countyscore
63.4
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.

204060801008.568.492.779.456.569.774.236.357.1Tax8.5Cost68.4Safety92.7Health79.4Schools56.5Income69.7Risk74.2Water36.3Weather57.163.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Cumberland County DNA

D+overall

How Cumberland County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Cumberland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (92.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.5-43.5
Cost
68.4+20.400000000000006
Safety
92.7+37.7
Health
79.4+29.400000000000006
Schools
56.5
Income
69.7+18.700000000000003
Risk
74.2+27.200000000000003
Water
36.3-21.700000000000003
Weather
57.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Cumberland County?

Many homeowners in Cumberland County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$126,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$772/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$126,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,327/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

57.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, Illinois has a composite county score of 63.4 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in Illinois?
Cumberland County ranks #9 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 $2,004, with an effective tax rate of 1.59%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 8.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, Illinois is $73,327 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, Illinois a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 63.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.