countyscore
45.7
County Score
Soil Quality 82.2Lawn Care 75.5Health 60

County Report Card

About Bureau County, Illinois

Just Below National Average

Bureau County earns a composite score of 45.7, which is slightly lower than the national median of 50.0. It faces moderate challenges in keeping pace with the U.S. average.

Lower State Livability Ranking

The county's score of 45.7 sits below the Illinois state average of 52.8. This suggests that several neighboring counties may offer a higher composite quality of life.

Reliable Health and Safety

Strengths include a health score of 60.0 and a safety score of 58.2. Housing is also relatively accessible with a median home value of $121,900.

Tax and Water Infrastructure

A low tax score of 2.7 stems from an effective property tax rate of 2.069%. The county also faces infrastructure hurdles, evidenced by a water quality score of 29.5.

Practical for Local Homeowners

This county suits middle-income residents looking for affordable homeownership in a safe environment. It is best for those who prioritize healthcare access over low taxes.

204060801002.74658.26057.956.637.729.551Tax2.7Cost46Safety58.2Health60Schools57.9Income56.6Risk37.7Water29.5Weather5145.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Bureau County DNA

Foverall

How Bureau County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bureau County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (2.7/100), though Health (60/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.7-49.3
Cost
46
Safety
58.2
Health
60+10
Schools
57.9
Income
56.6
Risk
37.7-9.299999999999997
Water
29.5-28.5
Weather
51
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$121,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$838/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$121,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,894/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.2

per 100K

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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Counties with similar scores

Baker County
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Median income: $70,833
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Pulaski County
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Pacific County
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Collier County
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Butts County
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Jefferson County
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Nearby counties

Putnam County
Illinois
59.3
Stark County
Illinois
61.1
Marshall County
Illinois
54.9
LaSalle County
Illinois
40.6
Lee County
Illinois
51.7
Henry County
Illinois
50.3
Whiteside County
Illinois
46.3
Woodford County
Illinois
58.8

Deep Dives

Bureau County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bureau County

via TaxByCounty

Bureau County taxes run slightly above national norm

Bureau County's effective tax rate of 2.07% sits slightly above the national median of 2.14%, placing it right in the middle of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $2,522 is about 6% below the national median of $2,690.

Above Illinois average but not extreme

At 2.07% effective rate, Bureau County runs about 13% higher than the Illinois state average of 1.83%, putting it in the upper-middle range of state counties. Its median tax of $2,522 exceeds the state median by about $260.

Bureau sits in the mid-to-upper tax range

Bureau County's 2.07% rate is higher than Adams (1.58%), Alexander (1.65%), and Brown (1.47%), but still considerably lower than Boone's outlier 2.27%. The county falls in the upper-middle tier regionally.

Bureau County's annual property tax bill

A median home valued at $121,900 in Bureau County generates approximately $2,522 in annual property taxes at the 2.07% effective rate. Homeowners without a mortgage pay roughly $2,383, while those with mortgages pay about $2,613.

Bureau homeowners should explore appeals

With above-average tax rates, Bureau County residents should review whether their assessments reflect current property values accurately. Filing an appeal could help reclaim thousands of dollars over time if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bureau County

via CostByCounty

Rent costs bite harder than average

Bureau County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, exceeding the national average of 14.7% by more than half a percentage point. With median rent of $838 and household income of $65,894, residents shoulder above-average affordability pressure.

High affordability burden for state

Bureau County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Adams County as among the highest in this sample and runs above Illinois's state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $838 tracks nearly even with the state median of $837.

Mid-range costs, above-average burden

Bureau County's $838 rent sits at the state median, but the 15.3% affordability ratio suggests incomes are weaker than neighboring counties with similar rent levels. This creates tighter budgets for Bureau County renters.

Renters squeezed harder than owners

At $838 monthly, rent claims 15.3% of income—the tightest squeeze among the eight counties—while homeowners pay $920 (16.8%) on median homes valued at $121,900. Renters face particular pressure in Bureau County's market.

Navigate affordability trade-offs carefully

Bureau County's above-average rent burden suggests you'll need strong household income to move here comfortably. Compare your own earnings against the county median to gauge whether relocating makes financial sense.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bureau County

via IncomeByCounty

Bureau trails national income standard

Bureau County's median household income of $65,894 falls 12% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-earning half of U.S. counties. The gap signals limited economic opportunity relative to national standards.

Slightly below Illinois average

Bureau County ranks near the Illinois median with income of $65,894, just $2,686 below the state average of $68,580. Per capita income of $36,625 slightly exceeds the state's $36,009 average, showing reasonable individual earning potential.

