countyscore
54.9
County Score
Safety 85.8Health 73.1Soil Quality 72.9

County Report Card

About Adams County, Illinois

Above the National Average

Adams County earns a composite score of 54.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top half of all counties nationwide for overall livability.

A Competitive Illinois Choice

The county's overall score exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8. It remains a strong regional contender by balancing moderate costs with solid community services.

Strong Safety and Healthcare

Public safety is a standout feature with a high score of 85.8. Residents also benefit from a healthy environment and medical access, reflected in a health score of 73.1.

Tax and Environmental Risks

Property owners face a high tax burden with an effective rate of 1.579%, leading to a low tax score of 9.7. Natural risk also presents a challenge with a score of 35.8.

Ideal for Secure Family Living

This county is best suited for families prioritizing safety and healthcare over low tax rates. It offers a stable environment for those established in the local workforce.

204060801008.651.785.873.154.152.135.846.654.1Tax8.6Cost51.7Safety85.8Health73.1Schools54.1Income52.1Risk35.8Water46.6Weather54.154.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Adams County DNA

Foverall

How Adams County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Adams County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.6-43.4
Cost
51.7
Safety
85.8+30.799999999999997
Health
73.1+23.099999999999994
Schools
54.1
Income
52.1
Risk
35.8-11.200000000000003
Water
46.6-11.399999999999999
Weather
54.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Adams County?

Many homeowners in Adams County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$162,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$828/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$162,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,220/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams taxes run below the national average

Adams County's effective tax rate of 1.58% sits comfortably below the national median of 2.14%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median tax bill here is $2,461 annually—about 9% less than the national median of $2,690—despite homeowners paying on a much smaller property base.

Rank among Illinois counties

Adams County's 1.58% effective rate beats the Illinois state average of 1.83%, positioning it as a moderately taxed county in a high-tax state. At $2,461 in median property taxes, Adams residents pay about $321 less than the state median of $2,782.

How Adams compares nearby

Among nearby counties, Adams falls in the middle ground—higher than Brown County (1.47%) but significantly lower than Boone County (2.27%). The region shows considerable variation, with effective rates ranging from 1.47% to 2.27% across comparable communities.

What a typical Adams home costs annually

The median home in Adams County is valued at $155,900, which at the 1.58% effective rate translates to roughly $2,461 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $2,553 when certain assessments are included.

Many Adams homeowners could challenge their assessment

Property tax appeals are a proven way for overassessed homeowners to reduce their annual burden, and thousands of Illinois residents successfully file each year. If you believe your Adams County home is assessed too high, a formal appeal to the county assessor's office could lower your tax bill.

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams lags behind national income

Adams County's median household income of $64,962 falls 13% short of the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower half of U.S. counties by household income, indicating limited earning power compared to the broader American economy.

Middle ground in Illinois

At $64,962, Adams County ranks near the middle of Illinois's 102 counties, earning slightly below the state median of $68,580. The county's per capita income of $36,317 nearly matches the state average of $36,009, suggesting household income is driven by family size rather than individual earning potential.

Modest earnings versus nearby counties

Adams County earns $64,962 compared to nearby Boone County's commanding $81,638—a gap of $16,676 that reflects regional economic disparities. Bureau County, another close neighbor, earns $65,894, placing Adams in a competitive but not leading position regionally.

Housing costs remain manageable

At 15.3%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio matches the national affordability threshold, meaning housing consumes a reasonable share of household earnings. The median home value of $155,900 is accessible to median-income households, though modest incomes limit investment capacity.

Build wealth through planning

Adams County households earning $64,962 have a solid foundation for wealth building if they prioritize savings and investing. Even small contributions to retirement accounts and diversified investments compound over decades, helping bridge the county's income gap with wealthier regions.

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Adams County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.5, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 321.7 per 100,000 residents is roughly seven times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Prairie State

The county's safety profile is stronger than the Illinois average safety score of 98.7. With a total crime rate significantly below the state average of 835.0, Adams ranks among the safer regions in Illinois.

