countyscore
54
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.6Health 92.5Schools 89.3

County Report Card

About DuPage County, Illinois

High Performance with High Costs

DuPage County scores a 54.0, which is higher than the national median of 50.0. It is a hub of high performance that comes with a significant price tag.

Surpassing the Illinois Average

With a score of 54.0, DuPage sits above the Illinois average of 52.8. It remains one of the state's most prominent economic engines.

Wealth, Health, and Education

The county boasts an elite Income score of 97.6, a Health score of 92.5, and a School score of 89.3. Median household incomes exceed $110,000, supporting a high standard of living.

Extreme Costs and High Risk

Affordability is nearly nonexistent with a Cost score of 4.1 and median home values of $374,100. Environmental Risk is also a concern, with a score of just 2.4.

The Verdict: For High Earners

DuPage is perfect for wealthy professionals who want the best schools and healthcare and can afford the high cost of entry. It trades affordability for premium services.

Score breakdown

Tax2.4Cost4.1Safety84.4Health92.5Schools89.3Income97.6Risk2.4Water71.3Weather51
🏛2.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓89.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.2
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

Cook County
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Kane County
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Will County
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Kendall County
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Deep Dives

DuPage County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in DuPage County

via TaxByCounty

DuPage's taxes track near national median

DuPage County's effective tax rate of 2.094% exceeds the national median rate, and its median property tax of $7,833 nearly triples the national median of $2,690. However, DuPage homes are worth substantially more—averaging $374,100 versus the national $281,900—making the higher absolute taxes reflective of greater property values rather than punitive rates.

Among Illinois' highest tax burden areas

DuPage County's 2.094% effective rate ranks well above Illinois' state average of 1.831%, placing it among the state's priciest counties. The median tax bill of $7,833 reflects a prosperous suburban county where strong property values and substantial municipal services drive higher overall tax obligations.

DuPage's wealth drives higher taxes

At 2.094%, DuPage County's rate exceeds most regional peers, though it trails DeKalb's exceptional 2.539%, while home values of $374,100 are the region's highest. DuPage represents affluent suburban development where higher property valuations naturally correlate with higher absolute tax bills and moderate-to-high effective rates.

Expect $7,833 annually in property taxes

DuPage County homeowners pay approximately $7,833 per year on a median home valued at $374,100—roughly $653 monthly. Mortgage holders see similar bills at $8,008 annually, while owners without mortgages pay $7,489, indicating relatively consistent assessment practices across this wealthy suburban county.

Even modest appeals yield substantial savings

With median tax bills exceeding $7,800, DuPage County homeowners have compelling financial reason to challenge assessments, as even 5-10% reductions translate to hundreds in annual savings. Professional assessment review services and formal tax appeals represent smart investments for DuPage property owners seeking to optimize their tax position.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DuPage County

via CostByCounty

DuPage's housing costs reflect affluent demand

DuPage County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national comfort levels, yet the county's exceptional $110,502 median household income—48% above the U.S. median—enables residents to absorb $1,628 monthly rent and maintain affluent lifestyles. This is high-cost housing for high-income households.

DuPage is Illinois's most expensive market

DuPage's $1,628 median rent dwarfs Illinois's $837 state average by nearly 95%, and the 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.7%. The county's wealth cushions affordability stress, but costs remain objectively steep even by Illinois standards.

Dramatically exceeds all peer counties

DuPage's $1,628 rent is more than double the $761-857 range across Crawford, Cumberland, and De Witt counties, reflecting suburban Chicago proximity and premium positioning. Even DeKalb, the region's other affordability outlier, rents at just $1,041—$587 below DuPage's median.

Highest-cost housing across all income tiers

DuPage renters spend $1,628 monthly while homeowners invest $1,901 on properties averaging $374,100—both the highest in this county group. The $110,502 median income justifies these costs relative to other residents, but absolute expenditures remain substantial.

DuPage suits affluent metro commuters

DuPage's cost structure targets high-income professionals seeking suburban Chicago access and excellent schools, not budget-conscious relocators. Those priced out of DuPage should compare to nearby DeKalb ($1,041) or rural alternatives like Crawford ($761) to understand available savings options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DuPage County

via IncomeByCounty

DuPage Ranks Among Nation's Wealthiest

DuPage County's median household income of $110,502 is 47.7% above the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the nation's upper-income tier. This $35,747 advantage reflects DuPage's status as a premier suburban destination with concentrated corporate headquarters and professional employment.

Illinois's Richest County by Far

DuPage's median of $110,502 towers over Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $41,922, or 61.1% higher—the largest premium in this county cohort. Its per capita income of $57,051 nearly doubles the state average of $36,009, indicating extraordinary wealth concentration and professional employment.

