A Road Trip Through Small Towns in Rural Illinois

Alright, folks, buckle up and get ready for an incredible road trip through the small towns of rural Illinois! In this video, titled “A Road Trip Through Small Towns in Rural Illinois,” you’ll get an up-close and personal look at the unique characteristics of each town. First up is Panna, a town that has experienced a slight decrease in population over the years. With its predominantly white population and average crime rate, Panna sets the stage for our journey. Moving on to Omen, a town with a higher median age, we’ll explore its white majority population and low poverty rate. Next, we’ll visit Nokomis, where a young population thrives, accompanied by a median household income that exceeds the national average. Witt, our fourth stop, tells a poignant story of population decline but boasts a very low crime rate. Finally, we’ll make our way to the quaint town of Irving, where limited information is provided but its population breakdown and demographics give us a glimpse into its unique character. Stick around to learn more about these fascinating towns in rural Illinois, and get ready to be captivated by their charm and peculiarities!

Panna

Population and Demographics

Panna, a small city located in rural Illinois, has seen a decrease in population over the years. In 1960, the town had a population of 6,400, which has now decreased to 5,200. The town is predominantly white, with a racial breakdown of 97% white, 1% Asian, and 1% other/mixed. In terms of gender, the town has a relatively balanced breakdown, with 52% female and 48% male residents.

Income and Poverty

When it comes to income, Panna has a median household income of $50,800 per year, which equates to around $974 per week. The per capita income in the town is $24,700 per year or $475 per week. While the town’s income levels are slightly higher than the national average, it is still considered a relatively moderate income range.

The poverty rate in Panna is 11.7%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 12.6%. However, it is important to note that poverty remains a significant issue in the town, with 30% of children aged 17 and under living in poverty. Efforts are being made to address poverty and improve the economic conditions in the town.

Crime Rate

In terms of crime, Panna has a relatively average crime rate compared to the national average. The town experiences 24 incidents per 1000 people, which aligns closely with the national average of 23 incidents per 1000 people. While Panna is not completely immune to crime, it is considered a relatively safe community overall.

Omen

Population and Demographics

Omen, another small town in rural Illinois, presents a different demographic profile compared to Panna. The town has a higher median age of 66, with 76% of the population being 60 years or older. Younger residents, those between 20 to 29 years of age, account for only 1% of the population. This demographic breakdown indicates a significant aging population, with fewer younger individuals residing in Omen.

In terms of gender distribution, Omen has a relatively balanced breakdown, with 52% female and 48% male residents.

Income and Poverty

Omen has a median household income of $43,000 per year, which translates to approximately $827 per week. The per capita income is $20,400 per year or $390 per week. While the town’s income levels are lower than the national average, they still fall within a moderate range.

The poverty rate in Omen is notably low, standing at 6.9%. This is less than half of the national average of 12.6%. Omen’s low poverty rate indicates a relatively economically stable community.

Crime Rate

Surprisingly, Omen has a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average. The town experiences 29 incidents per 1000 people, while the national average sits at 23 incidents per 1000 people. Although the crime rate is higher than average, Omen is still considered a safe town overall.

Nokomis

Population and Demographics

Nokomis is a small town with a population of around 2,100. The town experienced its peak population in 1920, with over 3,400 residents. The median age in Nokomis is 36, indicating a relatively younger population compared to Panna and Omen. In terms of gender breakdown, Nokomis has 53% female and 47% male residents.

Income and Poverty

Nokomis boasts a slightly higher median household income compared to both Panna and Omen. The median household income in the town is $55,500 per year, which equates to around $1,067 per week. The per capita income in Nokomis is $31,800 per year or $610 per week. These income levels are relatively higher than the national average.

The poverty rate in Nokomis stands at 10%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 12.6%. While efforts are still being made to combat poverty in the town, Nokomis has a relatively more economically stable community.

Crime Rate

Nokomis has a lower crime rate compared to the national average. The town experiences 20 incidents per 1000 people, while the national average is 23 incidents per 1000 people. With a relatively below-average crime rate, Nokomis is considered a safe and secure place to reside.

Witt

Population and Demographics

Witt, a small town in rural Illinois, has seen a significant decrease in population over the years. In 1920, the town had a population of 2,400, which has now dwindled to just over 600. The town has a predominantly white population, but specific demographic breakdowns are not provided.

Income and Poverty

Witt has a lower median household income compared to the other towns mentioned previously. The town’s median household income is $39,300 per year, which equates to around $756 per week. The per capita income in Witt is not specified. The town also struggles with a higher poverty rate of 16.6%, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Crime Rate

Despite the struggle with poverty, Witt has a relatively low crime rate. The town experiences minimal incidents, although specific details about the crime rate are not provided. Overall, despite its small size and economic challenges, Witt remains a safe community for its residents.

