Facts & Figures
McLean County Workforce At a Glance
McLean County, the largest county by land area in Illinois, hosts numerous career, educational, and cultural opportunities for its residents. With a population of a little above 170,000 people, McLean County, specifically Bloomington-Normal, is known for its high secondary education graduation rates, with 95.1% of adults having at least a high school diploma. The McLean County area hosts numerous educational institutions, with 10 private schools and 56 public schools. We also benefit from several post-secondary and vocational training institutions such as Illinois State University and Heartland College. Business Insider even ranked us #10 in the nation for Best College Towns in America in 2017.
In addition, McLean County hosts a relatively young, and well-educated workforce, with employment in industries such as Agriculture, Business and Finance, Healthcare, and Information Technology. McLean County has the benefit of hosting large employers such as State Farm Insurance, COUNTRY Financial, and AFNI. However, entrepreneurs in McLean County benefit from a business-friendly community, affording them many opportunities to gain success right here in Central Illinois. If you're interested in starting a small business, check out the Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Sources and Additional Information
High School Graduation Rate: 93%
Source: Regional Office Of Education
Adults (age 25-64) with Postsecondary Credentials in McLean County: 62%
Source: US Census Bureau
- 15.6% Professional Degree
- 31.9% Bachelor’s Degree
- 8.5% Associates Degree
- 6% Certification
Labor Force Participation: 67%
Labor force participation rate: the proportion of the population (16 yrs and over) that is in the labor force.
Source: American Community Survey
Top Baseline Skills in Demand by Online Job Listings
Source: Labor Insight Jobs (Burning Glass Technologies)
- Communication - 743
- Physical Abilities - 393
- Organizational Skills - 368
- Teamwork/Collaboration - 367