countyscore
55.2
County Score
Safety 75.8Soil Quality 74.7Schools 74.6

County Report Card

About Bond County, Illinois

Solid National Standing

Bond County earns a composite score of 55.2, sitting comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a standard of living that is higher than average for the United States.

Above the Illinois Average

The county edges out the Illinois state average of 52.8. It provides a stable living environment that compares favorably to many neighboring counties.

Leading in Schools and Safety

Education and safety are the county's primary strengths, with scores of 74.6 and 75.8 respectively. These factors make it an attractive location for families raising children.

Tax and Infrastructure Needs

A low water score of 11.9 points to significant infrastructure concerns that residents must navigate. High property taxes also present a challenge, with an effective rate of 1.962%.

A Fit for Family Stability

Bond County is ideal for families who value strong schools and safe neighborhoods. It is best for those who prioritize community quality over low tax burdens.

Score breakdown

Tax3.6Cost62.1Safety75.8Health59.7Schools74.6Income43.9Risk63.8Water11.9Weather60.6
🏛3.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.2
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bond County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Bond County with Kusilvak Census Area →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Kusilvak Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $48,233
55.2
Yuma County
Colorado
Median income: $60,051
55.2
Wilkinson County
Georgia
Median income: $46,673
55.2
Greene County
Indiana
Median income: $59,753
55.2
Wayne County
Indiana
Median income: $56,652
55.2
Boyle County
Kentucky
Median income: $61,635
55.2
Charlevoix County
Michigan
Median income: $76,495
55.2
Lake County
Michigan
Median income: $49,680
55.2

Nearby counties

Clinton County
Illinois
52
Montgomery County
Illinois
45.9
Fayette County
Illinois
53.8
Madison County
Illinois
38.1
Marion County
Illinois
46.7
Macoupin County
Illinois
52.5
Washington County
Illinois
63.7
St. Clair County
Illinois
41.3

Deep Dives

Bond County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bond County

via TaxByCounty

Bond County taxes exceed the national average

Bond County's effective tax rate of 1.96% sits slightly above the national median of 2.14%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The median tax bill of $2,612 is notably higher than the national median of $2,690, despite a lower median home value of $133,100.

Above average for Illinois property taxes

At 1.96% effective rate, Bond County runs about 7% higher than the Illinois state average of 1.83%, putting it in the higher-tax half of state counties. Its median tax of $2,612 exceeds the state median by about $170.

Bond ranks higher than most nearby counties

Bond County's 1.96% rate is notably higher than Adams (1.58%) and Brown (1.47%), though still lower than Boone's elevated 2.27%. The county represents the middle-to-upper range of regional tax burdens.

What Bond County residents pay annually

A median home valued at $133,100 in Bond County generates approximately $2,612 in annual property taxes at the 1.96% effective rate. Homeowners without a mortgage pay roughly $2,298, while those with mortgages pay about $2,780 when escrow-adjusted.

Appeal opportunities for Bond County homeowners

With above-average tax rates, Bond County residents should consider whether their assessment matches current market values, as overassessment is common. Filing a formal appeal with the county assessor could significantly reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bond County

via CostByCounty

Bond stays under affordability pressure

Bond County renters spend 14.3% of income on housing, landing below both the national average (14.7%) and Illinois state average (14.7%). With a median income of $61,603, residents here achieve slightly better affordability than many peers despite modest earnings.

Best affordability in this sample

Bond County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties and slightly below Illinois's statewide average. Median rent of $735 undercuts the state median of $837 by about $100, giving renters breathing room.

Competitive rents across region

Bond County's $735 monthly rent positions it in the affordable zone compared to surrounding southern and central Illinois counties. Similar income levels and housing costs across this region suggest consistent economic conditions.

Renters win; owners stretch

Renters in Bond County enjoy the county's best affordability ratio at 14.3%, while homeowners pay $865 monthly (16.8% of income) for mortgages on homes averaging $133,100. The split suggests this is a renter-friendly market.

Sweet spot for budget-conscious renters

If affordable rent is your priority, Bond County offers one of the best value propositions in Illinois while maintaining reasonable income levels. Visit to check local job markets and community amenities before making your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bond County

via IncomeByCounty

Bond trails national income benchmark

Bond County's median household income of $61,603 falls 18% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-earning counties nationwide. The gap reflects limited economic dynamism compared to more prosperous American regions.

Below-average earner in Illinois

Bond County ranks in the lower third of Illinois counties with a median household income of $61,603, trailing the state average of $68,580 by about $7,000. Per capita income of $32,665 similarly underperforms the state's $36,009 average.

