countyscore
55.3
County Score
Soil Quality 81.2Safety 76.4Lawn Care 72.3

County Report Card

About Christian County, Illinois

Exceeding National Median Standards

Christian County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it in a favorable position above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline of livability for its residents. It maintains a competitive profile compared to small-town counties across the United States.

Outperforming the State Average

With a score of 55.3, the county beats the Illinois state average of 52.8. It offers a more attractive lifestyle profile than many of its agricultural neighbors. This performance suggests a well-managed community that provides consistent value to its citizens.

Safe Streets and Strong Schools

The county excels in safety with a score of 76.4 and health with a score of 67.1. Education is another highlight, earning a school score of 66.0 that supports family growth. These dimensions create a stable foundation for a high quality of life.

Water Quality and Income Hurdles

Water quality is the primary concern here, with a score of only 20.7 indicating significant room for improvement. The income score of 36.6 also lags behind, as the median household income of $59,253 is relatively modest. Residents trade higher water concerns for lower overall cost of living.

The Verdict: A Reliable Choice for Families

Christian County is a strong choice for families looking for safe neighborhoods and good schools without an urban price tag. Its affordability and security make it a hidden gem for those with modest incomes. However, residents should be mindful of local water infrastructure issues.

Score breakdown

Tax7.3Cost65Safety76.4Health67.1Schools66Income36.6Risk46Water20.7Weather54.4
🏛7.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.3
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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Nearby counties

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33.4
Macon County
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Montgomery County
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45.9
Shelby County
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Deep Dives

Christian County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Christian County

via TaxByCounty

Christian County offers the lowest tax burden

At 1.691%, Christian County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,896 falls far short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower rates and modest home values.

Among Illinois's most tax-friendly counties

Christian County ranks 87th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate, meaning it's in the bottom 15%—the most favorable for property owners. At 1.691%, it runs 0.14 percentage points below the state average of 1.831%.

Lowest taxes in the central Illinois region

Christian County's 1.691% rate is the lowest among its peers, undercutting Clark County (1.684% is actually lower—correction: Clark at 1.684% is lowest), Cass County (2.102%), Coles County (2.046%), and Champaign County (2.070%). It offers regional tax relief for homeowners.

What an average Christian County home costs annually

The median Christian County home valued at $112,100 generates an estimated $1,896 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,070, while those without mortgages pay $1,588.

Even low-tax counties have overassessed properties

Christian County homeowners can still benefit from property tax appeals if their homes are overassessed. Contact your county assessor's office to request a free reassessment—it's a simple process with no cost if you're unsuccessful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Christian County

via CostByCounty

Christian County housing bites below national

Renters in Christian County spend 14.8% of their income on housing, just above the Illinois average and well within national affordability bounds. With a median household income of $59,253—below both state and national medians—residents pay moderately for the income they earn.

Middle-of-the-pack affordability for Illinois

Christian County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the state average of 14.7%, placing it in the affordability mainstream. At $729 per month, the median rent tracks only $108 above the statewide median, typical for central Illinois small towns.

Slightly pricier than Cass, cheaper than Coles

Christian County's $729 rent edges up from Cass County ($723) but remains $64 below Coles County ($793), reflecting its position in the mid-tier of regional affordability. As a rural county without major university or metro draw, it avoids both urban premiums and extreme affordability outliers.

Modest gap between rent and ownership costs

Renters pay $729 monthly while homeowners spend $836, both reasonable relative to the $59,253 median income. The $112,100 median home value keeps homeownership within reach for working families, though neither tenure group experiences exceptional affordability.

Christian County offers solid middle ground

If you're comparing Illinois counties, Christian County delivers mainstream affordability—not a bargain like Cass, but not strained like Champaign or Cook. At $729 rent and a 14.8% burden, it suits relocators seeking a quiet, small-town setting with reasonable housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Christian County

via IncomeByCounty

Christian County significantly below national average

Christian County's median household income of $59,253 falls $15,502 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county among the lower-income regions nationally, typical of central Illinois rural areas.

Lowest income tier in Illinois

At $59,253, Christian County earns $9,327 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580, placing it in the lower quarter of Illinois counties. The gap reflects the county's agricultural and small-town economic base.

Below most adjacent counties

Christian County ($59,253) trails all nearby peers: Cass County ($64,907), Clark County ($70,625), and Clay County ($57,266). Only Clay County approaches Christian County's income level in this five-county region.

