countyscore
61
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 89.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Alexander County, Illinois

High National Livability Ranking

Alexander County boasts a composite score of 62.2, which is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This suggests a quality of life that outpaces many parts of the country.

Top-Tier State Performance

The county's score of 62.2 far exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8. It ranks as one of the more livable counties in the state based on its composite index.

Unmatched Affordability and Safety

The county excels with a safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 93.2. Median home values are remarkably low at $58,700, making homeownership highly accessible.

Economic and Health Hurdles

Economic opportunity is low with an income score of 5.6 and a median household income of $43,523. Public health outcomes also lag behind the state, scoring just 35.4.

Best for Budget-Conscious Retirees

This county is a prime destination for retirees or remote workers looking for ultra-low housing costs and extreme safety. It suits those who do not rely on the local job market.

204060801004.489.597.535.4707.955.98663.7Tax4.4Cost89.5Safety97.5Health35.4Schools70Income7.9Risk55.9Water86Weather63.761/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Alexander County DNA

Doverall

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

Alexander County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.4-47.6
Cost
89.5+41.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
35.4-14.600000000000001
Schools
70+16
Income
7.9-43.1
Risk
55.9+8.899999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
63.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$59,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$656/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$59,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,043/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Scott County
Missouri
53.6
Pulaski County
Illinois
60.2
Ballard County
Kentucky
57.6
Cape Girardeau County
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42.9
Union County
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Mississippi County
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Carlisle County
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Johnson County
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65.3

Deep Dives

Alexander County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Alexander County

via TaxByCounty

Alexander County has the lowest tax rate regionally

Alexander County's effective tax rate of 1.65% is well below the national median of 2.14%, though its median home value of $58,700 is among the lowest in the nation. The median tax bill of just $966 annually reflects both a low rate and a modest property base.

Among the lowest-taxed in Illinois

At 1.65% effective rate, Alexander County sits below the Illinois average of 1.83%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state for property taxes. Its median tax of $966 is less than one-third the state median of $2,782, reflecting the county's smaller property values.

Alexander stands out as affordably taxed

Alexander County's 1.65% rate ties with some of the region's lowest, comparable to Brown County at 1.47% and well below Boone County's 2.27%. The county's small property market keeps overall tax burdens remarkably light.

Annual taxes on Alexander's typical home

The median Alexander County home valued at $58,700 generates roughly $966 in annual property taxes at the 1.65% effective rate. Without a mortgage, residents pay about $497; with a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,899 due to escrow calculations.

Even low-value homes deserve fair assessment reviews

Property overassessment can happen to any homeowner, regardless of home value—and an appeal could provide meaningful relief even in smaller markets. Alexander County residents have the right to challenge their assessment if they believe it's inaccurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alexander County

via IncomeByCounty

Alexander faces significant income challenge

Alexander County's median household income of $43,523 trails the national median of $74,755 by a stark 42%, ranking it among America's lowest-income counties. This deep gap signals limited economic opportunity and underscores the county's struggle to compete nationally.

Lowest earners in Illinois

Alexander County ranks at the bottom of Illinois's 102 counties with a median household income of $43,523, far below the state average of $68,580. At just $25,261 per capita, the county also lags the state's $36,009 average, indicating systemic economic challenges.

Sharp contrast to regional prosperity

Alexander County's $43,523 median income starkly contrasts with Calhoun County's robust $92,095—nearly double the income despite both being southern Illinois counties. Even modest neighbors like Bond County earn $61,603, showing Alexander faces unique economic headwinds.

Limited housing affordability

Despite a 14.9% rent-to-income ratio (acceptable by national standards), Alexander County's low absolute income constrains housing choices. The median home value of $58,700 is the lowest among these counties, reflecting both affordability and limited property appreciation potential.

Wealth building requires disciplined strategy

Alexander County residents earning $43,523 must prioritize financial discipline, starting with emergency savings before investing. Even modest, consistent contributions to low-cost index funds or employer retirement plans can meaningfully build wealth over time despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alexander County

via CrimeByCounty

Limited Data Shows Perfect Safety Score

Alexander County currently reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, leading to a safety score of 100.0. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Alexander County vs. Illinois Averages

The reported 0.0 crime rate is significantly lower than the Illinois state average of 835.0. This places the county at the top of state rankings, though this data comes from only two reporting agencies.

Data Reporting Differences with Nearby Counties

Neighboring counties often show higher rates because they have more comprehensive reporting. The current zero-rate suggests that residents should view these specific 2022 figures as a partial snapshot rather than a complete picture.

