countyscore
59.8
County Score
Safety 94.7Soil Quality 75.5Cost of Living 70.3

County Report Card

About Edgar County, Illinois

Strong National Livability Profile

Edgar County's 59.8 composite score is nearly ten points higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a superior balance of lifestyle factors.

Better Than the State Average

The county outperforms the Illinois average of 52.8 by a wide margin. It represents one of the state's more affordable and secure options.

Safety and Housing Value

A Safety score of 94.7 is among the best in the region, paired with a Cost score of 70.3. Median home values are very accessible at $95,700.

Income and Water Limitations

Lower Income (30.1) and Water (32.0) scores are the primary areas for improvement. A lower median household income of $56,909 can limit local economic growth.

The Verdict: Safe and Affordable

This county is an excellent match for retirees or remote workers who value extreme safety and low housing costs. It provides a peaceful lifestyle at a very low price.

Score breakdown

Tax11Cost70.3Safety94.7Health57.6Schools65.5Income30.1Risk65.1Water32Weather54.4
🏛11
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.2
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

Vermillion County
Indiana
60.4
Vigo County
Indiana
32.2
Clark County
Illinois
55.5
Parke County
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Douglas County
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Coles County
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Vermilion County
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Fountain County
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Deep Dives

Edgar County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Edgar County

via TaxByCounty

Edgar among the nation's most affordable

Edgar County's effective tax rate of 1.544% ranks in the nation's lowest tier, and its median property tax of just $1,478 represents one-half the national median of $2,690. With homes averaging $95,700—less than one-third the national median—Edgar County offers exceptional affordability for rural Illinois property owners.

Illinois' most affordable county for taxes

Edgar County's 1.544% effective rate ranks among Illinois' lowest and falls below the state average of 1.831%, making it one of the state's best values. The median tax bill of just $1,478 represents roughly 53% of the state average, positioning Edgar as exceptionally affordable for Illinois residents.

Edgar claims the region's lowest rate

At 1.544%, Edgar County edges out Crawford County's 1.556% for the lowest effective rate in central Illinois, while home values of $95,700 are the region's most modest. This combination makes Edgar the undisputed most affordable county in its cluster, ideal for budget-conscious rural property owners.

Budget just $1,478 for annual taxes

Edgar County homeowners pay approximately $1,478 yearly on a median home valued at $95,700—just $123 monthly. Mortgage holders see marginally higher bills at $1,562 annually, while mortgage-free owners pay $1,383, reflecting Edgar's remarkably consistent and low tax assessment structure.

Even modest appeals could help

While Edgar County's taxes are already among Illinois' lowest, property owners should still verify assessments reflect current market conditions. With relatively modest tax bills, the appeal process may offer less dramatic savings than wealthier counties, but verification remains worthwhile for rural property owners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edgar County

via CostByCounty

Edgar renters face significant affordability stress

Edgar County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio signals housing affordability challenges, with renters dedicating excessive income shares to shelter from a $56,909 median household income—24% below the national median. At $757 monthly, rent consumes disproportionate resources in this lower-income economy.

Edgar struggles against state benchmarks

Edgar's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, and the county's $56,909 median income ranks among the state's lowest. While the $757 rent sits modestly below the state average of $837, the combination of low income and high cost burden creates genuine affordability strain.

Lowest income, higher cost burden

Edgar's $757 rent matches Crawford ($761) and Cumberland ($756) on nominal costs, but the county's substantially lower median income of $56,909 means renters allocate larger income shares to housing. This creates tighter household budgets despite similar absolute rent levels.

Housing consumes excessive income shares

Edgar renters spend $757 monthly—16.0% of a $56,909 income—leaving limited funds for food, transportation, and savings. Homeowners pay $715 monthly on properties valued at $95,700, making ownership slightly more achievable than renting in this low-income county.

