countyscore
57.4
County Score
Safety 91Schools 78.2Soil Quality 73.7

County Report Card

About Coles County, Illinois

Outperforming the National Median

Coles County earns a composite score of 57.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score signals a high overall quality of life relative to the average American county. It is a strong competitor in the national landscape of mid-sized regional hubs.

A Top Choice in Illinois

Beating the Illinois state average of 52.8, Coles County is one of the more desirable places to live in the state. Its combination of safety and solid schools helps it stand out from its peers. It offers a higher standard of living than much of the surrounding region.

Safety, Schools, and Clean Water

The county is remarkably safe, with a safety score of 91.0, and it provides high-quality education with a school score of 78.2. Water quality is also a strong point at 68.4. These metrics suggest an environment where families can thrive and feel secure.

Fiscal Burdens and Environmental Risk

Taxes and income are the main pain points, with scores of 2.8 and 27.8 respectively. A risk score of 29.7 also suggests vulnerability to certain environmental hazards. Low median incomes of $56,040 contrast with the high quality of public services like schools.

The Verdict: Perfect for Families with Children

Coles County is a top pick for families who prioritize safety and excellent public schools. While the tax burden is high and local incomes are modest, the quality of community infrastructure is impressive. It offers a secure, child-friendly environment that is hard to beat for the price.

Score breakdown

Tax2.8Cost57.8Safety91Health60.6Schools78.2Income27.8Risk29.7Water68.4Weather58.2
🏛2.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.8
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

Douglas County
Illinois
55.6
Cumberland County
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62
Moultrie County
Illinois
58.4
Edgar County
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Clark County
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Shelby County
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Piatt County
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Effingham County
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Deep Dives

Coles County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Coles County

via TaxByCounty

Coles County taxes run above national average

At 2.046%, Coles County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,494 surpasses the national median of $2,690 by about 7%, driven by moderate home values around $121,900.

Higher taxes than the Illinois average

Coles County ranks 28th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate at 2.046%, above the state average of 1.831% by 0.215 percentage points. Its median property tax of $2,494 falls below the state median of $2,782, reflecting its smaller housing market.

Mid-to-high taxes in the central cluster

Coles County's 2.046% rate is higher than Clark County (1.684%), Christian County (1.691%), and Clinton County (1.859%), but lower than Cass County (2.102%) and Champaign County (2.070%). It sits in the region's upper-middle tier.

What an average Coles County home costs annually

The median Coles County home valued at $121,900 generates an estimated $2,494 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,759, while those without mortgages pay $2,186.

Appeals could reduce your annual tax bill

Coles County homeowners who suspect overassessment can appeal through the county assessor's office at no cost. Given the moderate tax burden, a successful reassessment could save homeowners $300–500 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coles County

via CostByCounty

Coles County housing strains household budgets

Renters here spend 17.0% of income on housing—above the Illinois average of 14.7% and a sign of affordability stress. The $56,040 median household income falls significantly below both state and national medians, amplifying the burden of the $793 monthly rent.

One of Illinois's least affordable counties

Coles County ranks among the state's worst affordability cases with a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, exceeded only by Champaign (19.4%) and Cook (20.3%). The combination of below-average income and above-average rents creates consistent housing pressure on working families.

High rents on low income spell trouble

Coles County's $793 rent exceeds most rural neighbors like Cass ($723), Christian ($729), and Clay ($709), while its $56,040 income falls below all of them. This unfavorable mix explains the county's 17.0% burden—the worst among non-university, non-metro counties profiled.

Both housing types strain low-income households

Renters spend $793 monthly and homeowners $830, both significant relative to the $56,040 median income. The $121,900 median home value makes ownership viable only for households well above the median, leaving many renters permanently cost-burdened.

Coles County demands caution for relocators

Before moving to Coles County, understand its 17.0% rent burden ranks among Illinois's worst and that incomes average just $56,040. Compare it against nearby Cass (13.4% burden, $64,907 income) or Clark (14.1% burden, $70,625 income) to see if the location truly fits your financial situation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coles County

via IncomeByCounty

Coles County well below U.S. income median

Coles County's median household income of $56,040 falls $18,715 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among the nation's lower-income rural areas, reflecting limited employment opportunities.

Bottom tier of Illinois income distribution

At $56,040, Coles County earns $12,540 less than Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county ranks in the lowest 15% of Illinois counties, consistent with south-central Illinois's rural economic patterns.

