countyscore
60.6
County Score
Safety 92.2Schools 81.3Soil Quality 77.6

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Illinois

Above the National Median

Carroll County earns a composite score of 60.6, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a solid performer for overall quality of life across the United States.

Beating the State Average

With a score of 60.6, the county comfortably exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8. It offers a higher standard of living than many other rural Illinois counties.

Secure Streets and Schools

Safety is a primary strength with a score of 92.2, complemented by a strong school score of 81.3. Median home values are very affordable at $113,500.

Tax and Income Barriers

The tax score is low at 3.0 due to an effective rate of 2.034%. Economic growth also lags, with an income score of 41.6 and a median income of $60,871.

A Great Value for Families

This county is a fantastic fit for families who want safe neighborhoods and good schools at an affordable price point. It suits those who value community stability over high income potential.

20406080100359.692.268.281.341.66148.947.2Tax3Cost59.6Safety92.2Health68.2Schools81.3Income41.6Risk61Water48.9Weather47.260.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Carroll County DNA

Doverall

How Carroll County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Carroll County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (92.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3-49
Cost
59.6+11.600000000000001
Safety
92.2+37.2
Health
68.2+18.200000000000003
Schools
81.3+27.299999999999997
Income
41.6-9.399999999999999
Risk
61+14
Water
48.9-9.100000000000001
Weather
47.2-8.799999999999997
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Carroll County?

Many homeowners in Carroll 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

$113,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$784/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,871/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.8

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

Whiteside County
Illinois
46.3
Jackson County
Iowa
55.6
Clinton County
Iowa
38.7
Jo Daviess County
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60.8
Stephenson County
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Lafayette County
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Ogle County
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Scott County
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37.2

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County's taxes slightly exceed national norm

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 2.03% sits right near the national median of 2.14%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $2,308 is about 14% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values.

Slightly above Illinois average rate

At 2.03% effective rate, Carroll County runs about 11% higher than the Illinois state average of 1.83%, putting it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Its median tax of $2,308 is about $474 below the state median of $2,782.

Carroll ranks upper-middle among region

Carroll County's 2.03% rate exceeds Adams (1.58%), Alexander (1.65%), Brown (1.47%), and Calhoun (1.47%), but remains well below Boone's 2.27%. The county falls in the upper-middle range regionally.

Carroll County's typical annual property tax

A median home valued at $113,500 in Carroll County generates approximately $2,308 in annual property taxes at the 2.03% effective rate. Without a mortgage, residents pay roughly $2,228; with a mortgage, the figure rises to $2,401.

Carroll residents can benefit from appeals

With above-average effective rates, Carroll County homeowners should examine whether their assessments match market conditions, as overassessment remains common. An appeal could significantly reduce your annual tax burden if your property is valued too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Housing pressure exceeds national norm

Carroll County renters spend 15.5% of income on housing, exceeding the national average of 14.7% by a full percentage point. With median rent at $784 and household income at $60,871, residents here face tighter affordability constraints than typical American households.

Second-highest burden in sample

Carroll County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest among these eight counties and exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $784 runs about $53 below the statewide median, yet the income base is weaker, driving affordability pressure.

Tight housing market amid region

Carroll County's $784 rent is moderate for the region, but the 15.5% affordability ratio signals below-average household incomes compared to neighboring counties. This creates one of the tightest affordability situations in the sample.

Renters face highest burden proportion

Renters in Carroll County pay $784 monthly (15.5% of income), the second-tightest ratio in the sample, while homeowners pay $819 (16.0%) on homes averaging $113,500. Both tenure options strain household budgets here.

Verify affordability before relocating

Carroll County's elevated affordability burden suggests you'll need above-median income to relocate comfortably. Calculate your own housing costs against the county median to ensure this market aligns with your financial situation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll trails national income significantly

Carroll County's median household income of $60,871 falls 18% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it among lower-earning U.S. counties. This substantial gap reflects limited economic dynamism and earning potential.

Lower tier in Illinois

Carroll County ranks in the lower third of Illinois counties with a median household income of $60,871, trailing the state average of $68,580 by $7,709. Per capita income of $32,921 also lags the state's $36,009 average, indicating constrained individual earning capacity.

Among the county's lower earners

Carroll County's $60,871 income ranks second-lowest in this eight-county comparison, ahead of only Alexander County's $43,523. Even modest performers like Bond County ($61,603) marginally exceed Carroll, reflecting the county's economic challenges.

