countyscore
52
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.1Health 82.9Safety 78.5

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Illinois

Above National Median in Stability

Clinton County achieves a composite score of 52.0, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable, middle-of-the-road American living experience. It balances high earning potential with some environmental and cost challenges.

Steady Competition with State Norms

The county's score of 52.0 is just below the Illinois state average of 52.8. While it is a high-earning area, other Illinois counties provide slightly better overall value when taxes and risks are considered. It remains a prosperous, if somewhat expensive, Illinois option.

High Incomes and Excellent Health

Income is the county's standout feature, with a score of 86.1 and a median household income of $82,314. Health outcomes are also impressive, scoring 82.9, while safety remains strong at 78.5. These scores point to a community of affluent, healthy residents.

High Costs and Tax Burden

The tax score of 4.6 and cost score of 32.1 reflect a higher-than-average cost of living for the region. Water quality also trails behind with a score of 31.0. High home values of $180,500 and high property taxes make this a more expensive place to settle down.

The Verdict: Suited for High-Earner Families

Clinton County is the best fit for high-earning professionals who want a healthy and safe environment and can afford the premium. Its strong health and income metrics are its biggest selling points. It is less suited for those seeking a bargain or maximum environmental stability.

204060801004.632.178.582.955.886.134.43160.7Tax4.6Cost32.1Safety78.5Health82.9Schools55.8Income86.1Risk34.4Water31Weather60.752/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Clinton County DNA

Foverall

How Clinton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clinton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.6-47.4
Cost
32.1-15.899999999999999
Safety
78.5+23.5
Health
82.9+32.900000000000006
Schools
55.8
Income
86.1+35.099999999999994
Risk
34.4-12.600000000000001
Water
31-27
Weather
60.7
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Clinton County?

Many homeowners in Clinton 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

$180,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$934/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$180,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,314/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.7

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

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63.7
Bond County
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55.2
Marion County
Illinois
46.7
St. Clair County
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Madison County
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Perry County
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Fayette County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton County taxes exceed national median

With an effective tax rate of 1.859%, Clinton County sits above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,356 surpasses the national median of $2,690, reflecting higher home values around $180,500.

Moderate taxes within Illinois

Clinton County ranks 52nd among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate at 1.859%, slightly above the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $3,356 exceeds the state median of $2,782, indicating a more valuable housing market.

Middle ground in the regional tax landscape

Clinton County's 1.859% rate falls between the lower-tax counties like Clark (1.684%) and Christian (1.691%), and the higher-tax counties like Cass (2.102%) and Champaign (2.070%). It occupies the moderate tier regionally.

What an average Clinton County home costs annually

The median Clinton County home valued at $180,500 generates an estimated $3,356 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,610, while those without mortgages pay $2,956.

Overassessment could save you hundreds annually

Clinton County homeowners can file property tax appeals with the county assessor at no cost if they believe their homes are overassessed. A successful reassessment could reduce annual taxes by several hundred dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton County combines income and affordability

Residents spend just 13.6% of income on rent, beating the Illinois average and benefiting from a median household income of $82,314—10% above the national median. This income advantage, paired with the $934 monthly rent, creates one of Illinois's most affordable housing situations.

Highest income, lowest housing burden

Clinton County leads the state's seven profiled counties with the highest median income ($82,314) and near-lowest rent burden (13.6%, second only to Cass at 13.4%). The combination signals a county where working families and middle-class earners can afford housing comfortably.

Strong income offsets slightly higher rents

Clinton County's $934 rent exceeds most rural neighbors, yet its $82,314 income—significantly above Cass ($64,907), Christian ($59,253), and Clay ($57,266)—delivers superior affordability. The county's suburban-leaning character attracts commuters seeking economic security.

Balanced housing costs for strong earners

Renters pay $934 and homeowners $1,042, both manageable on a $82,314 median income that affords substantial financial breathing room. At $180,500, the median home value offers reasonable entry to ownership for households at or above the county median.

Clinton County rewards skilled relocators

If you're earning a solid middle-class income or above, Clinton County delivers exceptional value—the state's best income-to-housing ratio at 13.6%. Compare it against lower-cost but lower-income peers like Clay ($57,266) or Christian ($59,253); you'll likely come out ahead financially in Clinton despite slightly higher rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton County exceeds national income median

Clinton County's median household income of $82,314 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $7,559. This strong performance places the county in the upper income tier nationally for rural counties.

