countyscore
63
County Score
Disaster Risk 94Income & Jobs 92.8Safety 87.1

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Illinois

Strong National Standing

Calhoun County scores a 63.0, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high score reflects a superior standard of living compared to much of the country.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's composite score significantly beats the Illinois average of 52.8. It represents one of the stronger livability options for those staying in the state.

Wealth and Safety Leader

High incomes are a major draw here, with an income score of 92.8 and a median of $92,095. Safety and low natural risk also score very high at 87.1 and 94.0 respectively.

School and Water Scores

Education metrics are a weak point with a school score of 48.8. Infrastructure also shows room for improvement with a water score of 40.7.

Perfect for Remote Professionals

Calhoun County is ideal for high-earning professionals who value safety and financial security. It is a top choice for those who do not prioritize local school district rankings.

20406080100146987.174.148.892.89440.754.1Tax14Cost69Safety87.1Health74.1Schools48.8Income92.8Risk94Water40.7Weather54.163/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Calhoun County DNA

D+overall

How Calhoun County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Calhoun County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (94/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14-38
Cost
69+21
Safety
87.1+32.099999999999994
Health
74.1+24.099999999999994
Schools
48.8
Income
92.8+41.8
Risk
94+47
Water
40.7-17.299999999999997
Weather
54.1
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Think property taxes are too high in Calhoun County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$174,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$479/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$19,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $92,095/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

45.4

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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Nearby counties

Jersey County
Illinois
53.4
Greene County
Illinois
60.3
Lincoln County
Missouri
45
St. Charles County
Missouri
48.2
Pike County
Missouri
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St. Louis County
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Warren County
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43.2
Macoupin County
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52.5

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun County offers lower-than-average taxes

Calhoun County's effective tax rate of 1.47% sits well below the national median of 2.14%, placing it among the nation's more affordable counties for property taxes. The median tax bill of $2,565 is about 5% below the national median of $2,690.

Below-average for Illinois property taxes

At 1.47% effective rate, Calhoun County runs about 20% below the Illinois state average of 1.83%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. Its median tax of $2,565 is about $217 below the state median of $2,782.

Calhoun matches the region's lowest rates

Calhoun County's 1.47% rate ties with Brown County as the lowest in the regional comparison, significantly beating Adams (1.58%) and well below Boone (2.27%). The county consistently offers relief to property owners.

Calhoun County's modest annual tax

The median Calhoun County home valued at $174,000 generates roughly $2,565 in annual property taxes at the 1.47% effective rate. Homeowners without a mortgage pay approximately $2,462, while those with mortgages pay about $2,719.

Even favorable rates deserve assessment review

Calhoun County's low tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments—overvaluation affects properties across all tax brackets. Homeowners should review their assessments and appeal if they believe their property is valued too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Exceptional affordability, highest income

Calhoun County achieves a remarkable 6.2% rent-to-income ratio—less than half the national average of 14.7%—backed by the highest median household income in this sample at $92,095. At just $479 monthly, rent is by far the cheapest in the group.

Unmatched affordability in Illinois

Calhoun County's 6.2% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional compared to Illinois's state average of 14.7%, creating extraordinary housing relief for residents. The $479 median rent is 43% cheaper than the statewide median of $837.

Rural oasis in price-conscious region

Calhoun County's $479 rent stands as the lowest by far in this eight-county sample, reflecting its small size and rural setting. This makes it an outlier for bargain hunters, though employment options may be more limited.

Historic low housing burden

At just $479 monthly, rent claims only 6.2% of income, leaving residents 8.5 percentage points better off than the national average. Even homeowners at $924 (12.0%) achieve exceptional affordability, making Calhoun County a housing-cost paradise.

Extraordinary value for the right fit

If you can secure employment in or near Calhoun County, the housing affordability is unbeatable—residents save thousands annually on shelter costs compared to national norms. Verify local job availability before relocating to this remote but remarkably affordable market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun far exceeds national income

Calhoun County's median household income of $92,095 crushes the national median of $74,755 by 23%, ranking it among America's strongest-earning counties. This exceptional performance reflects a thriving local economy with substantial earning power.