Tight housing affordability

At 15.5%, Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this dataset, indicating housing costs strain household budgets. The median home value of $113,500 is the lowest among comparable counties, reflecting limited property values and appreciation potential.

Strategic investing despite constraints

Carroll County households earning $60,871 must carefully manage budgets before investing, prioritizing emergency savings and debt reduction. Once housing and basic needs are secured, even modest contributions to retirement accounts and low-cost index funds can compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Among Nation's Safest

With a safety score of 99.8, Carroll County is an exceptionally safe place to live. Its total crime rate of 121.8 per 100,000 is nearly 20 times lower than the national average.

A Leader in Illinois Public Safety

The county's safety score far exceeds the Illinois average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 121.8 is also vastly lower than the state average of 835.0.

Detailed Reporting Shows High Safety

Despite having eight reporting agencies, Carroll County maintains a lower crime rate than almost all of its regional neighbors. This high level of transparency confirms its status as a secure community.

Breakdown of Local Crime Incidents

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 12.8 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also remarkably low at 109.0, making it one of the best-performing counties in the breakdown.

Keeping Carroll County Secure

Residents can help maintain these world-class safety levels by staying engaged with their community. Even basic home security measures like outdoor lighting ensure the county remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficiency Across Seven Schools

Carroll County serves 2,017 students through a network of 7 public schools. These are managed by three districts, providing a mix of three elementary and three high school campuses.

Strong Success in Graduation Rates

Carroll County achieves an impressive 93.4% graduation rate, well above the 88.8% state average. The county invests $9,688 per pupil, effectively utilizing funds to exceed Illinois academic benchmarks.

West Carroll Leads the Way

West Carroll CUSD 314 is the largest district, serving 895 students across 3 schools. Eastland CUSD 308 follows with 714 students, and no charter schools are available in the county.

Rural Focus with Diverse Sizes

Six of the seven schools are in rural locales, with an average size of 288 students. West Carroll Primary is the largest campus at 416 students, while the Chadwick-Milledgeville system provides a smaller alternative.

Invest in a High-Achieving Community

With a graduation rate that beats state and national averages, Carroll County is a smart choice for families. Look for homes in the West Carroll or Eastland districts to secure a high-quality education in a rural setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County's risk well below average

Carroll County scores 39.03 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and positioning it well below the national average. This reflects modest exposure to most hazards, though tornado risk registers moderately at 55.88.

Among Illinois's lowest-risk counties

At 39.03, Carroll 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 practical.

Safer than most nearby counties

Carroll County's 39.03 score places it among the region's safer areas, comparable to Bond County (36.23) and substantially safer than Boone County (57.35), Adams County (64.19), or Alexander County (44.08). Only Brown County (4.74) and Calhoun County (6.08) present significantly lower risk.

Tornadoes the primary concern

Carroll County's tornado risk of 55.88 substantially outpaces flood risk (46.47) and represents the county's main hazard exposure. Earthquake risk (31.65) and wildfire risk (13.07) remain minimal by comparison.

Prepare for tornado season

Carroll County's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection, but ensure wind and hail coverage is included. Develop a tornado action plan during spring, identify your home's safest room, and review warning systems so you can act quickly when storms approach.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Carroll County

via WaterByCounty

Carroll Drinking Water Earns a D Grade

Carroll County holds a D grade for drinking water safety with 2 health violations recorded over the last five years. However, its violation rate of 18.0 per 100,000 residents is much better than the state average of 48.7. Local systems are generally performing well compared to the rest of Illinois, despite the low grade.

One-Third of Carroll Waters Are Impaired

The 2022 assessment shows that 31.0% of Carroll County's 248 water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards. While this is better than the Illinois average of 38.0%, 77 water bodies are still impacted by mercury and PCBs. Fecal coliform also contributes to the degradation of local streams and rivers.

Nutrient and Physical Data Tracking

Nine monitoring sites across the county have recorded 327 measurements over the last five years. Monitoring efforts focus heavily on physical water properties and nutrients. This data helps identify potential agricultural runoff issues that may lead to the impairments noted in the watershed.

Limited Live Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage in Carroll County providing live flow data. This makes it difficult to track real-time hydrological changes in the county's internal streams. Residents should rely on long-term watershed health reports and drinking water compliance signals for safety info.

