countyscore
37
County Score
Soil Quality 85.8Lawn Care 75.1Health 74

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Illinois

Falling Below National Levels

DeKalb County's composite score of 37.0 is notably lower than the 50.0 national median. High costs and taxes significantly weigh down its overall ranking.

Well Below State Average

At 37.0, the county ranks well below the Illinois state average of 52.8. This reflects the intense economic pressures found in this portion of the state.

Strong Health and Schools

Local institutions are a major plus, with a Health score of 74.0 and a School score of 65.5. These scores demonstrate a commitment to education and community wellness.

High Costs and Tax Burden

The county struggles with a Tax score of 0.5 and a Cost score of 16.9. An effective tax rate of 2.539% and a median home value of $231,900 make affordability a major hurdle.

The Verdict: For Academics and Health

This county is best for professionals or students who prioritize high-quality schools and healthcare. It requires a higher budget to manage the significant tax and housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax0.5Cost16.9Safety25.5Health74Schools65.5Income64.3Risk19.2Water66Weather53.3
🏛0.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.1
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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47.1
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Ogle County
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Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in DeKalb County

via TaxByCounty

DeKalb's taxes rank among state's highest

DeKalb County's effective tax rate of 2.539% significantly exceeds both the national median rate and the Illinois state average of 1.831%. With a median property tax of $5,889—more than double the national median of $2,690—DeKalb residents face the highest tax burden among Illinois' major counties due to stronger property valuations and a robust tax base.

Top tier for Illinois property taxes

DeKalb County ranks among Illinois' highest tax counties with its 2.539% effective rate, driven by median home values of $231,900 that exceed the state average. The median tax bill of $5,889 reflects a county where robust residential and commercial development has created substantial municipal service demands.

DeKalb's taxes far outpace region's norms

At 2.539%, DeKalb County's rate towers over surrounding counties like DuPage (2.094%), Douglas (1.813%), and De Witt (1.849%). The county's median home value of $231,900—higher than nearly all regional peers—drives both higher absolute taxes and a steeper effective rate, making it significantly less affordable than surrounding areas.

Budget $5,889 annually in property taxes

DeKalb County homeowners pay approximately $5,889 per year on a median home valued at $231,900—roughly $491 monthly. Mortgage payers see slightly higher bills at $6,108 annually, while owners without mortgages pay $5,430, suggesting relatively consistent assessment patterns across the county despite its high overall burden.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

With tax bills exceeding $5,800 annually, DeKalb County residents have significant financial incentive to challenge inflated assessments through formal appeals. Even modest reductions—10-15%—could save hundreds of dollars yearly, making a professional assessment review a smart investment for property owners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DeKalb County

via CostByCounty

DeKalb's housing costs surge well above average

DeKalb County renters face an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio—among the nation's tightest housing squeezes—with $1,041 monthly rent consuming a quarter of the $69,022 median income. This college-town economy drives costs far above national averages despite modest local incomes.

DeKalb is Illinois's affordability outlier

DeKalb's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, and the $1,041 median rent towers $204 above the state mean. The presence of Northern Illinois University creates student housing demand that inflates costs across the entire county market.

Dramatically pricier than surrounding rural counties

DeKalb's $1,041 rent nearly doubles the $761-757 range found in Crawford, Cumberland, and Edgar counties—a striking gap reflecting its college-town character. Even compared to farmland peers, DeKalb stands as the region's cost outlier by a significant margin.

Renters and buyers both face affordability strain

DeKalb renters spend $1,041 monthly on housing (18.1% of income), while homeowners pay $1,500 on properties averaging $231,900—the highest in this county group. The gap between rent and ownership costs reflects strong home values driven by university proximity and regional desirability.

DeKalb works best for higher earners

DeKalb's affordability challenge suits those with incomes above the county median or those prioritizing university proximity and urban amenities over cost minimization. Compare rent here to the $756-761 range in nearby Crawford or Cumberland to quantify what proximity to NIU costs monthly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeKalb County

via IncomeByCounty

DeKalb Close to U.S. Median

DeKalb County's median household income of $69,022 sits just $5,733 below the national median of $74,755, placing it nearly at parity with the nation overall. For an Illinois county with a significant university presence, this near-national alignment reflects a diversified economy.

Slightly Above Illinois Average

DeKalb's median of $69,022 edges above Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $442, ranking it solidly in the middle tier of state counties. Its per capita income of $35,054 trails the state slightly, suggesting income is more concentrated in a smaller number of households.

