CountyScore

DeKalb County

Illinois · IL

#94 in Illinois
52.6
County Score

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Illinois

DeKalb slightly exceeds national median

DeKalb County's composite score of 48.5 falls just below the national median of 50.0, suggesting middling livability by U.S. standards. This near-average performance masks significant internal trade-offs between housing costs and tax burdens.

Below Illinois average performance

At 48.5, DeKalb trails the Illinois state average of 62.1 by more than 13 points, positioning it among the state's weaker-performing counties. This gap highlights the county's comparative disadvantages in tax and housing affordability.

Strong incomes and diversity

DeKalb's income score of 28.4 and median household income of $69,022 rank among the strongest in this group, bolstered by institutional employment. The presence of Northern Illinois University anchors economic activity in the county.

High taxes and housing costs

The tax score of 30.8 reflects an effective rate of 2.539%—the highest among these counties—while median home values of $231,900 and rent at $1,041 monthly strain budgets. Limited data on safety, health, and schools prevents deeper analysis of livability drivers.

For higher-income professionals

DeKalb County suits professionals attracted to university-town amenities who can absorb above-average housing and tax costs. It's a trade-off county: you pay more for proximity to institutional resources and urban services.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax30.8Cost66.7SafetyComing SoonHealth74.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.4Risk19.2WaterComing Soon
🏛30.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare DeKalb County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

DuPage County
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52.6
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Winnebago County
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Median income: $64,363
Cameron County
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52.6
Median income: $51,334
Monroe County
New York
52.5
Median income: $74,409
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
52.4
Median income: $124,553

Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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