countyscore
34.4
County Score
Health 78.7Lawn Care 73Soil Quality 72.9

County Report Card

About Champaign County, Illinois

Below National Median Despite Urban Assets

Champaign County carries a composite score of 34.4, which sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. While it serves as a major regional hub, the data highlights specific vulnerabilities that pull down its overall ranking. These challenges differentiate it from more stable rural peers across the country.

Struggling Against the State Average

The county’s score of 34.4 trails the Illinois state average of 52.8 by a wide margin. Higher costs and safety concerns contribute to this lower standing compared to other Illinois counties. It functions as a specialized academic and economic center rather than a general livability leader.

A Hub for Health and Education

A health score of 78.7 is the county's brightest spot, reflecting excellent access to medical care and wellness. Water quality is also a strength at 63.5, and school systems perform well with a score of 57.7. These scores indicate a high level of institutional support for resident well-being.

Critical Risks and Safety Concerns

Safety is a major concern with a score of 13.6, while a risk score of 9.5 signals high vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards. Additionally, the tax score of 2.7 reflects a high tax burden typical of Illinois' urban centers. Cost of living also pinches residents, with median rent exceeding $1,000.

The Verdict: Best for Students and Professionals

This county is best suited for healthcare professionals, academics, or students who value proximity to top-tier institutional amenities. Those who prioritize environmental stability and low crime may find it less appealing. It offers a trade-off between high-quality services and significant urban challenges.

204060801002.722.313.678.757.748.49.563.555Tax2.7Cost22.3Safety13.6Health78.7Schools57.7Income48.4Risk9.5Water63.5Weather5534.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Champaign County DNA

Foverall

How Champaign County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Champaign County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (2.7/100), though Health (78.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.7-49.3
Cost
22.3-25.7
Safety
13.6-41.4
Health
78.7+28.700000000000003
Schools
57.7
Income
48.4
Risk
9.5-37.5
Water
63.5
Weather
55
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Think property taxes are too high in Champaign County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$205,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,018/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,091/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

56.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Piatt County
Illinois
54.9
Vermilion County
Illinois
35.5
Douglas County
Illinois
55.6
Ford County
Illinois
53.8
De Witt County
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McLean County
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Edgar County
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Coles County
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57.4

Deep Dives

Champaign County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Champaign County

via TaxByCounty

Champaign County taxes slightly above national norm

With an effective tax rate of 2.070%, Champaign County sits above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. Its median property tax of $4,245 exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by higher home values averaging $205,100.

Mid-range within Illinois counties

Champaign County ranks 20th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate at 2.070%, above the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $4,245 surpasses the state median of $2,782, reflecting a more affluent housing market.

Highest taxes in central Illinois cluster

Champaign County's 2.070% rate leads its neighboring counties, including Cass County (2.102% is higher, but Coles County at 2.046% is close), and significantly exceeds Christian County (1.691%) and Clark County (1.684%). It sits squarely in the region's higher-tax tier.

What an average Champaign County home costs annually

The median Champaign County home valued at $205,100 generates an estimated $4,245 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $4,362, while those without mortgages pay $4,063.

Overassessment could save you thousands

Champaign County homeowners overassessed on their property can file appeals with the county assessor's office at no cost. Given the county's higher home values and tax bills, a successful reassessment could reduce annual taxes by over $1,000.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Champaign County

via CostByCounty

Champaign County rents bite harder than national

Renters here spend 19.4% of income on housing—well above the national comfort threshold of 30% and significantly higher than most Illinois counties. Though median household income reaches $63,091, the median rent of $1,018 per month creates outsized housing pressure compared to the $74,755 national median.

One of Illinois's priciest rental markets

Champaign County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst affordability, far exceeding the Illinois average of 14.7%. The $1,018 median rent—$181 above state average—reflects the county's role as home to the University of Illinois, driving up demand and costs.

Rent premium reflects college town demand

Champaign County's $1,018 rent towers over rural neighbors like Cass ($723), Christian ($729), and Clark ($828), signaling a distinct economic profile. This premium aligns with university-driven housing markets where student and faculty demand keep prices elevated.

College town costs strain household budgets

Renters pay $1,018 monthly while homeowners carry $1,206—both substantial relative to the $63,091 median income. At a $205,100 median home value, ownership remains more expensive than renting here, an unusual pattern reflecting academic institutional wealth rather than typical residential demand.

Expect premium pricing for college proximity

Moving to Champaign County? Budget for university-driven rents 22% above the state average and nearly 41% above smaller, rural neighbors. If affordability matters, compare Champaign's 19.4% rent burden against cheaper counties like Cass (13.4%) or Clinton (13.6%) before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Champaign County

via IncomeByCounty

Champaign County below U.S. income median

Champaign County's median household income of $63,091 lags the national median of $74,755 by $11,664. However, the county's per capita income of $37,366 exceeds the state average, reflecting a concentration of higher earners.

