countyscore
62
County Score
Safety 92.7Health 79.4Disaster Risk 74.2

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, Illinois

Strong National Standing

With a composite score of 62.0, Cumberland County ranks significantly higher than the 50.0 national median. It provides a quality of life that exceeds the vast majority of U.S. counties.

Outperforming the Illinois Average

Cumberland County’s 62.0 score easily surpasses the Illinois state average of 52.8. It stands out as one of the more desirable rural locations within the state.

Elite Safety and Health Scores

A remarkable Safety score of 92.7 and a Health score of 79.4 make this a very secure place to live. The county combines physical safety with robust wellness metrics for its residents.

High Taxes and Water Concerns

Taxation remains the biggest challenge with a score of 5.9 and an effective tax rate of 1.757%. Additionally, the Water score of 36.3 suggests room for improvement in local infrastructure.

The Verdict: Safe and Healthy Haven

This county is ideal for families and retirees who put safety and personal health at the top of their priority list. It offers peace of mind in a high-performing rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax5.9Cost65.4Safety92.7Health79.4Schools56.5Income65.9Risk74.2Water36.3Weather57.1
🏛5.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67
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

Effingham County
Illinois
49.7
Jasper County
Illinois
59.7
Coles County
Illinois
57.4
Shelby County
Illinois
60.9
Moultrie County
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Clark County
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Clay County
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Douglas County
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Deep Dives

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland's taxes stay below the national line

Cumberland County's effective tax rate of 1.757% and median tax bill of $2,068 both fall short of the national median property tax of $2,690. On homes worth significantly less than the national median of $281,900, Cumberland residents enjoy lower absolute tax payments despite rates slightly below the national norm.

Near state average but still reasonable

Cumberland County's 1.757% effective rate sits just below Illinois' state average of 1.831%, making it a middle-of-the-pack performer statewide. With a median property tax of $2,068 compared to the state average of $2,782, Cumberland offers slightly better-than-average value for Illinois property owners.

Cumberland strikes a balance in the region

At 1.757%, Cumberland ranks between Crawford County's lower 1.556% rate and De Witt County's higher 1.849%, positioning it as the regional middle ground. The county's median home value of $117,700 closely mirrors Crawford's, making tax competitiveness similar across this cluster of central Illinois counties.

Budget $2,068 annually for taxes

Cumberland County homeowners pay approximately $2,068 per year in property taxes on a median home valued at $117,700—roughly $172 monthly. Mortgage payers see minimal variation at $2,025 annually, while owners without mortgages pay $2,103, reflecting the county's relatively stable assessment practices.

Assessment review could lower your bill

Illinois property owners frequently find their homes overvalued in county assessments, creating opportunities for tax reduction through formal appeals. Cumberland residents should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales in their neighborhood—a mismatch could mean significant savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland beats national housing affordability

With a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio, Cumberland County renters spend less than the national average and significantly less than most U.S. households. The county's median household income of $69,826 pairs with modest $756 monthly rent, making housing one of the region's biggest financial advantages.

Among Illinois's most affordable counties

Cumberland ranks as one of Illinois's strongest performers on housing affordability, with a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 14.7%. At $756 per month, the median rent trails the state average by $81, offering genuine savings for renters statewide.

Slightly cheaper than surrounding counties

Cumberland's $756 rent is virtually tied with Crawford County ($761) and Edgar County ($757), anchoring this rural region's affordability. The nearby college town of DeKalb County pushes significantly higher at $1,041 monthly, reflecting different economic drivers in that market.

Renters and buyers both see savings

Cumberland renters allocate just 13.0% of their $69,826 median income to the $756 monthly rent, leaving substantial room in household budgets. Homeowners pay $785 monthly on properties valued at $117,700, offering a gentle entry point into ownership for working families.

Strong affordability draws smart relocators

Cumberland delivers genuine housing affordability without sacrificing access to rural community life and stability. Families relocating from expensive metros should compare these costs to Illinois's pricier counties to understand their purchasing power gain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland Just Below U.S. Average

Cumberland County's median household income of $69,826 sits $4,929 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the mainstream of American counties. The gap represents about 6.6% difference, suggesting Cumberland's economy operates at a modest disadvantage to the typical U.S. county.