Highest-income county profile in Illinois

At $82,314, Clinton County leads Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $13,734, placing it in the top 5% of Illinois counties. The county's income advantage reflects a robust industrial and agricultural economic base.

Clear income leader in regional cluster

Clinton County ($82,314) substantially outpaces neighboring counties, exceeding even Cook County's $81,797 and leading Cass County ($64,907) by $17,407. This positions Clinton County as the region's strongest income performer.

Comfortable housing-to-income ratio

Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% keeps housing costs efficient, allowing households to direct more income toward savings and investment. The combination of high income and low housing burden creates significant wealth-building potential.

Maximize tax-advantaged wealth strategies

Clinton County's above-average income qualifies many households for enhanced retirement contributions and college savings opportunities. Strategic tax planning—including maxing out HSAs, 529 plans, and spousal IRA contributions—accelerates wealth accumulation at this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Clinton County Secure Against National Trends

Clinton County's safety score of 99.2 is a strong indicator of community security. Its total crime rate of 513.6 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Above Average Safety for Illinois

Clinton County outperforms the state average safety score of 98.7. Its crime rate of 513.6 is significantly lower than the Illinois average of 835.0 per 100K residents.

Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

At 513.6 crimes per 100K, Clinton is slightly safer than Christian County (563.5) and Clark County (562.4). It holds a strong position as one of the safer counties in its region.

Low Rates of Violent Crime

Violent crime is very low at 54.1 per 100K, while property crime is 459.5. Both numbers are far below national levels of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime.

Protect Your Property Effectively

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing sheds and garages. Good lighting and visible security decals can deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Highly Distributed District Network

Clinton County features 19 public schools serving 5,324 students across 12 different districts. This unique structure provides a high density of elementary options, with 13 primary schools serving local neighborhoods.

Graduation Rates Match National Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate of 88.2% sits comfortably above the national average of 87%. While the per-pupil spending of $8,454 is below the state average, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 55.7.

Wesclin and Carlyle Drive Enrollment

Wesclin CUSD 3 is the largest district, managing four schools and 1,346 students. Traditional public education is the sole model in the county, with no charter schools operating within the 12 districts.

A Town-Centric, Small-School Feel

The average school size is 280 students, and over half of the campuses are located in town settings. Central Community High School is the county's largest with 620 students, followed closely by Wesclin Middle School.

Choose Your Perfect School District

With 12 different districts to choose from, Clinton County offers homebuyers an unusual variety of educational environments. Use school quality as a guide to explore homes in Aviston, Breese, or Carlyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton County faces elevated risk

Clinton County's composite risk score of 65.59 exceeds the national average, with a Relatively Low rating that belies meaningful hazard exposure. The county experiences above-average disaster risk for the nation as a whole.

Above-average risk for Illinois

Clinton County (65.59) scores notably higher than Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper tier of state county risks. Residents face more significant hazard exposure than most of their fellow Illinoisans.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Clinton County (65.59) ranks riskier than Cass County (38.65) and Clark County (27.32), but safer than Champaign County (90.46). It represents the mid-to-upper risk level among central Illinois neighbors.

Tornadoes and floods are major threats

Clinton County's tornado risk (65.84) and flood risk (64.03) drive its elevated composite score, both substantially above state averages. These twin hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster concerns.

Secure flood and tornado protections

Clinton County residents should prioritize flood insurance and verify tornado coverage in their homeowners policies, as standard policies often exclude water damage. Safe room preparation and severe weather planning provide critical additional protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clinton County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Receives a Grade F

Clinton County reported 21 health violations over the last five years, leading to a Grade F. The violation rate of 61.5 per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds the Illinois average of 48.7.

Watershed Impairment Exceeds State Average

Out of 527 assessed water bodies, 40.2% are classified as impaired in the 2022 reporting cycle. Phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and mercury are the primary pollutants affecting the health of these local ecosystems.

Extensive Monitoring Data Collection

Twenty monitoring sites provide a wealth of data, with 5,726 measurements recorded over the last five years. Key focus areas include pesticides and inorganic metals, providing a clear picture of environmental stressors.

Kaskaskia River Flow Surges Above Normal

The Kaskaskia River at Carlyle is currently flowing at 5,990 cfs, which is 249% of its typical long-term mean. These high flow conditions can increase runoff and affect the concentration of phosphorus in the water.

