About McHenry County ...

www.mcedc.com

McHenry County, IL, strategically located in the heart of the business triangle between Chicago, Milwaukee & Rockford, enjoys a diversified, modern $6 billion economy with one of the fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in the region, and surging health care, pharma, medical supplies and services sectors.

This robust performance is the result of years of smart-growth, pro-business policies that have created a broad business base supplemented by vibrant manufacturing clusters with global reach.

McHenry County enjoys access to three general aviation airports and direct Metra commuter trains to Chicago as well as direct freight rail access. Interstate 90 is within a short distance from the county’s business and industrial centers, and the county’s network of road is newer and well-maintained.

Offering businesses and residents the best of both worlds: modern living and quality jobs with easy access to Chicago as well as restful towns and recreation, McHenry county’s north, south and eastern portions are home to important manufacturing, commercial and residential areas, while the western part of the county remains rural and scenic.

McHenry County by the numbers:

• $6 billion economy 
• With the current population at 308,760, population growth over the last decade was four times the rest of the state 
• Highest median income in northeastern Illinois, and lowest poverty rate 
• Second-highest percentage of residents with high school and college degrees in the region 
• Number of businesses grew 20 percent between 2000 and 2007; manufacturing sales surged 36 percent between 2002 and 2007.
• 11% of Illinois' electrical equipment manufacturing and 50% of the state's surgical equipment manufacturing is in McHenry County.
• There are more than 2,500 jobs among 55 employers in plastic products manufacturing with a concentration more than 7 times the average for a similarly sized market nationally.
• More than 1600 jobs are currently provided by printing companies locally among 51 different businesses which is 4.5 times the national average for a market of similar size. 
• Between 2000 and 2007, McHenry County added 200 businesses a year, and became the second-fastest growing Chicago collar county in terms of manufacturing output.

McHenry County at a glance

• diversified economy ranging from agribusiness, high tech, heavy manufacturing, health care, finance and professional services
• varied family living options from vintage homes, country estates, riverside communities, unique neighborhoods in and around 30 charming villages & cities
• outstanding educational opportunities at all levels with corporate business training a focus and priority.
• health care systems with leading edge technology that rivals capabilities in large city and academic medical centers.
• exceptional and varied outdoor recreational opportunities including 30 scenic private & public golf courses nestled among its hills, valley, lakes , streams and ponds.