Since before 1790, people have been nestling into St. Clair County, Illinois, as their ideal place to call home. Rich in history, St. Clair County is the eldest county in the state and the most populous in the southern portion of Illinois.
Built on steam railroads and the smokestack and coal industries, the area boasts a collection of diverse architecture, both residentially and commercially, with heavy German influence.
Today, St. Clair County boasts a bustling public transportation system, outstanding schools, a strong workforce, and a wide variety of things to do both indoors and out.
Things to Do in St. Clair County
Start your journey through St. Clair County with a touch of history by visiting the St. Clair County Historical Society Victorian House museum showcasing 150 years of history.
Or, visit the Labor and Industry Museum featuring the history of German migration and the smokestack and coal industries, steam railroads, and a fascination with various modes of transportation.
St. Peter’s Cathedral is another favorite landmark, the state’s largest cathedral, completed in 1866.
For a touch of art and culture, visit the William & Florence Schmidt Art Center, an exhibit of more than 400 pieces in a gallery that spans 6,800 square feet.
For more traditional fun, visit the Family Sportsplex featuring indoor soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball.
And then there’s The Edge, a family entertainment center offering classic fun like bowling and movies to adrenaline-pumping activities like laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, and more, along with a casual restaurant for feeding hungry appetites.
Homes for Sale in St. Clair County
Education in St. Clair County
There are 35 school districts in St. Clair County, managed by the St. Clair Regional Office of Education. Within the zones, St. Clair County is home to 93 schools and 42,895 students enrolled.
Freeburg Elementary, Smithton Elementary, and J Emmett Hinchcliffe Senior Elementary School stand above the rest based on combined math and reading test scores.
St. Clair County also houses numerous parochial and private schools throughout the region.
Higher education is close at hand in St. Clair County. In Belleville, there’s Southern Illinois College – Belleville and Lindwood University. In Lebanon is McKendree University, and there are a total of 52 colleges within 100 miles of Belleville.
The Climate in St. Clair County
St. Clair County enjoys a total of 202 sunny days per year, on par with the US average of 205 days of sunshine. Summer temperatures are mild, staying far below 100 degrees at just 89 degrees in July.
On average, St. Clair experiences 99 days per year with measurable precipitation. As a result, the county receives about 42 inches of rain, which is about four inches less than the national average.
Additionally, St. Clair County experiences 13 inches of snow per year, less than half of the US average.
Winter lows in St. Clair County drop below freezing to 22 degrees in January.
Public Transportation in St. Clair County
St. Clair County, in conjunction with other providers, make it easy to get from one place to another efficiently. There are 11 St. Clair MetroLink stations throughout the county, as well as services by Metrobus and Madison County Transit.
Uber, Lyft, and additional rideshare services are available for curbside service.
For air travel, guests and residents of St. Clair County depend on the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
Living in St. Clair County
St. Clair County, Illinois, is comprised of 11 cities, 21 villages, five census-designated places, six unincorporated areas, and 21 townships. The city of Belleville, the county’s largest city, serves as the county seat.
More than 250,000 people have chosen to make themselves at home in St. Clair County, Illinois, a county that spans 664 square miles of land with an additional 10.1 square miles of water.
Among the residents of St. Clair County, the annual median household income is estimated at $51,670, slightly below the Illinois average yearly household income of around $62,992.
Single-family homes in St. Clair County have a median value of about $128,500, making it more affordable than the state’s average home value of $195,300.
Conclusion
St. Clair County, Illinois, is a collection of hard-working communities who appreciate their local history while embracing growth and stretching into the future.
In St. Clair County, you’ll find efficient transportation, outstanding public and private schools, and affordable living at its best.
From museums and art galleries to bumper cars and bowling, there’s always something to do for all ages in St. Clair County, Illinois.
When you’re ready to make yourself at home in Illinois, consider living in St. Clair County.
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