countyscore
30.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.6Soil Quality 79.6Lawn Care 73.5

County Report Card

About Cook County, Illinois

Significant Challenges for the Nation's Second-Largest County

Cook County carries a composite score of 30.3, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. The complexity of this massive urban area creates significant challenges in safety and affordability that impact its national standing. It represents a high-risk, high-reward metropolitan environment.

Trailing the Illinois Average

With a score of 30.3, Cook County falls far below the Illinois state average of 52.8. While it is the state's economic engine, its livability metrics struggle against those of smaller, more affordable counties. It operates on a different scale of urban intensity than the rest of the state.

High Incomes and Reliable Water

Income is a major asset with a score of 85.6, reflecting the massive economic opportunities in the Chicago metro area. The county also features good water quality with a score of 70.8 and respectable health metrics at 61.2. These provide a necessary baseline for urban life.

High Costs and Extreme Risk

A risk score of 0.0 and a cost score of 7.3 highlight the severe environmental vulnerabilities and high housing costs. Safety is also a critical issue with a score of 12.8, reflecting urban crime challenges. High rents of $1,381 and home values of $305,200 further strain household budgets.

The Verdict: For High-Earning Urbanites

Cook County is best suited for high-earning professionals who thrive on big-city amenities and economic opportunity. The trade-off is high cost, significant environmental risk, and safety concerns. It is a destination for those who value the hustle and resources of a global city over quiet stability.

Score breakdown

Tax3.3Cost7.3Safety12.8Health61.2Schools58Income85.6Risk0Water70.8Weather50.2
🏛3.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.5
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

Cook County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cook County

via TaxByCounty

Cook County taxes slightly above national average

With an effective tax rate of 1.983%, Cook County sits above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $6,053 more than doubles the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's substantially higher median home values at $305,200.

Above average within Illinois

Cook County ranks 40th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate at 1.983%, above the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $6,053 is more than double the state median of $2,782, making it the highest in this eight-county group.

Highest actual taxes but moderate rate

Though Cook County's 1.983% effective rate is lower than Cass County (2.102%) and Champaign County (2.070%), its median property tax of $6,053 is by far the highest due to much higher home values. The county's substantial property wealth drives the absolute tax bill higher than all regional peers.

What an average Cook County home costs annually

The median Cook County home valued at $305,200 generates an estimated $6,053 in annual property taxes—triple the median in Cass County. Homeowners with mortgages pay $6,346, while those without mortgages pay $5,496.

High home values mean bigger reassessment savings

Cook County homeowners can appeal their property assessments with the county assessor's office at no cost. Given Cook County's high property values and tax bills, a successful appeal reducing your rate by even a fraction of a percent could save $1,000 or more annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cook County

via CostByCounty

Cook County housing costs strain most earners

At 20.3% of income spent on rent, Cook County residents face the nation's housing affordability crisis head-on—far exceeding the 30% threshold that signals distress. Despite a $81,797 median household income near national levels, the $1,381 monthly rent creates pressure that most American households don't experience.

Illinois's most expensive housing market

Cook County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks dead last among Illinois counties profiled, exceeding even Champaign County's 19.4%. At $1,381, median rent runs 65% above the state average ($837), driven by Chicago's metro demand and a $305,200 median home value—nearly triple the state typical.

Urban premium reflects metropolitan reality

Cook County's $1,381 rent dwells in a different universe from rural neighbors—nearly double Champaign County ($1,018) and four times Clark County ($828). Chicago's global city status and dense population create housing scarcity that no amount of income fully compensates for.

Ownership even more strained than renting

Homeowners pay $1,686 monthly—far exceeding the already-painful $1,381 rent—against a $81,797 income that stretches thin. The $305,200 median home value requires down payments and mortgages that exclude most working-class households, pricing out affordability entirely.

Cook County demands highest-income relocators

Moving to Cook County requires financial resilience; its 20.3% rent burden and $1,381 rents demand six-figure incomes to achieve true affordability. If you're considering relocation, compare it soberly against downstate alternatives like Cass (13.4% burden), Clinton (13.6%), or even Champaign (19.4%)—the savings could be substantial.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cook County

via IncomeByCounty

Cook County slightly above U.S. income median

Cook County's median household income of $81,797 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $7,042. The county's per capita income of $47,801 is the highest among Illinois's rural and mid-size counties, reflecting Chicago's economic engine.

Top income performer in Illinois

At $81,797, Cook County leads Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $13,217, ranking in the top 2% of Illinois counties. The county's dominance reflects its position as the state's economic and population center.