Focus on Mercury and Bacteria Awareness

With 31% of water bodies impaired, residents should be aware of mercury and PCB risks, especially for local fishing. While tap water violations are low compared to the state average, the D grade suggests staying vigilant by checking annual water quality reports. Testing for fecal coliform is recommended for those using private water sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Brisk Regions

Carroll County's 48.5°F average temperature is well below the national median. The county features a humid continental climate with 38.9 inches of annual precipitation, slightly drier than many parts of the Midwest.

Illinois' Chilly Northern Border

Ranking as one of the coldest counties in the state, Carroll's 48.5°F average is 4.3 degrees below the Illinois mean. It also records 33.4 inches of snow, which is near the top of the state rankings.

Coldest Among the Regional Group

Carroll is cooler than Bureau County and significantly snowier than the central counties. With 33.4 inches of snow, it faces the most significant winter accumulation of this eight-county group.

Harsh Winters and Brief Summers

The January average is a frigid 20.8°F, and residents manage 33.4 inches of snow. Summers stay cool at 70.9°F on average, though 19 days still climb above 90°F.

Winterize for Severe Cold

Focus on high-grade home insulation and emergency winter vehicle kits to handle the sub-21°F January lows. The 33.4 inches of snow requires professional-grade removal equipment and consistent sidewalk maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

The State Benchmark for Soil Health

Carroll County soil is the quintessential Illinois earth, with a pH of 6.39 that exactly matches the state average. Its soil score of 77.6 outperforms the state average of 73.6, highlighting its superior quality. This is a highly productive environment with a chemical profile that is very easy for growers to manage.

Balanced Texture for Northern Farming

The soil consists of 60.9% silt and 20.2% clay, supported by a healthy 18.3% sand content. This sand percentage is higher than in central Illinois, which improves drainage and helps the soil warm up faster in the spring. It is a versatile mix that is easy to work and maintains good structure.

Strong Organic Matter and Water Storage

With 2.71% organic matter, Carroll County is very close to the state's high average of 2.94% and well above the national 2.0% mark. The available water capacity of 0.209 in/in is higher than the state average, providing an extra buffer against drought. This soil is naturally fertile and stores moisture exceptionally well.

A Resilient Water Management System

Carroll County's soil score of 77.6 and AWC of 0.209 point to a landscape that handles water efficiently. The 18.3% sand content likely contributes to better-than-average drainage for the region. This makes the land resilient, allowing farmers to get back into their fields sooner after a heavy rain.

Cool Weather Success in Zone 5a

As a zone 5a region, Carroll County is great for cold-hardy crops like garlic, kale, and root vegetables. The robust organic matter (2.71%) provides the energy these plants need to grow quickly during the summer peak. This is prime land for anyone looking to establish a highly productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Carroll County's North-End Challenges

Carroll County has a lawn difficulty score of 67.0, making it slightly more work than the average Illinois lawn. Located in Zone 5a, it deals with some of the state's coldest winters and shortest growing windows. Success here depends on using hardy species that can survive deep freezes.

Cooler Climates and Steady Rainfall

Annual precipitation reaches 38.9 inches, while only 19 extreme heat days occur each year. The cooler climate, with 2,917 growing degree days, means your grass won't grow as aggressively as it would further south. This creates a shorter but more manageable mowing season for most homeowners.

High-Quality pH for Northern Turf

The soil pH of 6.39 is ideal for nutrient availability, supporting strong and healthy grass blades. The soil is a mix of 20.2% clay and 18.3% sand, which provides a good balance between moisture retention and drainage. These properties make the soil very responsive to standard lawn care treatments.

Long Drought Stretches in Carroll

Carroll County has struggled with 42 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating a persistent lack of moisture. While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, none of it currently falls into the severe category. Frequent monitoring of soil moisture is necessary to maintain lawn health during these long dry windows.

Wait for the Late May Frost

The final spring frost often holds off until May 2, so don't rush your spring planting too early. Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are your best bets for the 5a hardiness zone. Plan to have your lawn established well before the first fall frost, which usually arrives by October 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Illinois has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Illinois?
Carroll County ranks #20 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 Carroll County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $2,308, with an effective tax rate of 2.03%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Illinois is $60,871 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Illinois a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll 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.