Middle-of-pack income ranking in Illinois

At $63,091, Champaign County earns $5,489 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county's ranking reflects an urban-rural income split, with the University of Illinois campus creating pockets of higher professional income.

Mixed earnings compared to nearby counties

Champaign County ($63,091) trails Clark County ($70,625) but edges out Coles County ($56,040). The presence of the university and regional employers keeps household income competitive within east-central Illinois.

Housing costs squeeze Champaign renters

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% means Champaign County renters spend nearly two-thirds of the recommended 30% housing-cost threshold. This pressure reflects the university town's higher rental demand and price inflation.

Leverage education and professional networks

Champaign County's university presence creates unique wealth-building opportunities through career advancement and alumni networks. Strategic career moves and continuing education can boost earnings above county averages and accelerate financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Champaign County

via CrimeByCounty

Champaign County Matches National Crime Averages

Champaign County's total crime rate of 2,481.1 per 100K sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.1, reflecting its status as a busy urban center.

Comparing Champaign to the Illinois Average

The county's crime rate is notably higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0 per 100K residents. Its safety score of 96.1 is below the state average of 98.7, driven by higher reporting from its 11 agencies.

Activity Levels vs. Rural Neighbors

Champaign's rate of 2,481.1 is significantly higher than neighboring Coles County, which reports only 159.4 crimes per 100K. This contrast highlights the higher volume of activity in the Champaign-Urbana metro area.

A Look at Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Champaign stands at 552.5 per 100K, while property crime is 1,928.6. While the property rate is below the national average of 2,015.7, the violent crime rate is higher than the national 369.8.

Enhance Your Personal Property Security

With property crime representing the majority of local incidents, residents should prioritize home security systems. Visible cameras and secure locks are effective deterrents in higher-activity areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Champaign County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban and Rural Mix

Champaign County supports a robust network of 63 schools serving 25,395 students across 16 different districts. The landscape is diverse, featuring 34 elementary schools and 15 high schools to accommodate a wide range of grade levels.

Strong Investment and Competitive Scoring

With per-pupil spending at $9,770, the county outpaces the state average of $9,250. The graduation rate of 86.5% is competitive, while the county school score of 57.7 nearly matches the state's average performance level.

Major Districts Anchor the Region

Champaign CUSD 4 is the largest provider in the area, managing 20 schools and 10,282 students. Urbana SD 116 follows as the second-largest district, serving over 4,400 students without the presence of any charter schools.

Diverse Locales from City to Countryside

The county offers a mix of 35 city-based schools and 16 rural campuses, providing an average school size of 462 students. High schools like Central and Centennial are the largest, both exceeding 1,400 students in enrollment.

Relocate to a Resource-Rich District

Homebuyers in Champaign County can choose between vibrant city neighborhoods near high-enrollment schools or quieter rural properties. Consider the variety of educational environments available across these 16 districts when planning your next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Champaign County

via RiskByCounty

Champaign County faces moderate disaster risk

Champaign County's composite risk score of 90.46 places it significantly above the national average, with a Relatively Moderate risk rating. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and tornadoes.

Second-highest risk in Illinois

At 90.46, Champaign County ranks among the most hazardous counties in Illinois, surpassed only by Cook County's 99.97. The county's score substantially exceeds the state average of 54.46, indicating above-average exposure to weather-related disasters.

Riskiest county in central Illinois

Champaign County (90.46) faces dramatically higher disaster risk than adjacent Christian County (54.04) and Coles County (70.36). It stands as the highest-risk county in its immediate region.

Tornadoes and floods pose major threats

Tornado risk dominates at 94.85, making Champaign one of Illinois's most tornado-prone counties, while flood risk scores 90.36—both well above state averages. Together, these two hazards account for the county's elevated composite risk profile.

Comprehensive coverage essential for residents

Champaign County residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance with specific tornado and flood protections, as standard policies often exclude flood damage. Safe room construction and emergency planning are equally critical given the region's significant severe weather exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Champaign County

via WaterByCounty

High Drinking Water Compliance Standards

Champaign County holds a Grade B, reporting nine health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 4.4 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average and the state rate of 48.7.

Watershed Impairment Near State Norms

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 36.9% of the county's 458 assessed water bodies are impaired. Top contaminants include mercury, fecal coliform, and phosphorus, mirroring the state’s overall impairment rate of 38.0%.

Active Monitoring Across Twenty Local Sites

Monitoring efforts are robust, with 20 sites generating 3,979 measurements over the last five years. These records track vital signals including metals, physical properties, and inorganic compounds in the water supply.

