The Mississippi River forms the western border of Madison County, whose population is 269,646. Much of the population and employment is centered in the county seat, Edwardsville, and other small cities like Alton.
| Demographics |
| Population |
| Population |
269,646 |
| Households |
108,555 |
| Average Age |
37 |
| Educational Attainment |
| High School Graduates |
88.6% |
| Associate Degree |
30.8% |
| Bachelor's Degree |
22.6% |
| Graduate Degree |
7.9% |
| Income |
| Median Household Income |
$51,542 |
| Per Capita Income |
$25,873 |
| Employment by Industry |
| Agriculture, Mining |
0.8% |
| Construction |
5.8% |
| Trade, Transp., Utilities |
21.3% |
| Manufacturing |
16.1% |
| Public Administration |
3.6% |
| Financial services |
5.1% |
| Information |
2.2% |
| Education and Health |
21.9% |
| Leisure and Hospitality |
8.8% |
| Professional Bus. Services |
6.5% |
| Other services |
7.8% |
| Labor Characteristics |
| Labor Force |
137,229 |
| Population, 16+ |
209,929 |
| Unemployment Rate: |
9.3% |
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| Largest Employers |
| Company |
Industry |
Employment |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville |
Education |
2450 |
| U.S. Steel |
Manufacturing |
2250 |
| Olin Brass |
Manufacturing |
1800 |
| Madison County |
Government |
1130 |
| Gateway Regional Medical Center |
Health Care |
1050 |
| St. Anthony's Health Center |
Health Care |
950 |
| Southwestern Illinois Health Facilities Inc. |
Health Care |
950 |
| DuCoa Company |
Manufacturing |
900 |
| American Steel Foundries |
Manufacturing |
810 |
| Conoco Philips Wood River Refining Co. |
Utilities |
809 |
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