countyscore
43.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.5Soil Quality 84.8

County Report Card

About Boone County, Illinois

Below the National Median

Boone County's composite score of 43.7 falls below the national median of 50.0. The county faces unique challenges in maintaining national-level livability standards.

Trailing the State Average

With a score of 43.7, the county sits below the Illinois state average of 52.8. It ranks lower than many peers due to high costs and tax burdens.

High Incomes and Schools

The county boasts a strong income score of 85.5 with a median household income of $81,638. Education is another bright spot, earning a high school score of 80.0.

Tax and Cost Pressure

A high effective tax rate of 2.269% results in a low tax score of 1.7. Additionally, affordability is a concern with a cost score of 20.5 and median rents over $1,000.

Suited for High-Earning Families

This county is a great match for high-income professionals who want top-tier schools for their children. It requires a higher budget to manage the significant tax and housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax1.7Cost20.5Safety34.7Health68.7Schools80Income85.5Risk42.7Water86Weather51.6
🏛1.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨84.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.1
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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Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
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Clarke County
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Oakland County
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Anoka County
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Olmsted County
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Nearby counties

Winnebago County
Illinois
42.4
McHenry County
Illinois
52.3
DeKalb County
Illinois
37
Rock County
Wisconsin
38.9
Walworth County
Wisconsin
50.4
Ogle County
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38.7
Kane County
Illinois
47.1
Kenosha County
Wisconsin
39.9

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone County has the region's highest tax rate

Boone County's effective tax rate of 2.27% substantially exceeds the national median of 2.14%, putting it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $4,507 is 68% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Highest taxes among the sample counties

Boone County's 2.27% effective rate is 24% above the Illinois state average of 1.83%, making it one of the highest-taxed counties in this eight-county comparison. At $4,507 median annual tax, Boone residents pay $1,725 more than the state median.

Boone significantly outpaces nearby counties

Boone's 2.27% rate is substantially higher than every comparison county, from Brown (1.47%) to Adams (1.58%) to Bond (1.96%). The county's tax burden stands out dramatically in the region.

Boone's hefty annual tax tab

The median Boone County home valued at $198,600 translates to approximately $4,507 in annual property taxes at the 2.27% effective rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $4,645; without, it drops slightly to $4,008.

High rates make assessment appeals especially valuable

Boone County residents paying premium tax rates should strongly consider appealing their assessments, as even a modest reduction yields substantial annual savings. An appeal challenging an overvalued assessment could return hundreds of dollars to your wallet annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

Higher incomes, higher housing costs

Boone County's median household income of $81,638 exceeds the national average by $6,883, and residents leverage that advantage: the 14.9% rent-to-income ratio stays nearly even with the national average despite housing costs running $174/month above U.S. norms. This is a high-income county with proportionally high housing prices.

Highest income, highest rents in sample

Boone County's median income of $81,638 leads this eight-county sample, and median rent of $1,011 is the highest—about $174 above Illinois's state median. The 14.9% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable only because of strong household earnings.

Priciest market in the group

Boone County's $1,011 rent and $1,310 monthly mortgage reflect the most expensive housing market in this sample. Higher incomes support these costs, but price-sensitive movers will find cheaper alternatives in surrounding counties.

Ownership premium over renting

At $1,011 monthly, rent claims 14.9% of income, while homeownership costs $1,310 (19.5%) on a median home value of $198,600. Boone County is the only county in this sample where homeownership notably outpaces rental affordability.

For high earners seeking premium markets

Boone County's strong incomes and robust housing prices make it ideal for affluent relocators who value higher-wage employment markets. If your income aligns with the county median or above, this county offers modern housing stock and economic vitality.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone exceeds national income average

Boone County's median household income of $81,638 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 9%, placing it among America's stronger-earning counties. This above-average performance signals robust local economic health and earning potential.

Among Illinois's highest earners

Boone County ranks in the top tier of Illinois counties with a median household income of $81,638, significantly above the state average of $68,580. The $38,437 per capita income also outpaces the state's $36,009 average, reflecting strong individual earning capacity.

Regional prosperity leader

Boone County's $81,638 income leads the eight-county dataset shown, exceeding Adams County ($64,962) by $16,676 and far outpacing Alexander County's $43,523. Only Calhoun County's exceptional $92,095 surpasses Boone, making both regional powerhouses.