Low Flows at Sangamon River Gage

The Sangamon River at Fisher currently reports a discharge of 79 cfs, which is only 35% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow suggests potential stress on the local aquatic environment and surface water sources.

Managing Phosphorus and Low Flow Risks

Residents should be aware of phosphorus and fecal coliform levels in local rivers, especially during current low-flow conditions. Using high-quality water filters can help mitigate the impact of common watershed impairments on household water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Champaign County

via WeatherByCounty

Champaign's climate sits below the national median

Champaign's annual average temperature of 52.1°F falls slightly below the national median, characterizing its humid continental climate. The county receives 40.0 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with typical Midwestern weather patterns.

A cooler pocket within the Prairie State

The county remains cooler than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This positioning places it in the middle tier of Illinois counties, avoiding the extreme heat found further south.

Snowier and cooler than its southern neighbors

With 20.9 inches of annual snow, Champaign sees more winter accumulation than Christian County’s 14.9 inches. However, its 21 extreme heat days are significantly fewer than the 30 days recorded in Christian.

Defined seasons with manageable summer heat

July averages a warm 74.6°F, while January temperatures drop to a brisk 25.6°F. The region experiences 21 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is lower than the state's southern regions.

Prepare for variable winters and moderate snow

Homeowners should maintain reliable snow shovels and ice melt for the 20.9 inches of annual snowfall. Efficient heating systems are essential to handle the 28.9°F winter average and frequent sub-freezing nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Champaign County

via SoilByCounty

Matching the Illinois State Standard

Champaign County soils perfectly mirror the state average with a pH of 6.39, slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This baseline is characteristic of the highly productive prairie soils found across Central Illinois. While taxonomic data is currently limited, the chemical profile is optimized for the region's signature agricultural output.

Heavy Silt Dominance in the Heartland

The soil is dominated by 60.4% silt and 24.3% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 15.3%. This high silt-to-clay ratio gives the ground a heavy, moisture-retentive feel that can be difficult to work when wet. However, this mix is world-renowned for its ability to store the essential minerals needed for high-yield farming.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

Champaign County boasts 3.02% organic matter, surpassing both the state average of 2.94% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is a solid 0.193 in/in, ensuring that plants have deep reservoirs to draw from during the peak of summer. This high fertility score of 72.9 reflects the county's reputation as a premier agricultural powerhouse.

Slow and Steady Water Retention

Local records do not specify a dominant drainage class, but the high silt and clay percentages indicate slow natural drainage. The soil is designed to hold onto water, with a capacity of 0.193 in/in, which is excellent for drought resistance but can lead to muddy conditions in spring. Gardeners should consider raised beds if they encounter heavy spring rains that linger in the low spots.

Maximize Your Zone 6a Harvest

With a Zone 6a hardiness rating, your garden can support everything from crisp apples to late-season pumpkins. The 3.02% organic matter provides a natural nutrient boost that few other regions can match without heavy composting. Whether you are planting a small flower bed or a large vegetable patch, these fertile soils are ready to produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Champaign County

via LawnByCounty

Champaign County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 73.0, Champaign County is one of the easiest places in Illinois to keep a lawn healthy. This outperforms both the state average of 69.8 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 6a climate provides a reliable window for high-quality turf development.

Optimal Precipitation and Growing Days

Annual precipitation hits 40.0 inches, perfectly matching the requirements for lush grass without excessive supplemental watering. The county experiences 21 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 27, reducing heat stress on cool-season blades. A total of 3,489 growing degree days supports a vigorous and healthy mowing season.

Slightly Acidic Soil with Clay Character

The average soil pH of 6.39 is ideal for nutrient absorption, though the 24.3% clay content can lead to some compaction. With only 15.3% sand, homeowners should monitor for drainage issues during heavy spring rains. Aerating the soil annually helps oxygen reach the roots through this denser earth.

Managing 40 Weeks of Drought

Champaign County has faced 40 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently sits in severe conditions. Irrigation systems should be adjusted to water early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss. Consistent monitoring is essential to prevent permanent dormant damage during these extended dry periods.

Target the Autumn Seeding Window

Fescues and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for the local Zone 6a hardiness level. Aim to seed after the first fall frost around October 18 or wait until the spring thaw concludes after April 20. These dates provide the safest temperatures for young seedlings to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Champaign County's county score?
Champaign County, Illinois has a composite county score of 34.4 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 Champaign County rank among counties in Illinois?
Champaign County ranks #99 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 Champaign County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Champaign County is $4,245, with an effective tax rate of 2.07%. This earns Champaign County a tax score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Champaign County?
The median household income in Champaign County, Illinois is $63,091 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Champaign County earns an income score of 48.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Champaign County, Illinois a good place to live?
Champaign County scores 34.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Champaign 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 Champaign 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.