47.8
County Score
Soil Quality 76Disaster Risk 70.8Health 69.4

County Report Card

About De Witt County, Illinois

Near the National Midpoint

De Witt County sits just below the national median with a composite score of 47.8. It remains competitive in the national landscape despite some localized challenges.

Trailing the Illinois State Average

The county's score of 47.8 falls five points short of the Illinois state average of 52.8. Residents face slightly more economic and environmental pressures than the state as a whole.

Resilience and Health Excellence

The county excels with a Risk score of 70.8 and a Health score of 69.4. These numbers indicate a stable environment with good access to medical resources.

Tax Pressure and Data Gaps

A Tax score of 4.7 is quite low, driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.849%. Currently, Safety data is not yet available, which leaves a gap in the overall livability profile.

The Verdict: Stable but Tax-Heavy

De Witt County is a solid choice for those seeking environmental stability and decent health outcomes. However, potential residents should prepare for a higher-than-average tax burden.

204060801004.748.369.45953.670.856.947.4Tax4.7Cost48.3SafetyHealth69.4Schools59Income53.6Risk70.8Water56.9Weather47.447.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

De Witt County DNA

Foverall

How De Witt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

De Witt County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (70.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.7-47.3
Cost
48.3
Health
69.4+19.400000000000006
Schools
59
Income
53.6
Risk
70.8+23.799999999999997
Water
56.9
Weather
47.4-8.600000000000001
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Many homeowners in De Witt 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

$124,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$857/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,802/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.5

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

De Witt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in De Witt County

via TaxByCounty

De Witt taxes moderate compared to nation

De Witt County's effective tax rate of 1.849% slightly exceeds the national median, but the county's median property tax of $2,297 remains well below the national median of $2,690. Lower home values—averaging $124,200 versus the national $281,900—keep absolute tax bills manageable despite a slightly above-average rate.

Slightly above state average rates

De Witt County's 1.849% effective rate marginally exceeds Illinois' state average of 1.831%, placing it just above the middle of the pack statewide. The median tax bill of $2,297 tracks slightly below the state average of $2,782, reflecting the county's lower property valuations offsetting its slightly higher rate.

De Witt's highest rate in the central cluster

At 1.849%, De Witt County carries the highest effective rate among its Crawford (1.556%), Cumberland (1.757%), and Edgar (1.544%) neighbors in central Illinois. The higher rate correlates with slightly above-average home values of $124,200, making De Witt marginally less affordable for property owners in this region.

Expect roughly $2,297 in annual taxes

De Witt County homeowners pay approximately $2,297 yearly on a median-valued home of $124,200—translating to about $191 per month. Those with mortgages face higher bills at $2,576 annually, while mortgage-free owners pay $1,925, suggesting variation in assessment practices across the county.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

De Witt County residents experiencing unexpectedly high tax bills should request their assessment record and compare it against recent property sales. Many homeowners successfully reduce taxes by presenting evidence of lower market values or challenging obsolete assessments that predate recent economic shifts.

Cost of Living in De Witt County

via CostByCounty

De Witt renters stretch tight budgets

De Witt County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio signals housing affordability stress compared to the national average, with renters spending a notably higher share of income on shelter. At $857 per month, the median rent consumes substantial resources from the county's $64,802 median household income—$10,000 below the national median.

De Witt struggles with state averages

De Witt's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. While the median rent of $857 is only slightly above the state average of $837, the combination of lower local income and higher relative costs creates affordability pressure.

Higher costs than similar rural counties

De Witt's $857 median rent stands noticeably above Crawford ($761), Cumberland ($756), and Edgar County ($757)—a $100+ gap that adds up quickly for renters. The county's affordability challenge reflects higher housing demand relative to its peer rural markets.

Income doesn't keep pace with housing costs

De Witt renters spend $857 monthly on housing from a $64,802 annual income, consuming 15.9% of earnings—well above the comfort threshold of 12-13%. Homeowners face similar pressure at $854 monthly on properties valued at $124,200, leaving limited financial flexibility for other needs.

De Witt requires budget discipline

If relocating to De Witt, expect to dedicate a substantial portion of income to housing compared to neighboring rural counties. Compare carefully to more affordable options like Crawford or Cumberland to determine if the trade-offs align with your financial priorities.