Irving

Population and Demographics

Irving is a small town in rural Illinois, with a population of approximately 370. The town has a median age of 41, indicating a relatively older population. Irving is predominantly white, but further demographic breakdowns are not provided.

Town with Peak Population in 2010

Population and Demographics

In another town visited during the road trip, the population stands at 5,900, with a peak population in 2010 of 6,200. Specific demographic breakdowns, such as race and gender, are provided for this town. The gender breakdown reveals that the town has 68% male and 32% female residents. Additionally, 12% of women in the town are widowed.

The racial breakdown in this town is as follows: 79% white, 15% black, 5% Hispanic, and 1% mixed. These demographics indicate a relatively diverse population within the town.

Income and Poverty

This town has a higher median household income compared to the previous towns visited. The median household income stands at $64,000 per year, which translates to approximately $1,230 per week. The per capita income in this town is $20,400 per year or $390 per week.

The poverty rate in this town is 16.5%, which is higher than the national average. About 24% of children aged 17 and under live in poverty. Efforts are likely being made to address poverty and provide support to those in need.

Marital Status

Interestingly, only 36% of the population in this town is married. This could indicate a higher percentage of single individuals or a higher prevalence of other marital statuses, such as divorced or widowed.

Crime Rate

The crime rate in this town is notably lower than the national average. The town experiences 19 incidents per 1000 people, while the national average stands at 23 incidents per 1000 people. With a below-average crime rate, this town is considered a safe place to reside.

Town with Peak Population in 1910

Population and Demographics

The final town visited during the road trip had a population of about 1,000. The town experienced its peak population in 1910, with over 1,200 residents. In terms of gender breakdown, the town has 52% male and 48% female residents.

The racial breakdown in this town is 91% white, 3% Hispanic, and 6% mixed. These demographics indicate a predominantly white population with a small percentage of Hispanic and mixed-race individuals.

Income and Poverty

The median household income in this town is $59,700 per year, which equates to approximately $1,148 per week. The per capita income is $30,100 per year or $580 per week. These income levels are relatively higher than the national average.

The poverty rate in this town is 16.4%. While it is not specified, efforts are likely being made to address poverty and improve the economic conditions in the town.

Crime Rate

This town has a significantly lower crime rate compared to the national average. The town experiences only 3 incidents per 1000 people, while the national average is 23 incidents per 1000 people. The low crime rate contributes to a sense of safety and security within the town.

Landmarks in Panna

Panna has several notable landmarks that showcase its history and highlights:

First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church in Panna is a beautiful architectural gem. It stands as a testament to the town’s rich history and community spirit. The church is not only an important place of worship but also serves as a gathering space for the residents.

Augustus Belt – Founder of Steak and Shake

Panna is the birthplace of Augustus Belt, the founder of the iconic fast-food chain Steak and Shake. This hometown connection adds a sense of pride to the community and serves as a reminder of the town’s contributions to popular culture.

Famous Baseball Player

Panna is also known for being the birthplace of a famous baseball player, potentially a catcher named Unser. This connection to the world of sports adds to the town’s legacy and showcases its role in producing talented individuals.

Great Old House

A great old house with a chimney stack in the middle can be found in Panna. This house serves as a visual reminder of the town’s history and architectural heritage. It captures the essence of a bygone era and adds to the charm of the community.

Saint Maurice Catholic Church

The Saint Maurice Catholic Church in Panna is an impressive religious monument. It stands as a symbol of faith and devotion for the residents. The church’s stunning architecture and historical significance make it a notable landmark in the town.

Manning and Manning Poultry Butter Eggs Business

Panna is also home to the Manning and Manning poultry butter eggs business, which has been in operation for over a century. This historic business adds to the town’s economic landscape and showcases its long-standing agricultural traditions.

Closed Hardware Store

A closed hardware store in Panna is a poignant reminder of the passing of someone named Ron. It serves as a reminder of the changing times and the impact of community members on the town’s history. The closed store adds a touch of nostalgia to Panna’s streets.

Road Trip Continues to Gary, Indiana

Introduction to Gary, Indiana

After exploring the small towns of rural Illinois, the road trip continues to Gary, Indiana. Gary is a city notorious and infamous for its challenges and struggles. As the road trip progresses, the narrator will delve into the unique aspects of Gary, shedding light on its history, demographics, and landmarks. Stay tuned for an insightful exploration of Gary, Indiana.