Illinois's income champion

Calhoun County ranks at the very top of Illinois's 102 counties with a median household income of $92,095, nearly 34% above the state average of $68,580. Per capita income of $33,749 slightly underperforms the state, but household income drives this county's exceptional standing.

Clear economic leader

Calhoun County's $92,095 income dominates this eight-county dataset, exceeding second-place Boone County ($81,638) by over $10,000. No neighboring county comes close, establishing Calhoun as the region's unambiguous prosperity leader.

Exceptional housing affordability

Calhoun County's 6.2% rent-to-income ratio is dramatically lower than national benchmarks and other counties in this dataset, freeing substantial income for savings. The median home value of $174,000 is highly affordable relative to the exceptional household income.

Aggressive wealth-building opportunity

Calhoun County residents earning $92,095 with housing costs at just 6.2% of income enjoy unparalleled wealth-building capacity. Households should maximize retirement contributions, establish diversified investment portfolios, and consider real estate or business investments to fully leverage this economic advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County Ranks High for Safety

Calhoun County boasts a safety score of 99.5, marking it as one of the safer regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 290.7 is over eight times lower than the national average.

Surpassing Illinois Safety Standards

Calhoun's safety score is higher than the state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 290.7 is significantly more favorable than the Illinois average of 835.0.

Low Crime Rates Compared to Neighbors

Calhoun County is much safer than Boone or Bureau, reporting much lower rates of both violent and property crime. Data from two reporting agencies supports these impressive safety figures.

Understanding Calhoun's Crime Numbers

Violent crime is low at 67.1 per 100,000, while property crime is recorded at 223.6. These figures represent only a small fraction of the crime seen in typical American counties.

Maintaining Peace in Calhoun County

In small, safe communities, maintaining awareness is the best defense against property theft. Simple habits like locking vehicles and home entryways help preserve the county's quiet atmosphere.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

Essential Education in a Rural Pocket

Calhoun County maintains 4 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 619 students. The infrastructure is streamlined into two elementary and two high school buildings.

Navigating Challenges on a Budget

Spending $8,471 per pupil, Calhoun County operates below the state average investment level. The graduation rate of 85.6% and school score of 54.4 reflect a system working to meet benchmarks in a high-need rural environment.

Calhoun CUSD 40 Presence

Calhoun CUSD 40 is the primary provider, enrolling 522 students, or 84% of the county's total student population. Brussels CUSD 42 serves the remaining 97 students across two very small campuses.

Purely Rural Schooling

Every school in Calhoun County is classified as rural, with an average enrollment of only 155 students. Brussels Grade School is notably intimate with just 40 students, while Calhoun Elementary is the largest with 362.

Quiet Living and Small Schools

For those who value a 100% rural lifestyle, Calhoun County offers some of the smallest public school environments in Illinois. It is a perfect choice for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun County ranks among nation's safest

Calhoun County scores just 6.08 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and ranking among the safest counties in the United States. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal hazard exposure across virtually all disaster types.

Second-safest county in Illinois

Calhoun County's 6.08 composite score ranks it as the second-safest county in Illinois, just below Brown County (4.74), and vastly below the state average of 54.46. Only a handful of U.S. counties rival Calhoun's level of natural disaster safety.

Among the region's lowest-risk areas

Calhoun County's 6.08 score ranks just behind Brown County (4.74) as the region's safest jurisdiction, far ahead of Carroll County (39.03), Bond County (36.23), and Alexander County (44.08). Even compared to northern Adams County (64.19), Calhoun is roughly 10 times safer.

Tornado exposure slightly elevated locally

Calhoun County's tornado risk of 18.80 is its most significant hazard, though it remains well below state and national norms. Flood risk (16.13) ranks second, while earthquake (33.84) and wildfire (0.57) risks are minimal.

Standard insurance covers your needs

Calhoun County residents benefit from exceptional natural disaster safety, so standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage without costly add-ons. Maintain basic emergency preparedness and ensure your roof and drainage systems are well-maintained for optimal home resilience.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Calhoun County

via WaterByCounty

Calhoun County Faces Tap Water Failures

Calhoun County earns an F grade for drinking water compliance despite having only 2 health violations. Because of the county's small population, its violation rate of 31.3 per 100,000 residents is significant, though still lower than the state average of 48.7. These violations suggest underlying vulnerabilities in the local utility infrastructure.