Exceeds State Average by $1,246

Cumberland ranks above Illinois's median household income of $68,580 by $1,246, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. The county's per capita income of $36,270 also exceeds the state average of $36,009, indicating relatively balanced income distribution.

Solid Performer Among Rural Counties

Cumberland's $69,826 income edges out Crawford ($67,614) and DeKalb ($69,022), though it trails the wealthier suburban outliers. For a rural county, Cumberland competes well, with housing values of $117,700 reflecting its economic stability.

Housing Costs Well-Controlled

Cumberland's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% is among the lowest in this county cluster, well below the 30% affordability guideline. Median home values of $117,700 remain accessible for families at the county median income, supporting sustainable homeownership.

Invest Your Housing Savings

Because Cumberland residents spend just 13% of income on rent, they have greater capacity than national averages to invest in education, small business, or long-term wealth vehicles. Taking advantage of this affordability window through disciplined saving can compound financial security over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Cumberland County

Cumberland County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.8, making it one of the safest areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 105.3 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This represents a level of security rarely seen in most American counties.

A Leader in Illinois Public Safety

Cumberland's crime rate of 105.3 is roughly eight times lower than the Illinois state average of 835.0. It ranks high among the state's 102 counties for overall security and peace of mind. Data from three reporting agencies confirms this consistently low level of criminal activity.

Cumberland vs. Neighboring Counties

Cumberland is significantly safer than nearby Douglas County, which has a crime rate of 456.5 per 100,000. It also outperforms Crawford County, where the crime rate is over ten times higher at 1,067.9. This makes Cumberland a local benchmark for low crime.

Analyzing Cumberland's Crime Stats

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here, with a rate of only 38.3 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly low at just 67.0 per 100,000 residents. These numbers translate to an incredibly low statistical risk for the average household.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

Even in such a safe environment, basic security awareness helps preserve Cumberland’s quiet character. Consider joining a local neighborhood watch or installing smart doorbells to monitor your property. Maintaining these habits ensures the community remains a top-tier safety leader.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cumberland County

via HealthByCounty

Cumberland outlives the nation

Cumberland County residents live to 77.1 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by seven months. With only 16.2% reporting poor or fair health, Cumberland demonstrates strong population health relative to national benchmarks.

Among Illinois's healthiest counties

At 77.1 years, Cumberland County exceeds Illinois's state average life expectancy of 76.0 years and ranks in the top tier of Illinois counties. The low 16.2% poor/fair health rate further signals that Cumberland residents enjoy better-than-average wellness.

Leading the local health landscape

Cumberland's 77.1-year life expectancy ranks it second only to DeKalb County (77.3) among nearby peers, and its 16.2% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the immediate region. This positions Cumberland as a health leader in central Illinois.

Low uninsured rate, limited provider data

Cumberland County boasts a 5.0% uninsured rate—the lowest among the featured counties and well below Illinois's 6.3% average, meaning most residents have insurance access. While primary care provider data is limited, the county offers 68 mental health providers per 100,000 residents.

Keep coverage strong in Cumberland

With only 5% of residents uninsured, Cumberland has done well enrolling its population, but those without coverage remain vulnerable to financial hardship from medical costs. If you're among the uninsured, check healthcare.gov to find affordable options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Cumberland County

Cumberland County operates seven public schools, encompassing elementary, middle, and high school levels. Only two districts manage the education of 1,512 total students across the region.

Competitive Results on a Lean Budget

The county boasts an 88.7% graduation rate, essentially matching the Illinois state average and beating the national 87% benchmark. Spending remains efficient at $8,388 per pupil, which is nearly $1,000 less than the state average of $9,250.

Cumberland CUSD 77 Leads the Way

Cumberland CUSD 77 is the primary provider here, enrolling 1,011 students across three schools. Neoga CUSD 3 serves the remaining 501 students, and the county currently offers no charter school alternatives.

A Purely Rural Learning Environment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a tight-knit atmosphere with an average of 302 students per school. Cumberland Elementary School is the largest facility with 404 students, while Neoga Elementary is the most intimate with 223.

Plant Roots Near Top Rural Districts

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Cumberland County offers a focused and unified school system. Consider properties in Toledo or Neoga to be close to these high-performing community hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland's risk sits well below average

At 25.86, Cumberland County's composite risk score places it in the "Very Low" category, substantially safer than the national average. This low exposure makes Cumberland one of Illinois's most naturally protected communities for disaster-prone households.

