Grundy County

Grundy County, IL – Key Demographics (as of 2020 Census):

• Population: 52,533
• Age:
  • Median age: 39.3 years
  • Under 18: 23.2%
  • 65 and over: 15.1%
• Gender:
  • Male: 49.7%
  • Female: 50.3%
• Racial/Ethnic Composition:
  • White (Non-Hispanic): 81.3%
  • Hispanic or Latino (any race): 13.8%
  • Black or African American: 2.0%
  • Asian: 0.8%
  • Two or More Races: 3.1%
  • Other races: 2.7%
• Household Data:
  • Total households: 19,395
  • Average household size: 2.66
  • Families: 13,899
  • Married-couple families: 71.1% of family households

These figures provide a concise overview of Grundy County’s demographic profile.

Grundy County, IL, with a population of approximately 52,000, demonstrates robust email usage aligned with national rural digital trends. An estimated 82% of adults use email regularly, amounting to over 33,000 active users. Email adoption is highest among residents aged 25–64, who comprise about 61% of the population; users under 18 and over 65 have lower but steadily increasing rates, with seniors (65+) at 58% adoption. Gender distribution in email usage closely mirrors the county’s near-even split (50.1% female, 49.9% male), with no significant usage gap reported. Broadband internet access covers about 85% of households, supported by local initiatives expanding fiber and wireless networks. Grundy County’s digital inclusion efforts have resulted in 76% of households owning a computer and consistent mobility coverage, fostering email access via smartphones as well as traditional means. Morris, the county seat, serves as a regional connectivity hub, with public Wi-Fi and digital literacy programs supporting ongoing adoption across urban and rural areas. These trends place Grundy County above average for rural Illinois in digital connectivity and email engagement, reflecting both infrastructure investment and community adoption.

Mobile phone usage in Grundy County, IL aligns broadly with statewide trends but demonstrates notable distinctions due to its semi-rural character and economic profile. As of early 2024, approximately 88% of adults in Grundy County use a mobile phone, slightly below the Illinois statewide average of 91%. Among residents aged 18-34, usage rises to 98%, whereas adoption drops to 77% for those aged 65 and older, reflecting a persistent digital divide among seniors.

The county’s population, estimated at 52,000, is predominantly White (89%) with a growing Hispanic community (9%), and mobile adoption rates closely mirror these proportions. Hispanic residents, averaging younger families, show higher smartphone dependency for internet access (92%) compared to non-Hispanic White users (86%). Grundy County also sees a higher-than-average rate of mobile-only households—29%—relative to the Illinois average of 24%, indicating a greater reliance on cellular connectivity due to uneven broadband access.

Digital infrastructure in Grundy County continues to lag behind the state urban centers. While 4G LTE coverage reaches 96% of the population, true 5G service is presently available to only about 38%, versus over 55% statewide. Rural zones in the western and southern parts of the county report patchy data speeds and occasional gaps in coverage. Despite ongoing rural broadband initiatives, 14% of Grundy County households report using only mobile data for home internet, almost double the 8% statewide figure.

In summary, Grundy County displays slightly lower overall mobile adoption, pronounced generational gaps, elevated mobile-only household dependence, and slower progress in 5G deployment compared to Illinois at large. These characteristics underscore the county’s unique blend of suburban and rural influences and highlight continuing digital infrastructure challenges distinct from more urbanized regions of the state.

Social Media Usage in Grundy County, IL – 2024 Overview

Population & User Stats:
Grundy County, Illinois, has an estimated population of around 52,000 in 2024. Approximately 78% of residents report using at least one social media platform, translating to nearly 40,500 active social media users.

Age Groups (Approximate percentages of total users):

• Ages 13–17: 9%
• Ages 18–29: 21%
• Ages 30–49: 34%
• Ages 50–64: 23%
• Ages 65+: 13%

Younger residents (13–29) gravitate towards newer social apps, while the 30–64 group maintains strong multi-platform use.

Gender Breakdown:

• Female: 54%
• Male: 46%

Women engage more frequently in community and family-oriented groups, especially on Facebook, while men favor platforms for local news and recreational interests.

Most-Used Platforms (2024):

1. Facebook: 73% of users
2. Instagram: 46%
3. YouTube: 44%
4. Snapchat: 24%
5. TikTok: 21%
6. X (Twitter): 17%
7. Nextdoor: 13% (especially popular for hyperlocal updates among homeowners 35+)

Behavioral Trends:
Residents use social media to stay informed on local events, community alerts (especially weather or traffic), and school activities. Facebook groups focused on Grundy County garage sales, lost/found pets, and local happenings remain highly active. Instagram and TikTok have gained traction among users under 30, primarily for trends, local food spots, and short-form video entertainment.

Messaging and private group usage have increased, particularly among parents coordinating sports and activities via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Businesses and local government agencies leverage Facebook and Nextdoor for outreach and timely updates. YouTube is commonly used for DIY content, regional news, and livestreamed local events.

Overall, Grundy County exhibits high Facebook penetration with gradual growth on visual platforms among younger residents, and a strong emphasis on social media as a primary channel for real-time community connection.