Understanding the Zero-Incident Report

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 for this period. While this indicates no reported crimes, it often points to a lack of data submission from local jurisdictions.

Stay Vigilant Regardless of Data Trends

When reporting is limited, personal home security becomes even more important for peace of mind. Standard precautions like smart doorbells and community awareness help keep neighborhoods secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alexander County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Warmth in the Midwest

Alexander County's 58.1°F average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median, reflecting its southern location. The county receives a high 51.0 inches of annual precipitation, placing it among the wetter regions in the country.

One of Illinois' Warmest Spots

At 58.1°F, Alexander County is over 5 degrees warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It also exceeds the state average precipitation by nearly 10 inches, recording a lush 51.0 inches annually.

Wetter and Warmer than Neighbors

Alexander is significantly more humid and warm than central counties like Adams, which averages only 52.9°F. Its 42 extreme heat days make it a regional leader in summer intensity.

Intense Heat and Mild Winters

Summers are long and hot, with 42 days hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 79.2°F. Winters are much milder than the rest of the state, with a January average staying well above freezing at 34.7°F.

Humidity and Heat Management

Prioritize dehumidification and robust HVAC systems to manage the 51.0 inches of rain and 42 days of extreme heat. Residents can worry less about heavy snow, though specific local snowfall records are limited.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alexander County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Illinois Acidic Ground

Alexander County soils lean more acidic than their northern neighbors with an average pH of 6.22, notably lower than the 6.5 national median. This level of acidity can limit the availability of certain nutrients without proper soil amendments. The overall soil score of 63.4 reflects these unique chemical challenges in the state's southern tip.

A Silty Mix with Gritty Potential

The soil profile consists of 60.9% silt and 22.1% clay, balanced by 17.0% sand. This sand content is higher than many other Illinois counties, which can slightly improve the workability of the earth. However, the silt still dominates the texture, requiring attention to avoid surface crusting after heavy rains.

Lean Organic Matter and Water Storage

Alexander County reports 1.94% organic matter, which falls just below the national 2.0% average and significantly trails the 2.94% Illinois average. The available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is also slightly lower than the state benchmark. This means growers must work harder to build soil health and manage irrigation during summer heat.

Hydrology in the River Lowlands

While official drainage classifications are not provided, the combination of lower organic matter and 0.198 AWC points to a soil that may dry out faster than typical Illinois ground. The soil score of 63.4 suggests that managing water flow is a primary concern for local land managers. Proper cover cropping can help improve both water retention and soil structure over time.

Warmer Seasons in Zone 7a

As a rare Illinois representative of zone 7a, Alexander County enjoys a long, warm growing season. This climate is ideal for heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes, melons, and even southern specialty plants. The local soil provides a unique opportunity to experiment with varieties that wouldn't survive further north.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alexander County

via LawnByCounty

A Demanding Climate for Alexander Lawns

Alexander County scores a 57.8 on the difficulty scale, making it much tougher to maintain than the typical Illinois lawn. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 7a, this southern tip of the state faces unique pressures compared to northern neighbors. It remains above the national difficulty median but requires a specialized approach.

Sweltering Summers and Heavy Rain

The county endures 42 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 27 days. While the 51.0 inches of annual precipitation is generous, the 4,539 growing degree days mean your grass grows rapidly and faces intense heat stress. Mowing height should be raised in July to protect the soil from the sun.

Slightly Acidic Southern Soils

Alexander's soil features a pH of 6.22, which is excellent for nutrient uptake in most grass species. The mix of 22.1% clay and 17.0% sand provides decent structure, though it can become compacted during wet periods. Regular soil testing will help you maintain this favorable balance as you fertilize.

Monitor Abnormally Dry Conditions

Though the county only saw 13 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Because of the high heat, moisture evaporates quickly even after heavy rains. Water your lawn early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.

Leverage an Early Growing Season

With a final frost date of April 2, Alexander County has one of the earliest starts in Illinois. The 7a zone is warm enough to consider heat-tolerant tall fescue or even transition-zone warm-season grasses. Aim to establish new growth before the intense 90-degree days arrive in June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alexander County's county score?
Alexander County, Illinois has a composite county score of 61 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 Alexander County rank among counties in Illinois?
Alexander County ranks #17 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 Alexander County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Alexander County is $1,084, with an effective tax rate of 1.81%. This earns Alexander County a tax score of 4.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alexander County?
The median household income in Alexander County, Illinois is $47,043 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alexander County earns an income score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alexander County, Illinois a good place to live?
Alexander County scores 61/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Alexander 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 Alexander County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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