Second-safest county in Illinois

Cumberland ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Illinois, with its 25.86 score nearly half the state average of 54.46. Only a handful of Illinois counties enjoy comparable natural disaster protection.

Safest in a low-risk cluster

Cumberland's 25.86 edges out Edwards County (26.14) as the region's safest, while Crawford County (37.02) and De Witt County (29.26) follow closely behind. This tight cluster of southern and central Illinois counties reflects genuinely favorable natural hazard profiles.

Tornado and hurricane the main concerns

Cumberland's highest risk scores come from tornadoes (30.06) and hurricanes (32.96), both moderate rather than severe. Flooding at 33.49 represents the third significant hazard, though all three remain well-managed through standard preparedness measures.

Standard homeowners coverage likely sufficient

Given Cumberland's very low risk profile, standard homeowners insurance paired with a basic tornado safety plan provides solid protection. Still, verify your coverage includes wind damage, since tornado preparedness remains the most practical investment for residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cumberland County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wetter Profile Than the National Median

Cumberland County receives 42.9 inches of precipitation annually, exceeding the national median for most continental regions. While specific local temperature averages are unavailable, the county follows a classic humid continental climate pattern.

Surpassing Illinois Average Precipitation

The county's 42.9 inches of annual rainfall sits above the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. This makes it one of the more moisture-rich counties in the central part of the state.

Consistent Moisture Across the Region

Cumberland shares a similarly damp profile with its neighbors in the Embarras River basin. Without local temperature data, rainfall remains the primary differentiator for this agricultural hub.

Defined Cycles with Significant Rain

Residents navigate four distinct seasons characterized by 42.9 inches of total annual precipitation. The lack of specific heat or snowfall data suggests a reliance on broader regional trends for seasonal planning.

Focus on Moisture Management

Homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing to handle the high annual rainfall. Since specific temperature extremes are not locally tracked, standard Illinois HVAC systems remain the best bet for comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cumberland County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral acidity for healthy plants

Cumberland County features an average pH of 6.41, nearly matching the national median of 6.5. This balanced level ensures that most essential minerals remain available for plant uptake throughout the season.

A balanced mix of silt and clay

The earth here consists of 59.2% silt and 20.7% clay. With 19.3% sand in the mix, the soil provides a stable environment for roots that balances water retention with necessary aeration.

Standard water capacity for the state

Available water capacity reaches 0.205 in/in, aligning almost perfectly with the Illinois state average. Organic matter levels at 2.09% meet the national average, though they trail the state benchmark of 2.94%.

Reliable moisture retention

While specific drainage and hydrologic data is unavailable, the 20.7% clay content suggests the land holds moisture well. This helps sustain crops and home gardens during the drier stretches of the Illinois summer.

Versatile planting in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone offers a long window for gardening success. With a soil score of 72.4, Cumberland is ready for diverse plantings from sweet corn to perennial flowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cumberland County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Foundation in Cumberland

With a lawn difficulty score of 67.0, Cumberland County is very close to the Illinois state average of 69.8. This Hardiness Zone 6b region is significantly more hospitable for turf than the national median score of 50.0.

Reliable Rainfall Patterns

Cumberland receives 42.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the state average and fits perfectly within the ideal lawn growth window. While specific temperature data is limited, this rainfall supports consistent mowing schedules throughout the growing season.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Access

The soil pH of 6.41 is nearly perfect for lawn health, ensuring that fertilizers are easily absorbed by the grass. The soil mix contains 20.7% clay and 19.3% sand, providing a standard midwestern structure for home landscapes.

Severe Drought Conditions Present

The county has spent 32 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. Homeowners should prioritize water conservation and avoid heavy fertilization until regular rains return.

Resilient Turf for Zone 6b

Transition-friendly grasses like Turf-Type Tall Fescue are highly recommended for this climate. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, following general Zone 6b guidelines for late summer seeding will yield the strongest results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, Illinois has a composite county score of 62 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in Illinois?
Cumberland County ranks #15 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 Cumberland County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Cumberland County is $2,068, with an effective tax rate of 1.76%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 5.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, Illinois is $69,826 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, Illinois a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 62/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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.