Income & Jobs in De Witt County

via IncomeByCounty

De Witt Lags Nation by 13.3%

De Witt County's median household income of $64,802 sits $9,953 below the national median of $74,755, a significant gap for rural Illinois. This 13.3% deficit reflects De Witt's agricultural economy and smaller population base compared to national averages.

Below Illinois Average by $1,778

De Witt trails the Illinois state median of $68,580 by $1,778, ranking in the lower-middle range of state counties. However, its per capita income of $36,977 slightly exceeds the state average of $36,009, suggesting income is spread across more households here.

Weakest Among Immediate Peers

De Witt's $64,802 median is the lowest in this county cluster, behind Crawford ($67,614), Cumberland ($69,826), and DeKalb ($69,022). The gap to wealthier DeKalb reaches $4,220, a measurable disadvantage in regional economic terms.

Housing Strain Emerging

De Witt's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% approaches the affordability threshold, creeping toward 16% of household budget devoted to rent. Combined with relatively modest median incomes, this suggests some households face tighter housing affordability despite a median home value of $124,200.

Strategic Planning Matters More Here

With tighter income-to-expense ratios, De Witt households benefit most from intentional financial planning: budgeting, emergency savings, and employer retirement plans become essential tools. Working with a financial advisor to optimize household cash flow can free resources for long-term wealth building despite modest current income.

Schools in De Witt County

via SchoolsByCounty

De Witt County's Compact School System

Seven public schools serve 2,144 students in De Witt County, with a focus on elementary and high school education. Only two districts manage the county's academic infrastructure, ensuring a streamlined administrative approach.

High Investment and Competitive Scores

De Witt County invests $10,354 per pupil, significantly exceeding the state average of $9,250 and the national median. This funding supports a school score of 58.8, which sits just above the state average of 58.1 despite a graduation rate of 86.2%.

Focus on Clinton CUSD 15

Clinton CUSD 15 is the dominant district, educating 1,684 students across five schools. The remaining 670 students attend Blue Ridge CUSD 18, with no charter options available in the county.

Town-Centered Learning Environments

Five of the seven schools are located in town settings, providing a walkable school feel for many students. Clinton High School is the largest at 483 students, while Blue Ridge High School offers a smaller high school experience with just 188 students.

Invest in a Home Near Clinton Schools

De Witt County's high per-pupil spending reflects a strong local commitment to educational resources and student support. Families looking for town-based schools should prioritize homes within the Clinton CUSD 15 boundaries.

Disaster Risk in De Witt County

via RiskByCounty

De Witt well protected from disasters

De Witt County's composite risk score of 29.26 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it far below the national average for natural disaster exposure. Residents in De Witt enjoy substantially better odds than typical American households facing multiple hazard types.

Ranks among Illinois's safest

De Witt's 29.26 score falls in the lower quarter of Illinois counties, well below the state average of 54.46. The county's central location and geographic characteristics combine to create a comparatively low-hazard environment.

Sits between Crawford and the safest

De Witt (29.26) ranks safer than Crawford County (37.02) but slightly above Cumberland (25.86) and Edwards (26.14) in the immediate region. This foursome of Illinois counties represents the state's most naturally disaster-resistant communities.

Tornadoes present the primary threat

Tornado risk tops De Witt's hazard list at 44.12, representing the only significant exposure among multiple weather types. Earthquakes (65.74) rank second but remain relatively low in absolute terms, while flooding (30.31) and other hazards fall well below state averages.

Prioritize tornado readiness and insurance

Standard homeowners insurance with wind coverage protects against De Witt's primary tornado threat, supplemented by a household tornado safety plan. The county's low overall risk means basic preparedness steps provide excellent protection for most residents.

Water Quality in De Witt County

via WaterByCounty

De Witt County Maintains C Rating

The county records a violation rate of 8.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly better than the Illinois state average of 48.7. Despite a single health violation over five years, the system remains relatively stable compared to national peers. This moderate grade reflects a generally safe but occasionally stressed water supply.

Dissolved Oxygen Levels Impact Local Streams

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 40.0% of the county's 145 assessed water bodies are impaired. Top causes for these failures include low dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and phosphorus. This rate is slightly higher than the state average of 38.0%, indicating localized ecological pressure.