Solidly middle of the pack

Bureau County's $65,894 income places it slightly ahead of Adams County ($64,962) and Carroll County ($60,871) while trailing stronger neighbors like Boone ($81,638) and Calhoun ($92,095). The county represents stable, unremarkable regional earnings.

Housing costs match earnings

At 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, Bureau County matches the national affordability threshold, with housing costs claiming a standard share of household income. The median home value of $121,900 is accessible but leaves limited room for aggressive home appreciation.

Build steady investment discipline

Bureau County households earning $65,894 should establish consistent savings and investment habits to compound wealth over time. With housing costs at the affordability limit, even modest regular contributions to retirement accounts and index funds can meaningfully build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bureau County

via CrimeByCounty

Bureau County is Safer Than National Average

Bureau County holds a safety score of 98.5, indicating a secure community. Its total crime rate of 960.8 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Matching the Illinois State Average

The county's safety score of 98.5 nearly mirrors the Illinois state average of 98.7. However, its total crime rate of 960.8 is slightly higher than the state average of 835.0.

Regional Comparisons for Bureau County

With 12 agencies reporting, Bureau County provides a very detailed look at its safety landscape. This comprehensive reporting shows higher rates than smaller neighbors like Carroll or Calhoun.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Types

Violent crime is notably low at 66.3 per 100,000, well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent, occurring at a rate of 894.5.

Securing Property in Bureau County

Focusing on property security can help keep the county's crime rate on a downward trend. Visible security cameras and well-lit driveways serve as powerful deterrents against local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bureau County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Localized Network of 12 Districts

Bureau County features a diverse landscape of 22 public schools served by 12 different districts. This decentralized system provides 13 elementary and 6 high schools for its 4,597 students.

Investing Above the State Average

The county spends $10,385 per pupil, which is over $1,000 more than the Illinois average of $9,250. However, the 85.8% graduation rate currently trails slightly behind both the state and national averages.

Princeton ESD 115 Leads Enrollment

Princeton ESD 115 is the largest district, educating 1,068 students across 5 schools. Bureau Valley CUSD 340 also plays a major role with 946 students, and the county currently offers no charter school options.

Predominantly Rural Learning

With 15 of its 22 schools located in rural areas, the county maintains an average school size of 219 students. The John F Kennedy Elementary School in Spring Valley is the largest campus, serving 608 students.

Discover Rural Charm in Princeton

Homebuyers in Bureau County can choose from a variety of small, localized districts that define the region's character. Areas like Princeton offer higher concentrations of schools and resources within a peaceful rural setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bureau County

via RiskByCounty

Bureau County's risk moderately elevated

Bureau County scores 62.28 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeding the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to tornadoes (81.71) and floods (63.36), plus elevated earthquake risk (74.01).

Among Illinois's higher-risk counties

At 62.28, Bureau County ranks in the upper tier of Illinois counties for disaster risk, substantially exceeding the state average of 54.46. Only a handful of Illinois counties face comparable or greater overall natural hazard exposure.

Highest-risk county in its region

Bureau County's 62.28 score makes it the highest-risk county in its immediate area, substantially exceeding Adams County (64.19) only slightly—the two counties are roughly equivalent. Carroll County (39.03), Bond County (36.23), and Alexander County (44.08) all present substantially lower composite risk.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes loom large

Bureau County faces exceptional tornado risk at 81.71—the highest in the region—plus significant flood exposure (63.36) and elevated earthquake risk (74.01). These three distinct hazards create a complex and serious risk profile demanding comprehensive preparedness.

Secure multiple coverages for compound risks

Bureau County's triple threat of tornado (81.71), flood (63.36), and earthquake (74.01) risks means relying on standard homeowners insurance alone is insufficient. Contact an agent to add flood insurance and evaluate earthquake coverage, then create a tornado action plan with safe-room identification and regular safety drills.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bureau County

via WaterByCounty

Bureau County Earns F for Compliance

Bureau County has recorded 18 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a failing grade for drinking water. Its violation rate of 69.7 per 100,000 residents is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 48.7. This indicates systemic issues in local water system management or source protection.

Mercury and PCBs Threaten Bureau Creeks

About 22.1% of the 222 assessed water bodies in Bureau County are impaired, which is better than the state average of 38.0%. However, 49 bodies still suffer from mercury and PCB contamination. Fecal coliform is also a top concern in the 2022 reporting cycle for local watersheds.

Consistent Monitoring of Physical Traits

Five monitoring sites have collected 1,181 measurements in the last five years. The focus remains on inorganics, metals, and physical water characteristics across the county. This data helps local officials track the impact of legacy pollutants on the aquatic environment.

Big Bureau Creek Experiencing Dryness

Big Bureau Creek at Princeton is currently discharging 52 cfs, just 35% of its long-term mean flow. This 196 square mile drainage area is seeing much less water than typical, which can affect the local ecosystem. Low flows often lead to stagnant water conditions and higher pollutant concentrations.