Overshadowed by wealthier regions

Bond County's $61,603 income places it below several peers: Boone County earns $81,638, Calhoun County reaches $92,095, and even Adams County edges ahead at $64,962. The county occupies a modest middle ground in a diverse regional landscape.

Best housing affordability in dataset

Bond County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.3%, making housing costs highly manageable relative to earnings. The median home value of $133,100 pairs well with median household income, creating genuine housing stability for most residents.

Leverage affordability to invest

Bond County residents benefit from exceptional housing affordability that frees income for investing and wealth building. With housing costs controlled, households earning $61,603 can aggressively fund retirement accounts and diversified investments to close the national income gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bond County

via CrimeByCounty

Bond County Remains Safer Than National Average

Bond County earns a high safety score of 99.1, indicating a very safe community for families. Its total crime rate of 579.1 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in State Safety

The county's safety score exceeds the Illinois average of 98.7. Additionally, its total crime rate is much lower than the state average of 835.0 per 100,000 residents.

A Safe Haven Among Neighbors

Bond County's crime rate of 579.1 is lower than many industrial neighbors but higher than rural Calhoun. Six reporting agencies contribute data to ensure a clear picture of local public safety.

Breakdown of Local Crime Statistics

Violent crime is very low at 71.6 per 100,000, which is significantly better than the national violent rate of 369.8. Property crime accounts for most local activity at 507.5 per 100,000.

Proactive Measures for Property Protection

With property crime being the primary concern, residents should focus on basic home hardening. Installing visible cameras and deadbolt locks effectively deters most opportunistic thefts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bond County

via HealthByCounty

Bond County achieves above-average longevity

Bond County residents have a life expectancy of 77.0 years, nearly a full year above the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 22.1% reporting poor or fair health—slightly above the national rate of 21%—the county shows mixed health trends that warrant attention.

Solid performer on Illinois health metrics

Bond County's 77.0-year life expectancy exceeds Illinois' state average of 76.0 years, placing it among healthier counties statewide. The 22.1% poor/fair health rate is near the state average, suggesting Bond County residents experience typical health challenges for Illinois.

Primary care access lags nearby areas

Bond County has 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, roughly half the availability in Adams County (105 per 100K) but above Alexander County's 20 per 100K. Mental health services are limited at 176 per 100,000, the lowest among surrounding counties, creating a potential gap for behavioral health support.

Insurance coverage slightly below state norm

An uninsured rate of 6.5% means about 1 in 16 Bond County residents lack health insurance, slightly above Illinois' 6.3% average. Combined with moderate primary care availability, this suggests some residents may delay seeking preventive care due to coverage gaps.

Close the coverage gap today

If you're among the 6.5% uninsured in Bond County, finding coverage takes just one call. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore affordable options and protect your health and wallet.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bond County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling in Mid-Illinois

Bond County features 8 public schools, including a mix of elementary, middle, and high school facilities. Two districts manage this system, supporting 1,951 students across both town and rural settings.

High Scores and Effective Spending

The county's school score of 61.0 is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 58.1. This success is paired with a 91.6% graduation rate and an investment of $10,049 per pupil, which exceeds state spending levels.

Bond County CUSD 2 Leadership

Bond County CUSD 2 is the primary district, serving 1,597 students across five schools. The remaining students attend Mulberry Grove CUSD 1, and the county operates zero charter schools.

A Perfect Town-Rural Blend

The county is evenly split between four town and four rural schools, with an average enrollment of 244 students. Greenville Elementary is the largest school with 531 students, while Mulberry Grove Elementary offers a smaller setting of 165.

Education Excellence in Bond County

With a graduation rate that beats national averages and a composite school score of 61.0, Bond County is an attractive destination for families. Explore homes in Greenville to take advantage of this strong educational foundation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bond County

via RiskByCounty

Bond County ranks very low nationally

Bond County scores just 36.23 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it well below the national average. This reflects relatively modest exposure across most hazard types, though tornado risk registers moderately at 58.49.

Among Illinois's safest counties

At 36.23, Bond County ranks in the lower tier of Illinois counties for disaster risk, substantially below the state average of 54.46. Residents enjoy comparative safety from multiple natural hazards, though tornado preparedness remains worthwhile.

Competitive with area's lowest-risk counties

Bond County's 36.23 score places it alongside Carroll County (39.03) as one of the region's safer areas, though both face higher tornado risk than western neighbors like Brown County (4.74) and Calhoun County (6.08). Compared to northern counties like Adams (64.19) and Boone (57.35), Bond offers significantly lower overall exposure.