Dramatically Wealthier Than Peers

DuPage's $110,502 income is 1.6 times higher than the next-richest county in this analysis (Douglas at $74,186), reflecting its status as a separate economic universe. The median home value of $374,100 is more than three times the rural county average, yet remains accessible to this high-income population.

High Housing Costs, Higher Income

DuPage's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% appears elevated, but reflects affluent residents choosing premium housing; as a share of income, it remains manageable. The $374,100 median home value serves as a wealth-building asset for households earning over $110K annually.

Sophisticated Wealth Management Opportunity

DuPage households earning top-tier incomes should prioritize tax-efficient investment strategies, estate planning, and diversification beyond real estate. Working with wealth advisors on retirement optimization, 529 education plans, and alternative investments compounds DuPage's already significant income advantage into multi-generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in DuPage County

via CrimeByCounty

DuPage County's National Safety Profile

DuPage County boasts a safety score of 99.4, indicating a high level of security relative to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 363.2 per 100,000 residents is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. A massive network of 31 reporting agencies ensures comprehensive data tracking.

An Illinois Benchmark for Safety

The county's crime rate of 363.2 is significantly lower than the Illinois average of 835.0. Despite its high population density, DuPage maintains a safety score above the state average of 98.7. This makes it one of the safest large counties in the Midwest.

DuPage vs. Surrounding Areas

DuPage is markedly safer than neighboring DeKalb County, which has a crime rate of 1,835.4. It also maintains lower crime figures than many other suburban areas surrounding Chicago. Efficient policing across its many municipalities keeps the crime rate exceptionally low.

The Crime Numbers in DuPage

Violent crime in DuPage is minimal at just 41.8 per 100,000 residents, nearly four times lower than the state average. Property crime sits at 321.4, which still represents the bulk of local law enforcement activity. The overall risk of encountering crime remains very low for residents.

Keeping Your DuPage Home Safe

Since property crime is the most likely issue, smart home technology is a popular and effective deterrent in DuPage. Ensuring your home is part of a local surveillance network can provide extra peace of mind. Consistent security habits help maintain this county's excellent safety reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in DuPage County

via HealthByCounty

DuPage sets the national health standard

DuPage County residents live to 81.3 years—nearly five years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—making it one of America's healthiest counties. Only 13.2% report poor or fair health, the lowest among all featured counties, reflecting excellent population wellness.

Illinois's clear health leader

DuPage County's 81.3-year life expectancy dramatically exceeds Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by more than five years, ranking it at the very top of Illinois counties. The 13.2% poor/fair health rate underscores DuPage's position as the state's gold standard for population health.

Vastly outpaces the entire region

DuPage County's 81.3-year life expectancy towers over all nearby peers, with the next-closest being Douglas County at 77.6 years—nearly four years behind. This exceptional gap reflects DuPage's superior healthcare infrastructure, wealth, and health outcomes across the board.

Robust healthcare access throughout

DuPage County combines strong insurance access—with a 5.9% uninsured rate near the state average—with exceptional provider density: 135 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 446 mental health providers per 100,000, far exceeding regional averages. This robust infrastructure supports DuPage's outstanding health outcomes.

Maintain DuPage's health advantage

Even in DuPage County, 5.9% of residents lack insurance and risk catastrophic medical bills. Ensure continuous coverage by reviewing options annually at healthcare.gov and discussing preventive care with your provider to sustain the county's exceptional health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in DuPage County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Powerhouse of Public Education

DuPage County features a massive infrastructure of 275 public schools serving 138,672 students. With 47 districts, it is one of the most complex and well-resourced school systems in the state.

Leading the State in Achievement

The county's composite school score of 67.3 is far above the state average of 58.1, supported by a 94.3% graduation rate. Investment is high, with $12,349 spent per pupil, nearly reaching the national average of $13,000.

Massive Districts with High Capacity

SD U-46 is the largest district with a staggering 35,082 students across 58 schools. Indian Prairie CUSD 204 also serves over 25,000 students, highlighting the immense scale of this suburban system.

Premier Suburban School Environments

The vast majority of schools—251 in total—are located in suburban locales, with an average school size of 573 students. Large high schools like Waubonsie Valley and Metea Valley each enroll over 2,700 students, offering extensive extracurricular options.

