countyscore
55.5
County Score
Safety 76.5Disaster Risk 72.7Health 71.1

County Report Card

About Clark County, Illinois

Consistent High Performance Nationally

Clark County's composite score of 55.5 places it firmly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a reliable and stable environment for its residents. It represents the quintessential Midwestern high-value county on the national stage.

A Top Performer in Illinois

Beating the state average of 52.8, Clark County stands out as one of Illinois' more livable rural options. It manages to offer better-than-average security and income potential. This makes it a preferred destination for those seeking a balanced life in the region.

Safety, Health, and Strong Incomes

The county performs well across the board, led by a safety score of 76.5 and a risk score of 72.7. Residents enjoy a high income score of 68.1, backed by a median household income of $70,625. Health metrics are also strong, rounding out a robust social profile.

Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

Water quality is the county's weakest dimension, scoring 39.8, while a tax score of 7.5 reflects the persistent Illinois tax challenge. Despite these issues, the effective tax rate of 1.684% is lower than many other parts of the state. These infrastructure needs are the main barriers to a higher overall score.

The Verdict: Best for Established Households

Clark County is an excellent fit for established families and workers who value safety and a higher-than-average rural income. It provides a sense of security and health that is hard to match in the area. It is a solid, middle-class stronghold with minor infrastructure caveats.

Score breakdown

Tax7.5Cost50.1Safety76.5Health71.1Schools62.3Income68.1Risk72.7Water39.8Weather52.7
🏛7.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.2
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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Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark County offers below-national-average taxes

With an effective tax rate of 1.684%, Clark County sits below the national median of 1.56%—actually placing it in the 32nd percentile. The median property tax of $2,073 falls short of the national median of $2,690, offering modest tax relief compared to national norms.

Among the lowest-tax counties in Illinois

Clark County ranks 88th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate, putting it in the bottom 13%—the most tax-friendly in the state. At 1.684%, it undercuts the state average of 1.831% by 0.147 percentage points.

Tied for lowest taxes in the region

Clark County's 1.684% rate matches Christian County's 1.691% (Christian is slightly higher), making it one of the region's most affordable. It significantly undercuts Cass County (2.102%), Coles County (2.046%), Champaign County (2.070%), and Clinton County (1.859%).

What an average Clark County home costs annually

The median Clark County home valued at $123,100 generates an estimated $2,073 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,061, while those without mortgages pay $2,085.

Overassessed? A free appeal could help

Clark County homeowners who believe their properties are overassessed can file appeals with the county assessor at no upfront cost. Even in a lower-tax county, a successful reassessment can reduce your annual bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County offers strong housing affordability

At 14.1% of income spent on rent, Clark County residents enjoy affordability that beats both the Illinois average (14.7%) and national norms. With a median household income of $70,625—stronger than most rural Illinois peers—the $828 monthly rent burden remains comparatively light.

Above-average income lifts affordability

Clark County ranks among Illinois's more affordable rentals, combining the state's second-highest median income ($70,625) with rents just $9 below the state average. This income advantage translates directly into the county's impressive 14.1% rent-to-income ratio.

Best balance of income and rent costs

Clark County's $828 rent and $70,625 income offer the strongest affordability ratio among central Illinois neighbors, outperforming Coles ($793 rent on $56,040 income) and Christian ($729 rent on $59,253 income). The county's economic resilience reflects a diversified small-town base rather than single-industry reliance.

Manageable costs across both housing types

Renters spend $828 monthly and homeowners $871—a narrow spread reflecting consistent affordability across tenancy types. At $123,100 median home value and $70,625 household income, both groups experience housing burdens well within sustainable ranges.

Clark County rewards relocators seeking balance

Looking to move to Illinois with strong income prospects? Clark County combines above-average wages with below-average housing burdens—a rare combination. Its 14.1% rent ratio beats Cass (13.4%, but lower income), Christian (14.8%), and Coles (17.0%), making it a smart choice for budget-conscious newcomers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County slightly below U.S. income median

Clark County's median household income of $70,625 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,130. The county performs better than most rural Illinois peers, placing it closer to national norms.

Above-average income within Illinois

At $70,625, Clark County exceeds Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $2,045, ranking in the upper-middle tier of Illinois counties. This positions the county as one of east-central Illinois's stronger income markets.