Lowest income among nearby counties

Coles County ($56,040) trails all adjacent counties, falling behind Clay County ($57,266), Christian County ($59,253), and significantly behind Clark County ($70,625). The county faces the most challenging income environment in its five-county region.

Housing costs strain tight household budgets

Coles County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% represents the highest burden among comparison counties, consuming more than half the recommended 30% housing threshold. The combination of low income and higher housing pressure limits financial flexibility.

Build resilience with steady, incremental progress

Coles County residents benefit most from employer-sponsored retirement plans and automatic payroll deductions that lock in savings before spending temptation. Even small contributions—$25-50 monthly—compound meaningfully over 20-30 years toward retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coles County

via CrimeByCounty

Coles County Exhibits High National Safety

Coles County reports a total crime rate of 159.4 per 100K, earning it an impressive safety score of 99.7. This rate is far below the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K residents.

Outperforming the State of Illinois

With a crime rate of 159.4, Coles County is much safer than the Illinois average of 835.0. Its safety score of 99.7 ranks it well above the state average of 98.7.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Coles County is significantly safer than nearby Champaign County, which has a crime rate over 15 times higher. It also maintains a lower rate than Christian County's 563.5.

Minimal Violent Crime Presence

Coles County reports only 23.4 violent crimes per 100K, alongside 136.0 property crimes. This makes the risk of violent crime here nearly 16 times lower than the national average.

Secure Your Home Today

Even in very safe areas, home security prevents opportunistic theft. Investing in a basic alarm system helps maintain the high safety standards Coles County is known for.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Coles County

via HealthByCounty

Below national average, but room to recover

Coles County residents live to 75.3 years, below the U.S. average (76.1 years) and Illinois's state average (76.0 years) by nearly a year. With 18.7% reporting poor or fair health, chronic disease prevention is essential.

Below-average lifespan within Illinois

At 75.3 years, Coles County's life expectancy trails Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 0.7 years, placing it in the lower half statewide. This gap suggests targeted health improvement opportunities.

Among the lower-performing regional counties

Coles County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks below Champaign (78.8), Cass (76.8), and Christian/Clay (75.8 each), trailing the region's leader by over 3 years. The 18.7% poor/fair health rate reflects mid-range regional burden.

Good provider access, elevated uninsured rate

Coles County offers 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well above peer averages, yet 6.6% lack insurance—the highest rate in the study region. Coverage gaps likely persist despite available providers.

Close coverage gaps with open enrollment

Despite strong provider networks, Coles County's above-average uninsured rate means opportunity is being left on the table. Visit Healthcare.gov today to secure coverage and leverage the local provider advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Coles County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong High-Performance Network

Coles County supports 23 schools and 6,011 students within 3 primary districts. The landscape includes a wide range of facilities, featuring 10 high schools and various specialized alternative and special education centers.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Scores

The county excels with a 94.0% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national norms. Its school score of 59.3 also beats the state average, despite per-pupil spending of $8,691 being slightly lower than the state benchmark.

Mattoon and Charleston Anchor Education

Mattoon CUSD 2 and Charleston CUSD 1 are the dominant districts, serving 3,137 and 2,622 students respectively. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with 0% charter school participation.

Established Town Schools and Larger Sizes

Most schools are located in town settings, leading to a larger average school size of 462 students. Mattoon High School is the largest campus with 999 students, followed by Charleston High with 766.

Move Near Top-Tier Graduation Rates

With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Coles County is a premier destination for families. Research homes in Mattoon and Charleston to secure a spot in these high-performing school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coles County

via RiskByCounty

Coles County faces moderate disaster risk

Coles County's composite risk score of 70.36 surpasses the national average, signaling above-average exposure to natural disasters. The Relatively Low rating reflects a mixed hazard profile with some significant exposures.

Above-average risk for Illinois

At 70.36, Coles County scores substantially higher than Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper half of state counties by risk level. Residents face greater hazard exposure than most other Illinoisans.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Coles County (70.36) ranks riskier than Cass County (38.65), Clark County (27.32), and Christian County (54.04), but safer than Champaign County (90.46). It represents one of the higher-risk areas in east-central Illinois.

Floods and tornadoes pose primary threats

Coles County's flood risk (74.49) and tornado risk (72.11) substantially exceed state averages and dominate the county's composite score. These two weather-related hazards represent the most significant disaster risks for residents.