Housing remains affordable despite low income

Christian County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% keeps housing affordable, though the low median income limits overall household financial flexibility. The favorable housing ratio provides some economic cushion for residents.

Small savings add up quickly here

Christian County's low cost of living means even modest income increases translate into meaningful wealth accumulation. Redirecting just 5-10% of household income into a savings account or employer retirement plan builds security faster in lower-cost regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Christian County

via CrimeByCounty

Christian County Remains Very Safe Nationally

Christian County boasts a high safety score of 99.1, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 563.5 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Standings in the State

Christian County's safety score of 99.1 is better than the Illinois average of 98.7. Its crime rate of 563.5 also remains lower than the state-wide average of 835.0 per 100K.

Similar Safety Profiles to Neighbors

Christian County's rate of 563.5 is nearly identical to Clark County's 562.4. Both counties offer a much more secure environment than larger urban areas like Champaign.

Low Violent Crime Rates Prevail

The county reports 112.1 violent crimes and 451.4 property crimes per 100K residents. Both categories are significantly lower than national figures, which stand at 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively.

Lock Up for Peace of Mind

Most local incidents are property-related, making basic home security essential. Ensure all entry points are well-lit to maintain the county's low-crime reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Christian County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national, but improving

Christian County residents live to 75.8 years, trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 0.3 years and Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 0.2 years. With 17.6% reporting poor or fair health, chronic disease prevention offers room for improvement.

Mid-pack health rank within Illinois

At 75.8 years, Christian County's life expectancy sits just below the Illinois state average of 76.0 years. This places it in the middle tier statewide, neither an outlier nor a leader.

Similar health profile to Clay County peers

Christian County's 75.8-year life expectancy matches Clay County exactly, though both lag Champaign County (78.8 years). The 17.6% poor/fair health rate aligns with regional trends, suggesting shared socioeconomic or environmental factors.

Moderate provider access, near-average uninsured rate

Christian County has 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, about 87% below national benchmarks, while 6.1% lack insurance—near the state average of 6.3%. The limited provider network may contribute to delayed diagnoses.

Don't delay—check coverage options today

With limited primary care access, having health insurance is especially critical in Christian County. Visit Healthcare.gov during open enrollment to explore plans and potential subsidies for you and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Christian County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Ranging Rural Network

Christian County operates 19 public schools across 6 districts, serving a total of 4,610 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed with 8 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools providing local coverage for families.

Graduation Rates Surpass State Average

The county boasts an impressive 90.9% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both state (88.8%) and national (87.0%) benchmarks. Despite lower per-pupil spending of $8,748, the county maintains a respectable school score of 57.8.

Taylorville Leads with High Enrollment

Taylorville CUSD 3 is the county's largest district, enrolling 2,262 students across its four campuses. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county features zero charter schools.

Small-Town and Rural School Life

Education here is personal, with an average school size of 256 students across 11 rural and 8 town settings. Taylorville Sr High School is the largest campus with 781 students, while North Elementary provides a focused primary start.

Settle Near High-Performing Schools

With graduation rates that beat state averages, Christian County is an attractive option for education-focused homebuyers. Explore homes near Taylorville or Pana to benefit from established districts with a history of academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Christian County

via RiskByCounty

Christian County faces below-average risk

Christian County's composite risk score of 54.04 sits near the national average, with a Relatively Low risk rating overall. While not risk-free, the county experiences more manageable hazard exposure than many American regions.

Moderate-risk county for Illinois

Christian County (54.04) sits slightly at the Illinois state average of 54.46, placing it in the middle tier of state counties by risk level. This positioning means Christian County residents face roughly typical hazards for Illinois.

Moderate risk among nearby counties

Christian County (54.04) ranks safer than Champaign County (90.46) and Coles County (70.36), but slightly riskier than Cass County (38.65). Its central position among neighboring counties reflects balanced exposure to regional hazards.

Earthquakes and tornadoes are primary concerns

Earthquake risk dominates Christian County's profile at 87.18, while tornado risk registers at 44.75. Together these exceed the county's overall average, suggesting seismic activity poses the most significant individual threat.

Earthquake insurance becomes increasingly important

Christian County residents should prioritize earthquake coverage as part of a comprehensive insurance strategy, given the county's notably elevated seismic score. Standard homeowners policies should be reviewed annually to ensure adequate tornado protection as well.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Christian County

via WeatherByCounty

Christian County matches the national temperature median

Christian County averages 53.6°F annually, placing it very near the national median for U.S. counties. Its 40.7 inches of annual precipitation provides ample moisture for its classic continental climate.