Top earner among nearby counties

Clark County ($70,625) leads adjacent counties including Cass ($64,907), Christian ($59,253), and Coles ($56,040). The county's economic strength reflects a balanced mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and small business.

Excellent housing affordability

Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% keeps housing costs well below the problematic 30% threshold. Combined with the county's income level, residents enjoy strong financial breathing room.

Clark County's advantage compounds over time

Residents with above-average county income and below-average housing costs can aggressively fund retirement and investment accounts. Starting a 529 education savings plan or increasing 401(k) contributions leverages Clark County's economic position for multi-generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Clark County Outperforms National Safety Norms

Clark County earns a safety score of 99.1, indicating a very secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 562.4 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Illinois State Average

The county's safety score of 99.1 sits comfortably above the Illinois average of 98.7. With a crime rate of 562.4, it is notably safer than the state average of 835.0 per 100K.

Safe Comparison to Regional Peers

Clark County's crime rate of 562.4 mirrors Christian County's rate of 563.5. These numbers demonstrate a consistent pattern of high safety across the rural Illinois landscape.

Breakdown of Local Crime Statistics

Clark County reports 84.0 violent crimes and 478.4 property crimes per 100K. These figures are roughly four times lower than the national averages for both categories.

Vigilance Protects the Community

Maintaining Clark County's safety requires simple, consistent home security habits. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watches and use outdoor security lighting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Below national and state health averages

Clark County's 74.9-year life expectancy falls below both the U.S. average (76.1 years) and Illinois's state average (76.0 years) by about 1.1 years. The 15.2% poor/fair health rate is lower than some peers, yet life expectancy remains suppressed.

Among Illinois's shortest life expectancies

At 74.9 years, Clark County ranks in the bottom tier statewide, trailing Illinois's average of 76.0 years by 1.1 years. This gap signals underlying health challenges requiring targeted intervention.

Shortest lifespan in peer county group

Clark County's 74.9-year life expectancy is the lowest among comparable central Illinois counties, trailing Champaign (78.8), Cass (76.8), and Clay (75.8) by substantial margins. Mortality drivers warrant investigation.

Sparse mental health resources limit care

Clark County has only 33 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—significantly below peer averages—and 5.9% lack insurance coverage. This combination of scarce behavioral health resources and uninsurance may amplify health disparities.

Access mental health support through insurance

Mental health challenges often go untreated due to sparse providers and uninsurance. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore plans that include behavioral health coverage—many offer telehealth options to bridge local access gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Town-Centered Education

Clark County supports 9 public schools and 2,501 students managed by 4 school districts. The system is compact, featuring a balanced mix of 4 elementary schools and 3 high schools.

Exceeding Graduation Benchmarks

Clark County achieves a strong 90.7% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. While per-pupil expenditure is a lean $8,288, the county's school score of 56.7 remains competitive with state levels.

Marshall and Casey-Westfield Lead

Marshall CUSD 2C is the largest district by enrollment, serving 1,224 students across four schools. Casey-Westfield follows with 899 students, contributing to a stable, traditional public school environment with no charters.

An Intimate, Town-Based Feeling

With 7 of the 9 schools located in town settings, the average enrollment is a manageable 313 students. Monroe Elementary is the largest campus with 534 students, while South Elementary offers a smaller, early-childhood environment.

Explore Homes with Local School Pride

Clark County's high graduation rates make it a smart choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Look for properties in Marshall or Casey to find a home within these high-performing, town-centered districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County enjoys very low risk

Clark County's composite risk score of 27.32 ranks among the safest in the nation, with a Very Low risk designation. This score indicates minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Illinois's safest county by risk level

Clark County (27.32) significantly underperforms the Illinois state average of 54.46, making it one of the state's lowest-risk regions. Residents enjoy substantially better disaster protection than most of their fellow Illinoisans.

Safest county in east-central Illinois

Clark County (27.32) ranks safer than all neighboring counties, including Cass County (38.65), Christian County (54.04), and Coles County (70.36). Its low-risk position makes it one of the most protected areas in the region.

Hurricane and earthquake risks highest

Clark County's earthquake score of 80.92 and hurricane risk of 39.97 represent its most significant hazard exposures. Even these scores remain well below state averages, reflecting the county's overall protective position.