Mid-Range in Rural Cluster

DeKalb's $69,022 ranks ahead of Crawford ($67,614), De Witt ($64,802), and the rural counties farther south, but lags the wealthier DeKalb University area. The county's $231,900 median home value significantly exceeds rural neighbors, reflecting student housing demand and suburban development.

Higher Housing Costs Bite Here

DeKalb's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% is the highest among rural peers, indicating housing costs claim a noticeably larger share of household income. The elevated median home value of $231,900—nearly double the rural county average—reflects university-driven real estate inflation that stretches some household budgets.

Leverage University Economy Benefits

DeKalb's university presence creates unique opportunities: employees often enjoy tuition benefits, pension plans, and professional development that boost long-term wealth. Residents should maximize employer retirement contributions and educational benefits to offset housing costs and build equity faster.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in DeKalb County

via CrimeByCounty

DeKalb's Safety in a National Frame

DeKalb County holds a safety score of 97.1, indicating a generally secure environment despite its higher activity levels. Its total crime rate of 1,835.4 per 100,000 residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5. Fourteen local agencies contribute to this comprehensive data set.

How DeKalb Compares to Illinois Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,835.4 is more than double the Illinois state average of 835.0. This makes DeKalb more active than many of its rural counterparts across the state. Its violent crime rate of 302.9 also exceeds the state average of 160.1.

DeKalb vs. Its Neighbors

DeKalb experiences significantly more crime than neighboring DuPage County, which reports a rate of only 363.2 per 100,000. While it is more active than surrounding agricultural counties, it serves as a major hub with more reporting agencies. This increased density often correlates with higher reported numbers.

Understanding the Crime Mix in DeKalb

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics, reaching 1,532.5 per 100,000 residents. While violent crime exists at 302.9, it accounts for a relatively small portion of total incidents. Residents should be most mindful of protecting their personal property and vehicles.

Proactive Security for DeKalb Residents

Given the property crime rate, high-quality locks and home alarm systems are recommended for DeKalb households. Registering your security cameras with local police can also help solve neighborhood thefts more quickly. Simple prevention goes a long way in this active Illinois county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in DeKalb County

via HealthByCounty

DeKalb outlives the U.S. average

DeKalb County residents live to 77.3 years, surpassing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly a year. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate is close to national norms, indicating solid population health relative to the nation.

Top-tier life expectancy in Illinois

DeKalb County's 77.3-year life expectancy ranks among Illinois's best and exceeds the state average of 76.0 years by 1.3 years. This strong performance reflects a relatively healthy county population.

Second healthiest in the region

DeKalb's 77.3-year life expectancy trails only DuPage County (81.3) among nearby peers, and its 16.8% poor/fair health rate ranks it in the healthier half of the local region. DeKalb stands out as a health performer in central Illinois.

Abundant mental health providers

DeKalb County's 6.4% uninsured rate is nearly identical to the state average of 6.3%, ensuring most residents have coverage. The county excels with 439 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the region—though primary care supply is tighter at 27 per 100,000.

Coverage matters in DeKalb too

Though DeKalb boasts strong overall health, 6.4% of residents remain uninsured, risking financial and health crises if illness strikes. Visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and protect yourself and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in DeKalb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

DeKalb County manages a robust system of 42 public schools, including 23 elementary and 11 high schools. Over 16,300 students are enrolled across eight active school districts.

Strong Graduation and Funding Benchmarks

The county's 89.8% graduation rate beats both the state and national averages, reflecting a high level of student success. Local spending of $9,471 per pupil also sits above the state average, fueling a solid 58.8 composite school score.

DeKalb and Sycamore District Leaders

DeKalb CUSD 428 is the largest district by far, serving 6,840 students across 12 schools. Sycamore CUSD 427 also maintains a significant presence with seven schools and 3,598 students.

Suburban Reach and Rural Roots

The county features a mix of 23 suburban and 13 rural schools, creating diverse educational settings. DeKalb High School is the county's largest campus with 2,083 students, while the average school size across the county is 418.

Find Your Home in a Growing District

With high graduation rates and a variety of school settings, DeKalb County is a prime location for families. Research homes in Sycamore or DeKalb to access some of the region's largest and most resource-rich schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in DeKalb County

via RiskByCounty

DeKalb faces notably elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 80.82, DeKalb County rates as "Relatively Low" but sits well above the national average for natural disaster exposure. This places the county in a higher-risk category than most Illinois counties and demands serious preparedness investment.