Tornadoes pose the main threat

Bond County's tornado risk of 58.49 substantially outpaces its flood risk (30.47) and earthquake risk (86.45, which applies to the region generally). While overall risk remains very low, tornado season preparation is the key priority for residents.

Focus on tornado readiness and coverage

Bond County's low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection, but ensure your policy covers wind and hail damage from tornado activity. Develop a family tornado plan and identify your safe room as the most practical form of protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bond County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Precipitation with Typical Seasons

While specific annual temperature data is limited, Bond County records 41.6 inches of precipitation, which is typical for the American Midwest. This aligns closely with national humidity patterns for continental climates.

Mirroring the Illinois Rainfall Average

Bond County's 41.6 inches of precipitation almost perfectly matches the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. Although local temperature records are unavailable, its climate represents the transition between central and southern Illinois.

Lower Snowfall than Northern Neighbors

Bond receives 11.9 inches of snow annually, which is much less than the 32.2 inches recorded in Bureau County. It is slightly wetter than Adams County to the northwest, receiving about 4.4 more inches of rain.

Manageable Snow and Wet Seasons

Winter snowfall is relatively light at 11.9 inches per year. Without specific heat data, residents look to the 41.6 inches of rain as the primary seasonal variable for outdoor planning.

Drainage and Moisture Protection

Ensure home gutters and drainage systems are clear to handle the 41.6 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should keep standard cold-weather gear for the 11.9 inches of snow that occurs during the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bond County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Illinois Soil Profile

Bond County features a soil pH of 6.35, which closely mirrors the state average of 6.39 and sits near the national 6.5 median. With a soil score of 74.7, this county actually outperforms the state average of 73.6 for overall quality. This indicates a well-balanced chemical foundation for diverse agricultural use.

Low Sand and High Silt Texture

The earth here is remarkably low in sand at 11.7%, while silt makes up a dominant 67.9% of the mix. This composition creates a dense, fine-textured soil that is excellent at holding onto nutrients. The 20.5% clay content provides necessary structure without making the ground too heavy to work.

Exceptional Water Capacity and Organic Strength

Bond County boasts an available water capacity of 0.220 in/in, which is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 0.204. While the 2.29% organic matter is lower than the state average, it remains well above the 2.0% national benchmark. This soil acts like a sponge, keeping moisture available for plants even during dry spells.

Strong Water Storage for Better Growth

The high water capacity of 0.220 in/in suggests these soils have excellent internal reservoirs for plant growth. Although specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the high silt percentage means the soil likely requires careful management to ensure air reaches plant roots. The impressive 74.7 soil score confirms this is some of the most capable land in the region.

Diverse Planting Options in Zone 6b

Bond County's 6b hardiness zone allows for a wide array of perennial and annual crops. The high water retention makes it a fantastic location for moisture-loving vegetables and robust flower gardens. You can plant with confidence knowing your soil has the capacity to sustain growth through the summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bond County

via LawnByCounty

Bond County's Stable Lawn Environment

Bond County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 71.2, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average. This Zone 6b region offers a favorable environment for homeowners seeking a lush landscape. It provides a more forgiving experience than the national median, though local weather patterns still dictate success.

Predictable Rainfall Supports Growth

Annual precipitation averages 41.6 inches, which matches the state average and falls right in the ideal range for lawn health. While specific local heat data is limited, the general climate in Zone 6b requires consistent watering during the peak of summer. Your mowing schedule will follow standard Illinois seasonal patterns.

Solid Foundation in Bond Soil

The soil pH of 6.35 is near the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range, ensuring your lawn can access necessary nutrients. With a clay content of 20.5% and sand at 11.7%, the soil holds moisture well but may require aeration to prevent compaction. Proper prep work here focuses on maintaining this healthy chemical balance.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

The county spent 28 weeks in drought over the last year, with 8.0% of the area currently in severe drought. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation. Mulching your grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture during these periods.

Thriving in the Transition Zone

Bond County's 6b hardiness rating makes it a great spot for turf-type tall fescue. While local frost dates aren't specifically recorded, mid-April is the general rule for the region's final freeze. Focus on fall aeration and over-seeding to keep your lawn thick and resilient.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bond County's county score?
Bond County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Bond County rank among counties in Illinois?
Bond 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 Bond County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Bond County is $2,612, with an effective tax rate of 1.96%. This earns Bond County a tax score of 3.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bond County?
The median household income in Bond County, Illinois is $61,603 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bond County earns an income score of 43.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bond County, Illinois a good place to live?
Bond County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Bond 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 Bond 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.