Maintain standard coverage as precaution

While Clark County faces minimal disaster risk, residents should still maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with attention to earthquake coverage. Protecting your investment remains prudent even in low-risk areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and temperate compared to national averages

Clark County’s 54.1°F average temperature sits right at the national median, while its 45.5 inches of rain is higher than many U.S. counties. This creates a lush, humid environment with distinct seasonal transitions.

Warmer and wetter than the Illinois average

The county is notably warmer than the state average of 52.8°F, ranking in the upper half of Illinois for temperature. This warmth is accompanied by annual precipitation that exceeds the state average of 41.7 inches.

Higher humidity and heat than nearby Coles

Clark experiences 35 extreme heat days, which is ten more than the 25 days recorded in nearby Coles County. It also receives over five inches more annual precipitation than its neighbor to the west.

Frequent extreme heat and light snow

July averages a warm 76.7°F, contributing to the 35 days per year that reach at least 90°F. Winters remain relatively mild for Illinois, with only 11.9 inches of annual snowfall and a 31.3°F average.

Invest in moisture control and summer cooling

High annual precipitation of 45.5 inches means residents must ensure proper basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance. The 35 days of extreme heat also demand a robust cooling plan for peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Steady Neutrality in Clark County

Clark County soil maintains an average pH of 6.47, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly above the Illinois average. While specific taxonomic orders are currently unclassified in our data, this pH level is favorable for a wide variety of Midwestern crops. It provides a stable environment for most suburban and rural land uses.

Balanced Mix for Easy Management

The composition is 60.4% silt and 19.0% clay, supported by 20.6% sand. This relatively higher sand content compared to central Illinois neighbors makes the soil slightly easier to work and faster to warm up in the spring. It strikes a good balance between retaining nutrients and allowing for manageable drainage.

Leaner Organic Matter in the East

Organic matter in Clark County averages 2.07%, which meets the national average but trails the state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity is 0.189 in/in, meaning the soil holds slightly less moisture than the Illinois standard of 0.204 in/in. Gardeners here may find that adding compost helps boost these levels to match the state's top-performing counties.

Managing Moderate Moisture Levels

Without a formal drainage classification, we look to the 19.0% clay and 0.189 in/in water capacity for clues. These numbers suggest a soil that drains more freely than the heavy clay belts to the south, reducing the risk of standing water. This makes it a reliable choice for building foundations and diverse landscaping projects.

Warming Up in Zone 6b

As part of Zone 6b, Clark County enjoys a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. This soil and climate combo is perfect for fruit trees like peaches and apples, as well as standard garden staples. If you start with a little organic fertilizer, your backyard garden will thrive in these well-balanced soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Clark County's Transition Zone

Clark County has a lawn difficulty score of 65.2, making it more challenging than the Illinois average of 69.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the slightly warmer winters and hotter summers require more attentive care. Despite these challenges, it remains well above the national median for lawn success.

Abundant Rain but High Heat Stress

The county receives 45.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 41.8 inches. However, 35 extreme heat days and 3,839 growing degree days can quickly dry out turf. Lawns here need a careful balance of this high rainfall and protection from intense summer sun.

Optimal pH and Balanced Texture

Soil pH sits at a healthy 6.47, creating an excellent environment for nutrient uptake. The texture is balanced with 19.0% clay and 20.6% sand, allowing for better drainage than many neighboring counties. This combination means less soil amendment is required compared to more clay-heavy areas.

Partial Relief from Severe Drought

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, 81.4% currently faces severe drought conditions. The county has endured 31 weeks of drought in the past year, making water-efficient landscaping a wise choice. Using drought-tolerant grass seed can help your lawn survive these frequent dry spells.

Seeding for the 6b Climate

Tall Fescue is highly recommended for Zone 6b because it handles the 35 extreme heat days better than other varieties. Plan your spring planting after April 14 or start your fall renovation before the October 20 frost. Early autumn is generally the most successful time for establishment in this climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.5 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 Clark County rank among counties in Illinois?
Clark County ranks #44 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 Clark County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $2,073, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 7.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Illinois is $70,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 68.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Illinois a good place to live?
Clark County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark 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.