Calhoun Boasts Very Healthy Watersheds

Calhoun County has one of the cleanest watershed assessments in the state, with only 12.2% of its 188 assessed bodies being impaired. This is far better than the 38.0% state-wide impairment average. Mercury and phosphorus remain the primary stressors for the 23 water bodies that do fail standards.

Limited Monitoring at Three Local Sites

Water quality monitoring is limited to 3 sites, which have provided 499 measurements over the past five years. Data collection primarily covers inorganics, metals, and nutrients. This provides a baseline, but the low site count may leave some areas of the county under-observed.

No Active USGS Gauges in Calhoun

There are currently no active USGS streamgages providing live flow data for Calhoun County. While this prevents real-time flow tracking, residents should refer to drinking water compliance reports for the most immediate signals. Without local gauges, downstream data from larger rivers is often used as a proxy.

Monitor Your Tap Despite Clean Rivers

Calhoun presents a paradox: some of the healthiest watersheds in Illinois but an F grade for drinking water compliance. Residents should focus on home water testing and filtration to mitigate the risks signaled by recent health violations. Be mindful of phosphorus levels in the few impaired water bodies when recreating.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH for Calhoun

Calhoun County soil has a pH of 6.48, which is almost identical to the national ideal of 6.5. This neutral chemical profile is excellent for nutrient availability, making it easier for plants to thrive without extensive liming. The county earns a soil score of 71.7, indicating solid agricultural potential.

Silty Soils Between the Rivers

This county's soil is 66.3% silt and 21.8% clay, with just 11.9% sand, a typical profile for land tucked between major rivers. The high silt percentage creates a fine-grained earth that is excellent at holding moisture. However, these soils can be prone to erosion on slopes, requiring careful management.

Reliable Water but Lean Organic Matter

Organic matter in Calhoun stands at 1.93%, which is slightly below the national 2.0% average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in nearly reaches the state average, ensuring plants have a steady drink. Growers can easily improve this ground by incorporating organic compost to boost soil life.

Hydrology of the River Peninsulas

The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in indicates that Calhoun's soil is effective at storing rainfall for later use. While detailed drainage classifications are missing, the soil score of 71.7 suggests the land is dependable for farming and gardening. Residents should watch for moisture retention in low-lying areas during wet springs.

Orchards and More in Zone 6b

Calhoun County is famous for its orchards, and the 6b hardiness zone is perfect for apples and peaches. The near-neutral pH of 6.48 means you can grow almost anything from berries to beans with great success. Start your garden today to take advantage of this uniquely balanced river soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Calhoun County

Calhoun County offers a lawn difficulty score of 71.9, outperforming the Illinois state average. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, it provides a stable environment for those looking to maintain a healthy yard. While more challenging than northern counties, it remains a favorable spot for local gardeners.

Ample Rain with Typical Heat

The county receives 42.2 inches of rain annually, which is slightly higher than the state average. You will need to manage 29 extreme heat days, requiring consistent irrigation during the peak of summer. The combination of high moisture and heat can promote rapid growth but also increases the risk of fungal issues.

Excellent pH and Clay Structure

Calhoun's soil pH of 6.48 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting right at the top of the preferred range. The soil contains 21.8% clay and 11.9% sand, meaning it holds onto moisture and nutrients very effectively. Aeration is recommended to keep the heavy clay from suffocating grass roots during wet seasons.

Managing Abnormally Dry Soil

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, there are no severe drought conditions reported at this time. The county has navigated 24 weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and preserve the moisture provided by the area's generous rainfall.

Optimal for Transition Zone Turf

Zone 6b is an ideal transition zone where tall fescues really shine due to their heat and cold tolerance. Although specific frost dates for Calhoun are not available, typical mid-April start times apply to the region. Start your seeding in the late summer or early fall for the most resilient results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Illinois has a composite county score of 63 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Illinois?
Calhoun County ranks #11 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 Calhoun County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $2,565, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 14/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Illinois is $92,095 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Illinois a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 63/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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.