RANK #284 / 996 · POP 51,672 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
Ogle County, Illinois, is characterized by its scenic sandstone bluffs along the Rock River and extensive forest preserves, offering abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Located in northern Illinois, approximately 100 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles northeast of Rockford, the county maintains a rural and hometown atmosphere. Commute times average around 26 minutes, which is slightly shorter than the national average. Towns like Oregon, the county seat, are known for their artistic heritage, featuring galleries and a sculpture trail. The community offers a blend of natural beauty and local amenities.
Life in Ogle County appeals to families and individuals seeking a quieter environment with access to nature. The public schools in Ogle County are rated above average. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans, has seen diversification. While manufacturing remains a significant employment sector, there is increasing investment in other areas. The county is actively pursuing economic development, including attracting businesses in sectors like data centers and energy, while also focusing on expanding broadband infrastructure and competitively priced housing.
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Hyper-scale AI Data Center (Potential)
Constellation Energy (site owner)
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Leaf River Wind Project
Unknown
|
$150M | Planned |
|
Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement
Nicor Gas
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ogle County has a Boom Town Index score of 72/100, ranking #284 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.9% and a median household income of $75,782, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ogle County is $172,900 with median rent at $841/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4383, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.9%. Home values changed +10.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.89% of Ogle County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.