CountyScore

Alexander County

Illinois · IL

#43 in Illinois
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Alexander County, Illinois

Alexander County beats national livability standard

Alexander County's composite score of 67.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the 75th percentile nationally. This outperformance is driven primarily by exceptional housing affordability.

Above average for Illinois overall

At 67.6, Alexander County ranks above Illinois's average composite score of 62.1, making it one of the stronger performers statewide. The county stands out particularly for cost-of-living advantages.

Exceptional affordability across the board

Alexander County's cost score of 90.3 is exceptional, with median home values of just $58,700 and monthly rent of $540—among the lowest in the state and nation. The tax score of 56.0 (effective rate 1.646%) adds further financial relief for residents and families.

Income levels require careful consideration

The county faces a significant income challenge with a score of 11.8 and median household income of just $43,523, well below state and national norms. Limited data on safety, schools, health, and water quality leaves important livability questions unanswered.

Ideal for those seeking lowest possible costs

Alexander County is best suited for households where affordability is the primary concern—retirees on fixed incomes, students, or those weathering financial transitions. The trade-off is clear: exceptional housing costs come with lower earning potential, so this county works best for those not dependent on local job markets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax56Cost90.3SafetyComing SoonHealth61.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome11.8Risk55.9WaterComing Soon
🏛56
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Alexander County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Garfield County
Colorado
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Effingham County
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Kauai County
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65.2
Median income: $93,612
Christian County
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65.2
Median income: $59,253
Washington County
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Median income: $75,652

Deep Dives

Alexander County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Alexander County

via CostByCounty

Lowest-income county, affordable rents

Alexander County's median household income of $43,523 ranks among Illinois's lowest, but renters catch a break: the 14.9% rent-to-income ratio stays just under the national average of 14.7%. At $540 monthly, median rent is dramatically cheaper than the U.S. typical.

Well-positioned in state affordability

Despite the lowest median income in this sample, Alexander County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio sits close to Illinois's 14.7% state average. At $540/month, rent costs about 35% less than the statewide median of $837.

Least expensive rental market nearby

Alexander County's $540 median rent is substantially lower than adjacent counties, making it the budget choice in southern Illinois. This ultra-affordable renter market is offset by lower incomes, creating both opportunity and vulnerability.

Rent and mortgages both modest

At $540/month, rent claims 14.9% of income, while homeownership costs $570 monthly (15.7% of income)—a rare case where renting and buying are nearly equally affordable. Median home values hover around $58,700, the lowest in this county sample.

Bargain housing, but budget carefully

Alexander County offers the cheapest housing in this sample, attracting those prioritizing low rent or purchase prices. However, the county's low median income signals limited job opportunities; confirm employment prospects before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Alexander County

via HealthByCounty

Alexander County faces serious health gaps

Alexander County's life expectancy of 69.7 years trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by over six years—one of the steepest gaps in the state. More than one in four residents (25.3%) report poor or fair health, compared to 21% nationally, reflecting significant chronic disease and preventive care challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in Illinois

At 69.7 years, Alexander County has the lowest life expectancy in Illinois, nearly 6.3 years below the state average of 76.0 years. The county's 25.3% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state, signaling urgent need for targeted health interventions and resources.

Severe provider shortage compounds problems

Alexander County has just 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region and far below Adams County's 105 per 100K. While mental health providers are surprisingly available at 596 per 100K, the critical shortage of primary care doctors means residents struggle to access basic preventive care.

Limited insurance but deeper care gaps

Though the uninsured rate is a modest 5.7%, the real barrier is the scarcity of doctors and clinics to visit with or without insurance. Long travel times to care, combined with a 25.3% poor/fair health rate, suggest residents face significant obstacles to managing chronic conditions and preventing disease.

Insurance is your first step

Getting covered is critical in Alexander County, where healthcare access is already strained. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll in coverage today—it's essential for accessing the limited care available in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alexander County

via RiskByCounty

Alexander County's risk falls below national average

Alexander County scores 44.08 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and well below the national average. However, this overall score masks a critical outlier: earthquake risk at 90.24, among the highest in the nation.

Below-average statewide, but with a caveat

Alexander County's 44.08 composite score places it safely below Illinois's state average of 54.46, suggesting manageable overall risk. Yet this comparison obscures an exceptional earthquake hazard (90.24) that deserves focused attention despite the lower composite rating.

Lower risk than northern neighbors

Alexander County's 44.08 composite score positions it below Bureau County (62.28) and Adams County (64.19) to the north. However, its extreme earthquake risk (90.24) makes it unique in the region and incomparable on that specific hazard dimension.

Earthquake risk is exceptionally high

Alexander County's earthquake risk score of 90.24 stands out as its dominant hazard—far exceeding flood risk (40.49) and tornado risk (43.23). This exceptional seismic exposure demands specialized preparation and insurance regardless of the county's moderate composite rating.

Earthquake insurance is essential here

With earthquake risk at 90.24—among the nation's highest—earthquake insurance is not optional but essential for Alexander County homeowners. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, so secure a dedicated earthquake policy immediately to protect your property and financial security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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