Strong income supports housing

At 14.9% rent-to-income ratio, Boone County maintains healthy housing affordability despite the highest median home value of $198,600 in this dataset. Higher incomes translate to genuine purchasing power and long-term equity accumulation.

Maximize wealth-building advantage

Boone County households earning $81,638 are positioned to aggressively fund retirement accounts, education savings, and diversified investments. With above-average income and manageable housing costs, residents should prioritize maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring tax-advantaged investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

Boone County Safety Overview

Boone County maintains a safety score of 97.6, which is lower than the state average but still highly rated. Its total crime rate of 1,517.0 remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Boone to the Illinois Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,517.0 is higher than the state average of 835.0. This contributes to a safety score slightly below the Illinois average of 98.7.

Boone vs. Regional Neighbors

Boone experiences more activity than neighbors like Carroll, but it remains safer than many large urban centers. Four agencies actively report data to provide transparency for the local population.

Analyzing Violent vs. Property Incidents

Property crime is the most common issue in the county, at 1,309.4 per 100,000. The violent crime rate is 207.6, which is higher than the state average but lower than the national figure.

Strengthening Home Security in Boone

Because property crimes represent the majority of local offenses, home monitoring is a wise investment. Smart security systems and automated lighting can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boone County

via HealthByCounty

Boone County leads on life expectancy

At 78.3 years, Boone County's life expectancy ranks among the best in the nation, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than two years. Only 19.2% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national 21%, indicating strong population health overall.

Illinois' longest-living county

Boone County's 78.3-year life expectancy is the highest in Illinois, 2.3 years above the state average of 76.0 years. The county's 19.2% poor/fair health rate also ranks favorably, reflecting effective chronic disease management and healthy living practices.

Moderate provider access with gaps

Boone County has 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, comparable to Bond County but notably below Adams County's 105 per 100K. Mental health providers are scarce at just 45 per 100,000—the lowest in the region—despite the county's excellent longevity metrics.

Solid coverage with room to improve

The uninsured rate in Boone County is 6.7%, slightly above the Illinois average of 6.3%, meaning a small portion of residents lack healthcare access. Despite the longevity advantage, ensuring universal coverage could further strengthen health outcomes and preventive care capacity.

Maintain your health advantage

Boone County's strong longevity is built on good health practices and access to care—don't let gaps in coverage interrupt that. Visit healthcare.gov to ensure you and your family have continuous, affordable coverage that supports your wellbeing.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Suburban and Rural Growth

Boone County supports a large student body of 9,089 across 17 public schools. This infrastructure includes 9 elementary schools and 8 secondary facilities managed by just two school districts.

Leading the State in Performance

Boone County boasts a school score of 64.1, far exceeding the state average of 58.1 and the national median of 50.0. A strong 92.0% graduation rate is backed by $11,420 in per-pupil spending, which is over $2,000 more than the state average.

Belvidere CUSD 100 Dominance

Belvidere CUSD 100 serves the vast majority of the county with 7,558 students across 11 schools. No charter schools operate here, but the district includes one alternative school to support diverse student needs.

Suburban Reach and Large Campuses

The locale is split between 8 suburban and 9 rural schools, with a larger average size of 568 students. Belvidere North High is the county's largest campus, housing 1,472 students in a modern suburban environment.

Settle Near High-Performing Schools

Families searching for top-tier academic results will find Boone County's 64.1 school score highly compelling. The Belvidere area offers robust educational resources that make it a premier choice for home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone County's risk moderately above average

Boone County scores 57.35 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeding the national average. This score reflects elevated tornado risk (77.61) and notable flood exposure (63.93), making it a moderate-risk jurisdiction.

Above Illinois's average disaster risk

At 57.35, Boone County exceeds the Illinois state average of 54.46, positioning it in the higher half of the state's counties for natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk in particular (77.61) drives this above-average standing.

More exposed than most nearby counties

Boone County's 57.35 score ranks it among the region's higher-risk areas, substantially above Carroll County (39.03), Bond County (36.23), and the county's western neighbors. Only Adams County (64.19) and Bureau County (62.28) to the north and east present comparable hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and floods are serious threats

Boone County faces exceptional tornado risk at 77.61—the highest among primary regional competitors—and significant flood exposure at 63.93. These two hazards dominate the risk profile and demand active preparedness planning.

