countyscore
62.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 93.2Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax8.5Cost93.2Safety97.5Health35.4Schools70Income5.6Risk55.9Water86Weather63.7
🏛8.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Scott County
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54
Pulaski County
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Ballard County
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Cape Girardeau County
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Union County
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Mississippi County
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Carlisle County
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Deep Dives

Alexander County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Alexander County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Southern Illinois

Alexander County operates a compact educational network of 7 schools across two districts. This small system serves 679 total students with a focus on high school accessibility through four distinct secondary campuses.

Beating State Graduation Benchmarks

The county reports a 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing the Illinois average of 88.8%. While per-pupil spending of $10,392 is higher than the state average, it remains below the national investment level of $13,000.

A Tale of Two Districts

Egyptian CUSD 5 is the larger of the two districts, enrolling 377 students across 3 schools. Cairo USD 1 follows closely, managing two schools and 302 students with no charter schools present in the county.

Intimate Rural Classrooms

Schools here are primarily rural and very small, with an average of just 136 students per building. Egyptian Elementary is the largest school at 190 students, while Egyptian Jr High offers a highly personalized environment with only 67 students.

Join a Tight-Knit School Community

Prospective residents will find an environment where small class sizes are the standard, not the exception. For families who value a 90% graduation rate and a personalized learning atmosphere, Alexander County offers unique opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 62.2 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 #14 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 $966, with an effective tax rate of 1.65%. This earns Alexander County a tax score of 8.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alexander County?
The median household income in Alexander County, Illinois is $43,523 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alexander County earns an income score of 5.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alexander County, Illinois a good place to live?
Alexander County scores 62.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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