Active Management During High Runoff

With high river flows and a Grade F for compliance, residents should be wary of runoff-related contaminants like phosphorus. Consider using advanced filtration systems to address the multiple health violations recorded in the county.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm, wet climate above national averages

Clinton County’s 55.7°F average temperature is significantly higher than the national median, indicating a warmer-than-average climate. Its 42.9 inches of rain also surpasses the typical precipitation seen across many U.S. counties.

Nearly three degrees warmer than the state average

As one of the warmest counties in Illinois, Clinton’s 55.7°F average is nearly three degrees higher than the state average. This warmth is a defining characteristic of its location in the southwestern part of the state.

High July heat compared to eastern neighbors

Clinton is warmer than Clark County to the northeast, and it experiences slightly less snowfall at 10.1 inches. While it has 32 extreme heat days, this is actually fewer than the 40 days recorded in neighboring Clay County.

Sizzling July peaks and light snowfall

July is particularly hot with an average of 78.2°F, the highest in this eight-county set. Winter is relatively short and mild, with temperatures averaging 33.3°F and very little snow accumulation.

Focus on high-capacity cooling for July

The high July temperatures of 78.2°F make reliable air conditioning a necessity for all households. Minimal snowfall of 10.1 inches means heavy winter equipment is rarely needed, though basic ice prep remains important.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Illinois Soil Characteristics

Clinton County features an average soil pH of 6.37, which is nearly identical to the state average of 6.39. This level is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but remains well within the preferred range for most Midwestern agriculture. This chemical consistency provides a predictable foundation for local farmers and gardeners alike.

Fine-Textured Silt Dominates the Landscape

The soil composition is 65.1% silt and 21.4% clay, with a low sand fraction of 13.4%. This heavy silt profile creates a smooth, dense soil that is very effective at trapping nutrients but can be slow to drain. It requires careful management to prevent compaction, especially when using heavy machinery on wet ground.

High Water Retention for Crop Security

Clinton County excels in water storage with an available water capacity of 0.214 in/in, well above the state average of 0.204 in/in. However, organic matter is lower than the state average at 2.21%. This suggests that while the soil is great at surviving dry spells, it may need supplemental fertilization to reach peak productivity.

Sponge-Like Soil Performance

While formal drainage classes are not provided, the high water capacity of 0.214 in/in suggests the soil acts as an efficient reservoir. The high silt and clay levels mean water moves slowly through the profile, which can lead to ponding in flat areas during heavy rains. This makes drainage management a priority for local land development and farming.

Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 6b

The Zone 6b climate in Clinton County allows for a diverse range of crops, including berries and hardy vegetables. Your soil is excellent at holding water, which is a major advantage during the hot Illinois July and August. Adding organic compost will help bridge the gap in soil fertility and ensure a bountiful home harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

Stable Growing Conditions in Clinton

Clinton County holds a lawn difficulty score of 65.9, reflecting a moderately challenging but rewarding environment for Zone 6b turf. This score is slightly below the Illinois average but remains very manageable for dedicated homeowners. The local climate supports a robust growing season for those who plan ahead.

Wet Springs and Long Seasons

The county enjoys 42.9 inches of annual rain, which is plenty to support its impressive 4,186 growing degree days. While there are 32 days of extreme heat, the consistent precipitation helps maintain turf vitality. This long season means you will be mowing well into late October.

Dense Soil with Good Nutrient Potential

A soil pH of 6.37 is nearly ideal for most grass types, ensuring fertilizer works efficiently. The soil is heavy on clay at 21.4% and light on sand at 13.4%, which can cause water to pool after heavy storms. Core aeration is highly recommended to help break up this density and improve root depth.

Strong Resilience Against Severe Drought

Remarkably, 0% of Clinton County is currently in severe drought, despite 27 weeks of dry weather over the past year. This makes it a regional leader in drought resilience compared to its neighbors. Standard watering practices are usually sufficient here without the need for emergency conservation measures.

Extended Growth Period for Zone 6b

With a long growing season, you can start spring work as early as April 6 and continue through the first fall frost on October 29. Use a mix of Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass to handle both the heat and the winter chill. The late October frost date gives new seedlings plenty of time to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Illinois has a composite county score of 52 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Illinois?
Clinton County ranks #62 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 Clinton County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $3,356, with an effective tax rate of 1.86%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 4.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Illinois is $82,314 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 86.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Illinois a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 52/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton 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.