Macon County

Across the medium-population Illinois county of Macon County of about 101,849 residents, the public-school footprint covers 43 schools and about 14,702 students.

For perspective, census numbers show the median household earns about $62,666 a year, roughly 24% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and roughly 10% of residents live below the federal poverty line. That income level is 11% meaningfully below the Illinois median.

For a sense of the school types, Macon County is made up of 19 elementary schools (8,332 students), 7 middle schools (2,197), 12 high schools (4,173), and 5 combined or other schools.

Decatur SD 61 is the biggest district by enrollment, covering about 7,840 students across Macon County.

Trend over the past 7 years. Total public-school enrollment in Macon County has declined 8% since SY 2017-18, moving from about 15,970 students to 14,702. Over that span, Macon County closed 11 schools, going from 45 to 34. The White share of public-school enrollment shrank from 60% to 54%.

On allk12, the community for Macon County discusses open enrollment windows, redistricting talk, and busing logistics. Discussions cut across districts, schools, and grade levels.