Among Illinois's riskiest counties

DeKalb's 80.82 score ranks it in the upper tier of Illinois counties, where the state average is 54.46. Only the most hazard-prone Illinois counties exceed DeKalb's risk profile, making it a standout in terms of natural disaster exposure.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

DeKalb (80.82) faces roughly double the risk of nearby Crawford (37.02) and De Witt (29.26) counties. Douglas County (62.12) also sits considerably safer, revealing DeKalb as an outlier in its region for natural disaster vulnerability.

Tornadoes and floods dominate threats

DeKalb residents face the state's most severe tornado risk at 88.10, combined with exceptionally high flood exposure at 82.98. These two hazards far outpace other threats and require the most robust preparation and insurance strategies.

Invest in comprehensive disaster coverage

Flood insurance and tornado-rated wind coverage are non-negotiable for DeKalb homeowners, given the county's extreme exposure to both hazards. Dedicated tornado shelters or safe rooms should be a serious consideration, alongside detailed family emergency plans tested annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in DeKalb County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder and Snowier Than National Norms

DeKalb County has an average annual temperature of 48.2°F, which is significantly cooler than the national median. It receives 33.9 inches of snow per year, making it a true northern climate.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

DeKalb's average temperature of 48.2°F sits well below the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This reflects its position in the northern third of the state where winters are more intense.

A Northern Illinois Climate Anchor

Compared to southern Illinois, DeKalb is much cooler and sees nearly double the snowfall of central counties. It aligns closely with the weather patterns of neighbor Kane County.

Biting Winters and Mild Summers

January temperatures average a cold 20.8°F, while July peaks at a comfortable 72.1°F. The county only experiences about 11 days above 90°F, offering relief from the extreme heat found further south.

Prepare for the Long Winter

Reliable snow removal equipment and high-efficiency heating are essential for the 33.9 inches of annual snow. Residents should also insulate pipes to withstand the average 23.9°F winter temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DeKalb County

via SoilByCounty

Highly productive neutral soils

DeKalb County boasts a 6.48 pH, resting almost exactly on the 6.5 national median. This balanced chemistry is a key factor in the county's reputation for agricultural excellence.

Silky texture with high clay

The soil mix is 65.2% silt and 22.0% clay, with a low 11.3% sand component. This fine-grained profile excels at storing nutrients and providing a cool, moist environment for deep roots.

Superior fertility and water storage

Organic matter is a standout at 3.87%, far exceeding the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity of 0.221 in/in is also significantly higher than the Illinois norm, providing a buffer against drought.

Excellent hydration and moisture management

Although specific drainage classes are missing from this data, the high water capacity suggests excellent absorption. The heavy silt and clay content means this land stays productive even during dry spells.

Elite soil for Zone 5b

Despite the shorter Zone 5b season, DeKalb's 85.8 soil score is among the best in the state. This premium earth is ideal for robust vegetable gardens and high-yield agriculture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DeKalb County

via LawnByCounty

High Ease of Care in DeKalb

DeKalb County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 75.1, making it one of the easiest places in the state to keep a green lawn. Its Zone 5b classification means it faces cooler winters but more manageable summer conditions than southern neighbors.

Cool Summers Support Turf

With only 11 extreme heat days—far below the state average of 27—lawns in DeKalb experience much less summer dormancy. The 37.6 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state average but remains within the ideal 30-50 inch range.

Rich Clay-Based Foundation

The soil features a pH of 6.48, which is nearly optimal for common Illinois turfgrasses. At 22.0% clay and 11.3% sand, the soil is effective at holding nutrients but might need core aeration to improve drainage.

Managed Drought Resistance

While 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, DeKalb has avoided the severe drought levels hitting other parts of the state. Having spent 26 weeks in some level of drought, simple water-saving habits like morning irrigation remain effective.

Maximized Seeding Window

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Bluegrass are the top choices for Hardiness Zone 5b. Plan your main lawn projects between the last frost on April 28 and the first frost on October 18.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeKalb County's county score?
DeKalb County, Illinois has a composite county score of 37 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 DeKalb County rank among counties in Illinois?
DeKalb County ranks #94 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 DeKalb County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in DeKalb County is $5,889, with an effective tax rate of 2.54%. This earns DeKalb County a tax score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeKalb County?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Illinois is $69,022 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeKalb County earns an income score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeKalb County, Illinois a good place to live?
DeKalb County scores 37/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate DeKalb 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 DeKalb County with other counties side by side.

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