Warmer than the average Illinois county

At 53.6°F, the county is nearly a full degree warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This makes it one of the warmer central Illinois locations, reflecting its position south of the state's midsection.

Hotter summers than neighboring Champaign County

Christian County experiences 30 extreme heat days, which is nine more than neighboring Champaign County. Its 14.9 inches of annual snowfall is also notably lower than Champaign’s 20.9 inches.

Steamy summers and relatively mild winters

Residents face 30 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, making for a hot summer peak in July at 76.1°F. Winters are manageable with a 30.9°F average and relatively light snowfall compared to northern counties.

Prioritize cooling systems for long summer stretches

The 30 days of extreme heat require well-maintained air conditioning units to ensure summer comfort. With nearly 15 inches of snow, a light-duty snow blower is usually sufficient for most winter storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Christian County

via SoilByCounty

The Gold Standard of Illinois Soil

Christian County features an ideal pH of 6.50, matching the national median perfectly and sitting slightly higher than the state average. This neutral acidity level is considered the 'sweet spot' for nutrient availability and microbial activity. This balance contributes to the county's impressive soil score of 81.2, one of the highest in the region.

Silky Texture with Minimal Sand

The soil is composed of a massive 66.1% silt and 23.1% clay, leaving only 10.8% for sand. This high silt content makes the soil exceptionally smooth and fertile, though it requires careful management to avoid surface crusting. It is highly efficient at holding onto fertilizers, reducing the need for intensive chemical inputs compared to sandier counties.

Leading the State in Water Storage

With an available water capacity of 0.212 in/in, Christian County outperforms the state average of 0.204 in/in. Organic matter sits at a healthy 2.79%, providing a strong foundation for plant health and soil structure. These metrics mean your plants have better access to moisture and nutrients than in almost any neighboring county.

Superior Hydrologic Performance

Though formal hydrologic groups are not listed in recent data, the high water capacity of 0.212 in/in suggests a soil that acts like a sponge. This prevents rapid runoff during heavy storms, protecting local watersheds and keeping moisture where plants need it most. For builders, this signifies a soil that stays moist and may expand slightly depending on local clay pockets.

Perfect Conditions for Zone 6a Gardening

In Zone 6a, Christian County is an agricultural gem where sweet corn, melons, and leafy greens flourish. The 6.50 pH and high water capacity mean your garden will be more resilient to the stresses of a hot Illinois summer. It is an ideal time to plant a vegetable patch, as your soil is statistically among the best in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Christian County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates in Christian County

Christian County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 72.3, indicating a very manageable environment for home landscaping. This score ranks higher than the state average, giving local gardeners a significant advantage. The Zone 6a hardiness designation supports a wide variety of popular Midwest turf species.

Balanced Heat and Ample Rainfall

The county receives 40.7 inches of rain annually, ensuring your lawn stays hydrated during the 3,777 growing degree days. While the 30 extreme heat days slightly exceed the state average, the rainfall helps mitigate the risk of summer brownouts. Mowing heights should be kept higher during the peak of July to shade the soil.

Low-Sand Soil for Water Retention

A soil pH of 6.50 provides a neutral environment where most lawn nutrients are readily available. The soil contains 23.1% clay and a low 10.8% sand content, which helps retain moisture but may slow down drainage. Adding organic matter can help improve the structure of these clay-heavy foundations.

Severe Conditions Target the Entire County

Currently, 100% of the county is experiencing severe drought, following 31 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Deep watering once a week is more effective than daily light sprinkles for maintaining turf health under these stressors. Avoid heavy foot traffic on the lawn when the grass appears silvery or wilted.

Watch the Frost for Perfect Planting

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are the standard recommendation for this Zone 6a region. Schedule your seeding between the last spring frost on April 17 and the first fall frost on October 23. This timeline ensures the grass establishes itself before the summer heat or winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christian County's county score?
Christian County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Christian County rank among counties in Illinois?
Christian County ranks #45 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 Christian County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Christian County is $1,896, with an effective tax rate of 1.69%. This earns Christian County a tax score of 7.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Christian County?
The median household income in Christian County, Illinois is $59,253 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Christian County earns an income score of 36.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Christian County, Illinois a good place to live?
Christian County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Christian 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 Christian 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.