, retail, and educational services. The county has seen investment in energy-related industries, contributing to job growth. Williamson County also participates in an Enterprise Zone program, offering tax incentives for new construction and significant renovations, which can include residential properties.
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Marion North Battery Storage
Unknown
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Ordill Battery Storage
Unknown
|
$190M | Planned |
|
Illinois 37 Resurfacing and Roundabout
Illinois Department of Transportation
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Oasis Sports Complex
Unknown
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort Expansion
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Williamson County ranks #184 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 81/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.8% and a median household income of $60,325 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Williamson County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $139,500, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.43 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $824/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Williamson County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs +0.8%. Home values shifted +2.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.29% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Williamson County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.