Data Gaps in Federal Monitoring Portal

Currently, no water-quality monitoring records are available in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for De Witt County. This lack of centralized data makes it difficult to track long-term trends in inorganic or metal concentrations. Expanded monitoring would provide a clearer picture of the county’s chemical water health.

Salt Creek Flow Drops Below Normal

The USGS gauge at Salt Creek near Rowell reports a current discharge of 101 cubic feet per second. This flow is only 37% of the long-term mean for this location. Such low levels can negatively impact the concentration of phosphorus and fecal coliform in the stream.

Caution During Low Flow Periods

With Salt Creek running at only 37% of its typical flow, contaminants like fecal coliform can become more concentrated. Residents should avoid direct contact with impaired water bodies during dry spells to minimize health risks. Consider implementing xeriscaping to reduce demand on local water sources during these periods of low flow.

Weather & Climate in De Witt County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Midwestern Precipitation Levels

De Witt County sees 40.8 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with national averages for temperate zones. Local temperature data is not currently recorded, but the county experiences a standard seasonal cycle.

Drier Than the Illinois Average

At 40.8 inches, De Witt County receives slightly less precipitation than the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. It occupies a middle-ground position compared to the wetter counties in southern Illinois.

Central Illinois Climate Trends

The county mirrors the climate of its central Illinois neighbors, focusing on agricultural stability. Its rainfall levels are very similar to nearby counties like McLean and Piatt.

Standard Midwestern Seasonal Shifts

With 40.8 inches of precipitation, the county experiences the full range of Midwestern weather. Residents prepare for a mix of rain and snow across the year, though specific local extremes are not currently tracked.

Planning for Agricultural and Residential Needs

Effective water management is key given the steady 40.8 inches of annual precipitation. Residents should maintain standard Midwestern home insulation to handle the typical but unrecorded temperature swings of the region.

Soil Quality in De Witt County

via SoilByCounty

Optimal pH for Illinois crops

De Witt's average pH of 6.61 is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.39. This figure lands just above the national median, creating an excellent environment for nutrient-hungry vegetables.

Fine-textured silty soils

Silt dominates the composition at 67.5%, while sand makes up only 8.6%. The 23.9% clay content gives this soil a fine texture that holds nutrients tightly and resists rapid drying.

Strong organic matter matching state levels

Organic matter reaches 2.93%, virtually identical to the Illinois state average. The soil stores 0.202 inches of water per inch of soil, ensuring consistent hydration for field crops and gardens alike.

Heavy soils with slow runoff

Specific drainage records are limited, but the high silt and clay percentages indicate a soil that stays moist. Plan for managed drainage in low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging after heavy storms.

Productive harvests in Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a is perfect for regional staples like pumpkins and tomatoes. A soil score of 76.0 shows that De Witt land is more productive than the average Illinois county.

Lawn Care in De Witt County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Illinois Growing Conditions

De Witt County scores a 68.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, mirroring the general ease of maintenance found across the state. As part of Hardiness Zone 6a, it provides a stable environment for cool-season grasses compared to more volatile national climates.

Steady Moisture for Growth

Annual precipitation of 40.8 inches aligns closely with the state average of 41.8 inches. This consistent moisture level generally reduces the need for supplemental irrigation, provided summer temperatures remain moderate.

Strong Mineral Content

A soil pH of 6.61 is excellent for turfgrass, falling right in the middle of the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal range. The soil is slightly more clay-heavy at 23.9% with only 8.6% sand, which helps retain moisture but may require aeration to prevent compaction.

Facing Total County Drought

Every acre of De Witt County is currently in a severe drought stage, following 35 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Reducing mowing frequency and increasing blade height can help shade the soil and preserve remaining moisture.

Start Your De Witt Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in Zone 6a climates like this. Aim to establish new sod or seed when the ground is moist, typically following the spring thaw in late April.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is De Witt County's county score?
De Witt County, Illinois has a composite county score of 47.8 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 De Witt County rank among counties in Illinois?
De Witt County ranks #75 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 De Witt County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in De Witt County is $2,297, with an effective tax rate of 1.85%. This earns De Witt County a tax score of 4.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in De Witt County?
The median household income in De Witt County, Illinois is $64,802 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. De Witt County earns an income score of 53.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is De Witt County, Illinois a good place to live?
De Witt County scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate De Witt 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 De Witt County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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