Edgar demands careful financial planning

Edgar County offers the region's cheapest absolute housing costs, but the combination of low income and high cost burden means residents must budget carefully. Those relocating here should ensure income exceeds county medians to avoid the affordability squeeze facing typical Edgar households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edgar County

via IncomeByCounty

Edgar Ranks in Nation's Bottom Quartile

Edgar County's median household income of $56,909 falls $17,846 below the national median of $74,755, a 23.9% deficit placing it among the nation's lowest-income counties. This gap reflects Edgar's rural agricultural base and limited employment diversification.

Significantly Below Illinois Average

Edgar's median of $56,909 trails Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $11,671, or 17%, one of the largest state deficits in this analysis. The county's per capita income of $33,566 also lags state average by $2,443, indicating both lower household and individual earnings.

Second-Lowest in Rural Cluster

Edgar's $56,909 ranks only above Edwards County ($59,386), reflecting the economic challenges of south-central Illinois agriculture. The $8,677 gap to De Witt represents a cumulative disadvantage for Edgar residents seeking regional economic opportunity.

Housing Strain Signals Hardship

Edgar's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% approaches critical affordability thresholds, meaning housing costs consume a larger-than-comfortable share of already-modest incomes. The median home value of $95,700, while lowest in the cluster, still represents a challenging burden for households averaging under $57K.

Focus on Income Growth Strategies

Edgar residents face significant wealth-building headwinds and should prioritize strategies that increase earnings: vocational training, community college credentials, and job transitions to higher-wage sectors. Organizations offering free financial literacy, matched savings programs, and employer benefits counseling can help offset income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Edgar County

via CrimeByCounty

Edgar County: A National Safety Leader

Edgar County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, based on 2022 data. Its total crime rate of 5.9 per 100,000 residents is virtually non-existent compared to the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects an incredibly tranquil environment for its citizens.

Ranking at the Top of Illinois

Edgar County’s crime rate of 5.9 is the lowest among the counties analyzed, far below the Illinois average of 835.0. It exceeds the state safety average of 98.7 by a significant margin. Data provided by four reporting agencies highlights a community with very little criminal activity.

Edgar County vs. Its Neighbors

Compared to nearby Douglas County (456.5) and Crawford County (1,067.9), Edgar County is an outlier for safety. Its crime rate is a tiny fraction of what is seen in the surrounding region. It currently stands as one of the most peaceful jurisdictions in the state.

Zero Violent Crime Reported

In 2022, Edgar County reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. The property crime rate was also incredibly low at 5.9, meaning almost no incidents were officially logged. These numbers suggest a community where crime is an extreme rarity.

Vigilance in a Quiet County

While crime numbers are near zero, maintaining basic home security is always a wise investment. Simple habits like locking windows and installing porch lights can prevent the occasional opportunistic theft. Staying connected with neighbors remains the county's best security asset.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Edgar County

via HealthByCounty

Edgar's life expectancy significantly trails nation

Edgar County residents live to just 74.0 years, falling nearly 2.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The 18.5% poor/fair health rate underscores serious population health challenges that demand targeted intervention.

Illinois's shortest-lived county

Edgar County's 74.0-year life expectancy ranks as the lowest among all featured Illinois counties and lags the state average of 76.0 years by two full years. This gap signals significant underlying health disparities in Edgar.

Health crisis in rural Illinois

Edgar County's 74.0-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than all nearby counties, trailing even De Witt (75.1) by more than a year and DuPage (81.3) by over seven years. The 18.5% poor/fair health rate places Edgar in the worst tier regionally.

Severe primary care shortage

Edgar County's 6.2% uninsured rate is near the state average, but this masks a critical access crisis: the county has only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest in the region. While mental health support is available at 269 providers per 100,000, the scarcity of primary care directly threatens preventive health and chronic disease management.