Comparing Adams to Its Illinois Neighbors

While neighbor Brown County reports a 0.0 crime rate, Adams County provides more transparent data through its four reporting agencies. The county's rate remains notably lower than more populated Illinois hubs.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 277.5 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is extremely rare at just 44.2, which is far below the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Adams County Home

Even in high-safety areas, most incidents are crimes of opportunity involving property. Residents can maintain this safety by installing motion-sensor lighting and ensuring all entry points are secure.

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

Adams County's Middle-of-the-Road Climate

Adams County averages 52.9°F annually, aligning almost perfectly with the national median for a humid continental climate. The region experiences 37.2 inches of precipitation, providing a consistent water supply throughout the year.

Right at the Illinois Average

With an annual temperature of 52.9°F, Adams sits right at the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It serves as a representative sample of the state's central weather patterns, though it is slightly drier than the state average of 41.7 inches of rain.

Drier Winters than Northern Neighbors

Adams receives 17.0 inches of snow, which is significantly less than the 30-plus inches seen in northern Illinois counties. Its 52.9°F average temperature makes it warmer than Bureau County but cooler than the state's southern tip.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snow

Summer heat is a major factor here, with 26 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 76.4°F. Winter brings a colder turn with a 26.2°F January average and 17.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Summer Humidity Peaks

Invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the 26 annual extreme heat days. Keep moderate snow removal tools ready for the 17.0 inches of winter accumulation that typically occurs between December and March.

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

A Slightly Acidic Foundation in Adams

Adams County soil maintains an average pH of 6.38, sitting just below the national median of 6.5 and nearly matching the Illinois state average. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, this chemical profile supports a wide range of agricultural activity. The soil score of 72.9 indicates a solid, productive base for local growers.

Silt-Heavy Soils Define the Landscape

The earth here is composed of 64.9% silt, 21.8% clay, and a relatively low 13.3% sand. This heavy silt concentration creates a smooth texture that holds nutrients well but requires careful management to prevent compaction. Farmers benefit from the high clay-to-sand ratio which aids in moisture consistency.

Solid Water Retention and Organic Strength

With 2.14% organic matter, Adams County exceeds the national average of 2.0% even though it trails the state's high bar of 2.94%. The available water capacity (AWC) of 0.209 in/in is higher than the state average, meaning these fields store water more efficiently during dry spells. This combination provides a resilient environment for consistent crop yields.

Managing Water in Silty Fields

Though specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that holds onto moisture tightly. The county's soil score of 72.9 reflects a landscape that manages water better than many regional neighbors. Proper tiling and conservation tillage help navigate the high available water capacity of 0.209 in/in.

Thriving in the Heart of Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a offers a versatile growing season for Adams County residents. The silt-rich soil is perfect for staple crops like corn and soybeans, but it also supports robust vegetable gardens and orchards. Start your planting in early spring to take full advantage of this fertile Illinois ground.

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Maintenance in Adams County

Adams County earns a lawn difficulty score of 67.4, making it slightly more challenging than the Illinois average of 69.8. While it is significantly easier than the national median of 50.0, homeowners in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a must stay vigilant. You will find that standard cool-season grasses thrive here with consistent attention.

High Heat Impacts Growing Schedules

The county sees 26 extreme heat days annually, which is nearly identical to the state average of 27. With 37.2 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive less water than the state average of 41.8 inches. This climate generates 3,697 growing degree days, requiring a robust mowing schedule through the peak season.

Ideal Soil Acidity for Turf

The local soil pH stands at 6.38, which sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. The soil composition is 21.8% clay and 13.3% sand, providing a stable foundation for root growth. You likely won't need heavy lime applications, but aeration helps manage the clay content.

Severe Drought Challenges Local Resilience

Lawns here faced 39 weeks of drought over the past year, and 85.9% of the county currently experiences severe drought conditions. Every inch of the county is considered abnormally dry right now. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep roots that survive these harsh dry spells.

Start Seeding After Mid-April

The last spring frost typically occurs around April 14, marking the start of the primary growing window. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the recommended varieties for Zone 6a. Plan your major seeding or sodding projects for early fall to avoid the stress of summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Illinois has a composite county score of 54.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in Illinois?
Adams County ranks #47 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $2,573, with an effective tax rate of 1.58%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Illinois is $66,220 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Illinois a good place to live?
Adams County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.