Prepare for tornadoes and floods

With tornado risk at 77.61 and flood risk at 63.93, Boone County residents should verify their homeowners policy covers wind/hail damage and consider separate flood insurance if in a high-risk area. Create a tornado action plan now: identify your safe room, know your county's warning system, and keep supplies accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

A Snowy Northern Interior Climate

Boone County experiences a cool continental climate with 39.1 inches of annual precipitation. This precipitation level is slightly lower than the national median, though its winter profile is much more aggressive.

Colder and Snowier than Average

While temperature data is limited, Boone is known for its northern latitude which stays well below the 52.8°F state average. It receives 32.6 inches of snow annually, nearly double the state's more central regions.

Heavy Snow Compared to Neighbors

Boone's 32.6 inches of snow is significantly higher than the 13.5 inches seen in Brown County. It shares a similar high-snowfall profile with other counties along the Wisconsin border.

Winter Dominates the Calendar

Winter is the most distinctive season in Boone, delivering 32.6 inches of snow. Although specific summer temperature records are unavailable, the county generally sees shorter, milder summers than southern Illinois.

Equip for Major Snowfall

High-quality snow removal equipment is a necessity for the 32.6 inches of annual accumulation. Focus on home insulation and winter-grade vehicle maintenance to survive the long northern Illinois cold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Ground in Northern Illinois

Boone County earns a remarkable soil score of 84.8, far exceeding the state average of 73.6. The pH stands at 6.34, providing the slightly acidic environment that many Midwestern crops prefer. This combination of factors places Boone among the top-tier agricultural counties in the state.

A Grittier and More Workable Mix

Boone County features 21.0% sand, which is much higher than many central Illinois counties, providing better natural drainage and easier tillage. Silt accounts for 56.3% and clay for 19.3%, creating a balanced texture that resists compaction. This mix allows for quick warming in the spring and deep root penetration.

Boone's Organic Matter Powerhouse

The soil here is incredibly rich, boasting 5.32% organic matter—nearly double the Illinois state average of 2.94%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.215 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile and resilient. This 'black gold' provides a natural nutrient reservoir that few other counties can match.

Superior Drainage for Productive Fields

The higher sand content of 21.0% aids in natural drainage, a vital feature for the county's high-performing fields. While specific hydrologic groups aren't listed, the 84.8 soil score suggests that water moves and stores efficiently across the landscape. This makes the land equally valuable for commercial farming and stable residential building.

Maximizing the Season in Zone 5b

The cooler 5b hardiness zone is perfectly offset by the high organic matter in Boone County's soil. Root vegetables, leafy greens, and heavy-feeding crops like corn thrive in this nutrient-dense environment. Gardeners should take advantage of this world-class soil by planting early and often.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Boone

With a difficulty score of 74.1, Boone County is one of the easier places in Illinois to keep a lawn healthy. It sits well above the state average of 69.8 and the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 5b, the primary challenge is managing the cold winters rather than heat stress.

Steady Rains Drive Northern Growth

Boone County receives 39.1 inches of precipitation annually, which provides a solid baseline for cool-season grasses. Although specific heat and growing day data is limited, the northern location generally means fewer days of extreme summer stress. This allows for a more relaxed watering schedule compared to southern Illinois.

Well-Drained Sandy Soil Mix

Boone's soil features 21.0% sand, which is higher than many neighboring counties and aids in drainage. The pH level of 6.34 is very healthy for standard grass types like Kentucky bluegrass. This balanced mix of 19.3% clay and high sand makes for a responsive foundation for fertilizers.

Persistent Dryness Requires Attention

The county experienced 26 weeks of drought over the past year, and 81.3% of the area remains abnormally dry. Fortunately, no part of the county is currently in severe drought. To maintain your score, ensure you water deeply during the dry mid-summer months to protect the root systems.

Hardy Grasses for Northern Winters

Homeowners in Zone 5b should prioritize cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues. Since regional frost data is limited, wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 50°F before heavy seeding. Start your lawn projects in late spring once the threat of northern frost has fully passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, Illinois has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Boone County rank among counties in Illinois?
Boone County ranks #84 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 Boone County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $4,507, with an effective tax rate of 2.27%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 1.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, Illinois is $81,638 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 85.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, Illinois a good place to live?
Boone County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone 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.