A Top Destination for School Quality

DuPage County is a national leader in suburban education, making it a primary target for homebuyers focused on school rankings. Properties in Naperville or Elmhurst provide access to some of the highest-rated districts in Illinois.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in DuPage County

via RiskByCounty

DuPage faces elevated national disaster risk

At 97.65, DuPage County's composite risk score ranks it as "Relatively High" and places it well above the national average. This score reflects severe exposure to multiple hazard types, making DuPage one of America's more disaster-vulnerable counties.

Illinois's single riskiest county

DuPage's 97.65 score substantially exceeds Illinois's 54.46 state average and ranks it as the state's most hazard-prone county by a wide margin. No other Illinois county approaches DuPage's multi-hazard vulnerability profile.

Dramatically riskier than every nearby county

DuPage (97.65) faces roughly triple the risk of DeKalb (80.82), the second-riskiest in the region, and more than double Crawford, De Witt, Douglas, and Edgar combined. This extraordinary disparity underscores DuPage's unique vulnerability within northern Illinois.

Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes all severe

DuPage residents confront exceptional tornado risk at 99.33, catastrophic flood exposure at 98.00, and very high earthquake exposure at 93.23. This convergence of three major hazards creates a truly challenging natural disaster environment requiring comprehensive preparation.

Comprehensive insurance is essential now

Flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and premium wind/tornado protection are all critical investments for DuPage homeowners—not optional extras. Dedicated safe rooms, regularly updated emergency plans, and community warning system registration should be immediate priorities for every household.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in DuPage County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier than National Medians

DuPage County averages 50.3°F annually, making it cooler than the national median temperature. It receives 38.7 inches of precipitation and a significant 35.0 inches of snow.

Cooler Than the State Average

DuPage's 50.3°F annual average is lower than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This is characteristic of its location in the northern part of the state near Lake Michigan.

Consistent with the Chicago Suburbs

DuPage matches the snow-heavy profile of Cook and Will counties. Its 35 inches of annual snow is among the highest in the state, surpassing central Illinois by over a foot.

Cold Winters with Snowward Peaks

Winter temperatures average 27.1°F, fueling the heavy 35.0 inches of annual snowfall. July remains pleasant with an average of 74.1°F and 19 days of extreme heat.

Winterize for Heavy Snowfall

A heavy-duty snowblower is a must for the 35 inches of snow. Homeowners should also check attic insulation to manage the cold 24.1°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DuPage County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent acidity for northern Illinois

DuPage County features a 6.37 pH, staying right in line with the Illinois average of 6.39. This slightly acidic profile is very common and manageable for suburban landscaping and gardens.

High clay for sturdy ground

The soil contains 24.0% clay and 57.6% silt, making it one of the heavier mixes in the region. This 14.5% sand content adds just enough grit to help with structural stability and air pore space.

Exceptional organic matter levels

Organic matter is an incredible 6.21%, more than double the Illinois state average of 2.94%. This massive nutrient reservoir contributes to a very high soil score of 85.7.

High capacity for water storage

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the 0.208 water capacity shows the soil absorbs rainfall efficiently. The high organic content helps manage water even in densely developed areas.

Hardy plants thrive in Zone 5b

Zone 5b gardeners can grow a wide variety of perennials and cool-season vegetables. Your soil's elite organic levels mean your garden will be exceptionally fertile and productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DuPage County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Growing in DuPage

DuPage County is a top performer with a lawn difficulty score of 75.2, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Its Zone 5b climate provides the cooler temperatures that cool-season grasses thrive in.

Favorable Summer Conditions

With only 19 extreme heat days and 38.7 inches of rain, DuPage avoids the worst of the midwestern heat stress. The 3160 growing degree days provide an ample season for establishing thick, healthy turf.

Standard Clay Soil Mix

The soil pH of 6.37 is well-balanced for lawn growth and nutrient availability. A texture of 24.0% clay and 14.5% sand is common for the region, though it can become compacted in high-traffic suburban yards.

High Resilience to Dryness

DuPage is currently largely drought-free, with only 4.8% of the area marked as abnormally dry. Over the past year, the county only saw 25 weeks of drought, the lowest frequency among its regional neighbors.

Prime Planting Schedule

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are the standard for DuPage lawns. The best window for growth starts after the April 27 spring frost and extends until the first fall frost on October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DuPage County's county score?
DuPage County, Illinois has a composite county score of 54 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 DuPage County rank among counties in Illinois?
DuPage County ranks #51 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 DuPage County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in DuPage County is $7,833, with an effective tax rate of 2.09%. This earns DuPage County a tax score of 2.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DuPage County?
The median household income in DuPage County, Illinois is $110,502 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DuPage County earns an income score of 97.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is DuPage County, Illinois a good place to live?
DuPage County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate DuPage 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 DuPage 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.