Comparable to Clinton County's income strength

Cook County ($81,797) nearly matches Clinton County ($82,314) for highest household income, vastly outpacing rural peers like Cass ($64,907) and Christian ($59,253). The two counties anchor Illinois's strongest income tier.

Housing costs remain elevated despite income

Cook County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% is the highest among comparison counties, reflecting Chicago-area housing inflation and tight rental markets. Even strong household income is pressured by metro-area housing costs approaching problematic levels.

Sophisticated strategies for high earners

Cook County's above-average income enables households to prioritize tax-efficient strategies: maxing 401(k)s, investing in taxable accounts, and considering real estate or small business opportunities. Professional financial advice pays dividends at this income level for accelerating wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cook County

via CrimeByCounty

Cook County Crime vs National Averages

Cook County's total crime rate of 2,543.8 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.0, reflecting its urban complexity.

Urban Challenges in the State Context

Cook County's crime rate of 2,543.8 is roughly three times higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0. With 159 agencies reporting, it remains the most active public safety area in the state.

Cook Compared to Champaign County

Cook County's crime rate is similar to Champaign County's 2,481.1, though Cook handles a much larger total volume. It faces significantly higher crime levels than rural peers like Coles County.

High Property Crime, Moderate Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 2,193.8 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 350.0. Interestingly, Cook's violent crime rate is actually lower than the national average of 369.8.

Prioritize Modern Home Security

With property crime as the primary issue, smart home technology is a vital tool for Cook County residents. Doorbell cameras and reinforced entry points provide significant layers of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cook County

via HealthByCounty

Illinois's largest county lags on coverage

Cook County residents live to 77.4 years, above the U.S. average (76.1 years) but below Illinois's state average (76.0 years)—a mixed picture for the state's largest county. However, 9.7% lack insurance, the highest rate in the study, creating access inequities.

Uninsured rate far exceeds state average

Cook County's 9.7% uninsured rate is more than 1.5 times Illinois's state average of 6.3%, despite its robust health infrastructure and urban advantages. This disparity reflects coverage barriers in America's third-largest metro area.

Urban advantage tempered by coverage gap

Cook County's 77.4-year life expectancy exceeds most peer counties, yet its 9.7% uninsured rate dramatically outpaces all comparison counties (range: 5.7–6.6%). Urban density and population diversity complicate access equity.

Dense provider networks, persistent uninsurance

Cook County has 92 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 399 mental health providers per 100,000, among the densest networks studied. Yet 9.7% remain uninsured, unable to access this abundance of care.

Navigate Chicago's health insurance options

Cook County's complex urban landscape demands intentional action on coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for help navigating plans—many offer subsidies and don't exclude pre-existing conditions.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cook County

via SchoolsByCounty

Illinois' Largest Educational Infrastructure

Cook County manages a massive network of 1,402 public schools serving nearly 700,000 students. This sprawling system includes 893 elementary schools and 265 high schools across 167 distinct districts.

High Investment and Competitive Scores

The county invests heavily in education, spending $12,158 per pupil, which is well above the state average of $9,250. This investment reflects in a county school score of 61.6, outperforming the Illinois state benchmark.

Chicago District and Charter Options

The City of Chicago SD 299 is the largest district, serving over 321,000 students. Cook County also offers significant choice, with 120 charter schools making up 8.6% of the total school landscape.

Urban Hubs and Massive Campuses

The locale is split between 740 city schools and 661 suburban schools, with an average size of 547 students. Premier campuses like Lane Tech and Taft High School are among the largest in the nation, each exceeding 4,400 students.

Endless Options for Every Family

From massive urban tech schools to quiet suburban districts like Schaumburg, Cook County offers unparalleled educational variety. Explore homes near top-rated magnets and charters to find the perfect fit for your child's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cook County

via RiskByCounty

Cook County faces very high risk

Cook County's composite risk score of 99.97 ranks among the highest in the nation, earning a Very High risk designation. This score reflects substantial and widespread exposure to multiple major natural hazards.

Illinois's riskiest county by far

At 99.97, Cook County dramatically exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 and ranks as the state's highest-risk region. Residents face nearly double the disaster exposure of the typical Illinois county.

Vastly riskier than all neighbors

Cook County (99.97) faces substantially higher disaster risk than all surrounding counties, including Cass County (38.65) and Christian County (54.04). Its risk profile stands alone as the state's most hazardous region.