Improve Filtration and Recreation Safety

Residents should consider high-quality tap water filtration due to the county's F grade and 69.7 violation rate. Mercury and PCB impairments mean that fish consumption and swimming should be approached with caution in local creeks. Low flow in Big Bureau Creek can further concentrate these harmful substances.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bureau County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Northern Continental Profile

Bureau County's annual average temperature of 49.5°F is cooler than the national median. It experiences a classic continental climate with 38.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Colder than the Illinois Average

Bureau is 3.3 degrees cooler than the state average of 52.8°F. It also receives 38.3 inches of precipitation, trailing the state average of 41.7 inches by over 3 inches.

Double the Snow of Adams

Bureau County receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, nearly twice as much as the 17.0 inches recorded in Adams County. This reflects its more northern and winter-prone position in the state.

Brisk Winters and Mild Summers

January is cold with an average temperature of 21.6°F and heavy snow totaling 32.2 inches. Summers are relatively comfortable, averaging 73.7°F with only 16 days reaching 90°F.

Heavy Snow Preparation Required

Homeowners should invest in robust heating and snow-clearing equipment to manage the 32.2 inches of snowfall. The mild summers mean less strain on air conditioning than in southern Illinois counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bureau County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Soils of the Illinois Prairie

Bureau County features an impressive soil score of 82.2, positioning it as an agricultural leader in the state. The pH of 6.34 is typical for Illinois, providing the slightly acidic conditions that help liberate essential micronutrients. This high score reflects a landscape designed for high-intensity, high-yield productivity.

Rich Silt with Improved Airflow

The soil contains 56.4% silt and 20.0% sand, a combination that offers better aeration than much of the state. The 20.5% clay provides the 'glue' that holds soil particles together without causing excessive drainage issues. This balanced texture is highly prized for its workability and nutrient-holding capacity.

An Organic Matter Giant

Bureau County boasts a massive 5.00% organic matter content, which is 70% higher than the already-rich Illinois average. The available water capacity is 0.205 in/in, slightly beating the state norm. This high organic content acts as a massive fuel tank for crops, reducing the need for heavy external inputs.

Managing a High-Performance Landscape

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the soil score of 82.2 indicates that Bureau County manages its hydrology with high efficiency. The 20% sand content helps water move through the profile more freely than in tighter, clay-heavy soils. This makes the land incredibly versatile for both large-scale farming and local development.

Garden Like a Pro in Zone 5b

Zone 5b gardeners in Bureau County have a significant advantage thanks to the 5% organic matter in their soil. This rich earth is perfect for growing nutrient-hungry vegetables like broccoli, corn, and pumpkins. Your garden will likely thrive with minimal intervention in this world-class Illinois dirt.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bureau County

via LawnByCounty

Bureau County Leads in Lawn Ease

Bureau County earns an impressive lawn difficulty score of 75.5, one of the highest in the state. This means maintaining a beautiful lawn is significantly easier here than in most of Illinois or the country. The 5b Hardiness Zone provides a classic northern Illinois environment that grass loves.

Cooler Summers Benefit Your Grass

With only 16 extreme heat days, Bureau County is much cooler than the state average of 27. The annual precipitation of 38.3 inches is slightly below the state average, but the lack of heat stress compensates for the lower rainfall. You will find that grass stays green longer into the summer here.

Balanced and Productive Soil Mix

The soil is remarkably balanced with 20.5% clay and 20.0% sand, offering both moisture retention and decent drainage. A pH of 6.34 ensures your lawn effectively absorbs nitrogen and other essential nutrients. This combination makes Bureau County an ideal location for low-maintenance landscaping.

Navigating Severe Dry Periods

Severe drought currently covers 62.0% of the county, and it has dealt with 24 weeks of drought this past year. Even with a high ease score, current conditions require careful water management to prevent permanent turf damage. Focus on keeping the crown of the grass alive until rains return.

Spring Growth Begins in Late April

The final spring frost usually arrives by April 24, giving you a clear signal to start your outdoor projects. Kentucky bluegrass is the gold standard for Zone 5b, providing excellent cold tolerance and color. For the best results, aim for a thick lawn that can crowd out weeds before the first frost in mid-October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bureau County's county score?
Bureau County, Illinois has a composite county score of 45.7 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 Bureau County rank among counties in Illinois?
Bureau County ranks #81 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 Bureau County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Bureau County is $2,522, with an effective tax rate of 2.07%. This earns Bureau County a tax score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bureau County?
The median household income in Bureau County, Illinois is $65,894 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bureau County earns an income score of 56.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bureau County, Illinois a good place to live?
Bureau County scores 45.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Bureau 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 Bureau County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.