Prioritize comprehensive weather coverage

Coles County residents should obtain separate flood insurance and ensure strong tornado coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Developing a family emergency plan is equally essential given the county's significant severe weather exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coles County

via WeatherByCounty

Perfectly aligned with national temperature medians

Coles County averages 54.0°F annually, aligning perfectly with the national median for temperature. Its 40.3 inches of precipitation is slightly lower than the surrounding Illinois average but typical for the Midwest.

Warmer than the average Illinois county

The county stays warmer than the Illinois average of 52.8°F by over a degree. This places it firmly in the transition zone between the cooler northern plains and the warmer southern tip of the state.

Warmer summers and less snow than Champaign

Coles is warmer than Champaign County to the north, experiencing 25 extreme heat days compared to Champaign's 21. It also sees less snow, averaging 16.8 inches compared to its neighbor's 20.9 inches.

Reliable seasonal shifts with moderate extremes

Summers are warm with 25 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 76.4°F. January averages 28.2°F, providing a clear but not overly harsh winter season with moderate snowfall.

Maintain a balanced year-round climate plan

A mix of summer and winter gear is needed to handle the 25 heat days and nearly 17 inches of snow. Homeowners should plan for a balanced utility budget to cover both heating and cooling seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coles County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Productive Coles County Soil

Coles County soil has an average pH of 6.56, making it slightly more alkaline than the Illinois average and very close to the national median of 6.5. This near-perfect pH balance supports a diverse range of biological activity and nutrient uptake. It is an ideal starting point for both high-yield agriculture and domestic landscaping.

The Silt-Rich Profile of the Prairie

With 64.1% silt and 21.4% clay, Coles County soil is fine-textured and highly retentive. The 14.5% sand content is relatively low, meaning the soil has a heavy feel and significant structural strength. This composition is typical of the productive prairie soils that define the Central Illinois region.

Strong Organic Foundation

Organic matter in Coles County is a healthy 2.69%, significantly higher than the national average of 2.0% but just under the state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity is 0.196 in/in, providing reliable moisture access for crops and gardens. These stats translate to a respectable soil score of 73.7, right in line with the state average.

Moderate Drainage for Diverse Uses

Specific drainage classes are not currently listed, but the silt-heavy mix suggests moderate to slow natural drainage. A water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures that the soil stays moist without the extreme saturation seen in heavier clay counties. This makes the land generally stable for construction and forgiving for most garden plants.

Vibrant Growing in Zone 6a

Coles County belongs to Zone 6a, a versatile climate for growing everything from sunflowers to sweet corn. The neutral pH of 6.56 means you won't need to struggle with soil acidity to get great results in your garden. It is a fantastic place to plant a diverse array of perennials and vegetables this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coles County

via LawnByCounty

Coles County Meets the State Standard

Coles County matches the Illinois average perfectly with a lawn difficulty score of 69.8. This indicates a very standard Midwest growing experience for residents in Hardiness Zone 6a. You can expect typical maintenance requirements that are well-aligned with regional expectations.

Consistent Precipitation and Mild Heat

Annual precipitation averages 40.3 inches, which is just below the state average but still within the healthy range. The county experiences 25 extreme heat days, making it slightly cooler than the Illinois average of 27. These conditions are conducive to 3,849 growing degree days of steady grass development.

Prime Soil for Lush Turf

Soil pH is excellent at 6.56, requiring very little in the way of chemical amendments for standard lawns. The 21.4% clay content provides good stability, while the 14.5% sand allows for some natural drainage. This soil profile is one of the most balanced in the region for general landscaping.

Widespread Severe Drought Challenges

The county is currently facing 100% severe drought conditions after 38 weeks of drought in the last year. This puts significant stress on lawns, requiring homeowners to prioritize water efficiency and avoid over-mowing. Tall Fescue's deep root system is particularly beneficial during these extended dry periods.

Planting Around the Frost Window

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue do well here, especially given the mild heat day count. Aim to plant after the last spring frost on April 15 and finish your fall projects before October 24. This schedule provides the best temperature range for seed germination and root growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coles County's county score?
Coles County, Illinois has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Coles County rank among counties in Illinois?
Coles County ranks #34 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 Coles County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Coles County is $2,494, with an effective tax rate of 2.05%. This earns Coles County a tax score of 2.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coles County?
The median household income in Coles County, Illinois is $56,040 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coles County earns an income score of 27.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coles County, Illinois a good place to live?
Coles County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Coles 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 Coles County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.