Tornadoes and floods dominate

Cook County's tornado risk (99.97) and flood risk (99.94) both rank among the nation's highest, nearly maxing out the scale. These catastrophic-level exposures, combined with significant earthquake (98.41) and wildfire (55.79) risks, create an exceptionally complex hazard environment.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Cook County residents must obtain flood insurance, secure robust tornado coverage, and review earthquake protection as part of a comprehensive insurance strategy. Advanced emergency planning, safe room construction, and regular policy updates are essential safeguards in this very high-risk region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cook County

via WeatherByCounty

Much cooler than the national temperature median

Cook County’s annual average of 50.3°F is significantly cooler than the national median. This reflects its northern position and the cooling influence of the Great Lakes.

One of the coolest counties in Illinois

Cook is one of the coolest counties in the state, sitting 2.5 degrees below the Illinois average of 52.8°F. It receives less rain than the state average but experiences much more snowfall.

The snowiest county in the region

With 33.6 inches of snow, Cook is the snowiest county in this set, more than doubling the accumulation of Coles County. Its 20 extreme heat days are the lowest among these eight counties.

Severe winters and lake-tempered summers

Winters are cold and snowy, with a January average of 24.1°F and over 33 inches of snow. Summers are tempered by Lake Michigan, resulting in a mild July average of 74.4°F and relatively few 90-degree days.

Prepare for heavy snow and cold winters

Heavy-duty snow blowers and high-quality winter coats are essential for the 33.6 inches of annual snow. Energy-efficient heating is a priority for the 27.1°F winter average, while summers remain generally mild.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cook County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Urban Heart

Cook County features a stable soil pH of 6.52, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. This neutral profile is slightly higher than the Illinois state average of 6.39, making it exceptionally friendly for urban gardening. Despite the heavy development, the underlying soil chemistry remains highly favorable for plant life.

A Varied Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition here is 52.6% silt and 24.2% clay, with a nearly 20% sand component. This mixture offers a bit more physical variety than the silt-dominated counties downstate, which can help with water movement in an urban environment. The clay content provides the necessary structure to hold onto nutrients in busy landscapes.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Cook County boasts a remarkable 5.66% organic matter, nearly doubling the state average of 2.94%. This unusually high level likely reflects the legacy of rich lakefront deposits and centuries of organic accumulation. However, available water capacity is slightly lower at 0.188 in/in, meaning these organic-rich soils may dry out faster than typical Illinois prairie ground.

Urban Water Management Challenges

While drainage class data is missing, the 24.2% clay content suggests that water can linger in compacted urban areas. The water capacity of 0.188 in/in is slightly below the state average, which might increase runoff during heavy Chicago rainstorms. For local gardeners, ensuring good drainage is key to making the most of the high organic matter.

Urban Oasis in Zone 6a

In Zone 6a, Cook County is perfect for a wide range of plants, from city-tolerant shrubs to vibrant rooftop vegetable gardens. With a massive 5.66% organic matter, your soil is naturally supercharged for growth. Whether you have a small backyard or a few containers, this fertile ground is ready for a spectacular growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cook County

via LawnByCounty

Cook County: An Illinois Lawn Leader

Cook County earns a top-tier lawn difficulty score of 73.5, making it one of the easiest places in the state to maintain a yard. This is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 69.8. The Zone 6a climate is particularly forgiving for urban and suburban lawns alike.

Cooler Summers and Steady Growth

With only 20 extreme heat days per year, Cook County lawns face less summer stress than most of Illinois. Annual precipitation of 38.6 inches is slightly low but remains within the ideal range for cool-season turf. A shorter growing season of 3,161 degree days means less frequent mowing compared to southern counties.

Healthy pH with High Clay Content

The soil pH is a very healthy 6.52, ensuring that grass can easily access applied nutrients and fertilizers. A higher clay content of 24.2% helps the soil hold onto its 38.6 inches of rain throughout the summer. However, gardeners should watch for drainage issues in low-lying areas during heavy spring storms.

Excellent Resilience to Dry Spells

Cook County shows great resilience, with 0% of the area currently in severe drought despite 30 weeks of dry weather this year. Only 12.7% of the county is considered abnormally dry, which is much better than the state average. This makes it easier to keep a lawn green without excessive water bills.

Optimizing for the Chicago Climate

Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite here for its lush look and cold tolerance in Zone 6a. Plan your spring planting for after the April 23 frost and complete fall tasks before the first frost on October 22. These dates help your grass survive the transition into the famous Chicago winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cook County's county score?
Cook County, Illinois has a composite county score of 30.3 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 Cook County rank among counties in Illinois?
Cook County ranks #102 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 Cook County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Cook County is $6,053, with an effective tax rate of 1.98%. This earns Cook County a tax score of 3.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cook County?
The median household income in Cook County, Illinois is $81,797 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cook County earns an income score of 85.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cook County, Illinois a good place to live?
Cook County scores 30.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #102 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Cook 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 Cook 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.