Coverage is just the start

Edgar County's health crisis requires insurance plus action—6.2% of residents lack coverage, and those with it face severe provider shortages. Secure coverage at healthcare.gov and advocate for expanded rural healthcare access in your community to address Edgar's health emergency.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Edgar County

via SchoolsByCounty

Edgar County's Community-Based Schools

Eighteen public schools provide education to 2,700 students across Edgar County. Seven different school districts manage a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the region.

Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Funding

Edgar County maintains a 92.2% graduation rate, significantly beating the national 87% average. This success occurs despite per-pupil spending of $7,843, which is about $1,400 less than the Illinois state average.

Paris-Union SD 95 at the Center

Paris-Union SD 95 is the county's primary district, enrolling 1,229 students across five schools. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings, as there are no charter schools in operation.

Small, Personalized Rural Classrooms

With an average school size of only 180 students, Edgar County offers an incredibly intimate learning environment. Schools are spread across 11 rural and 7 town locations, with Paris Cooperative High School being the largest at 367 students.

Find Home in a Tight-Knit District

Families who value small class sizes and high graduation rates will find Edgar County appealing. Focus your home search in Paris to be near the county's largest and most central school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edgar County

via RiskByCounty

Edgar well below national disaster average

Edgar County's composite risk score of 34.92 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it substantially below the national average for natural disaster exposure. Residents enjoy significantly better odds than typical Americans across multiple hazard categories.

Among Illinois's safer counties

Edgar's 34.92 score falls well below Illinois's 54.46 state average, ranking it in the lower third of the state's counties. The county demonstrates consistent resilience against multiple natural hazard types compared to state norms.

Comparable to southern Illinois cluster

Edgar (34.92) ranks slightly riskier than Crawford (37.02) but safer than most of Illinois, sitting near Cumberland (25.86) and De Witt (29.26). This grouping of counties reflects the low-risk characteristics of south-central Illinois.

Tornado and hurricane exposure notable

Tornadoes present Edgar's highest risk at 48.09, followed by surprisingly elevated hurricane exposure at 42.59 for a central Illinois county. Earthquakes (82.63) rank high numerically but remain below state averages in practical impact.

Tornado insurance and planning key

Standard homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind coverage protects against Edgar's primary tornado threat, supplemented by a household severe weather plan. Given the county's very low overall risk, basic preparedness provides excellent protection for residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Edgar County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Climate with Consistent Rain

Edgar County maintains an average temperature of 51.4°F and receives 42.7 inches of precipitation. This creates a standard temperate climate profile common in the American Midwest.

Typical Temperatures and High Rainfall

The average temperature of 51.4°F is slightly cooler than the state average of 52.8°F. However, its 42.7 inches of rain makes it wetter than the typical Illinois county.

The Eastern Illinois Border Climate

Edgar County shares weather patterns with its Indiana neighbors to the east. It experiences more rainfall than western Illinois counties, supporting its robust agriculture.

Steady Warmth and Moderate Snow

The county sees 19 days of extreme heat over 90°F during the 72.5°F average summer. Winter brings 19.1 inches of snow, providing a consistent but manageable seasonal cover.

Balanced Prep for Rain and Heat

With 42.7 inches of annual precipitation, effective drainage is a priority for property owners. HVAC systems should be ready for the 19 days of heat and the 25.3°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Edgar County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced chemistry for the heartland

Edgar's average pH of 6.43 is slightly more alkaline than the state average but aligns well with national norms. This neutral range makes it easy for plant roots to absorb vital micronutrients.

Classic silty loam composition

The soil contains 62.2% silt and 15.3% sand, providing a smooth texture with moderate workability. The 22.5% clay component helps the ground maintain its structure and prevents leaching.

Steady hydration and reliable health

The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark. While organic matter at 2.58% is below the state average, it remains healthy and supportive of plant growth.

Moderate drainage for regional crops

Hydrologic records are not specifically identified here, but high silt content usually offers moderate drainage. This soil type is well-suited for the corn and soybeans that define the landscape.

Strong potential in Zone 6a

A soil score of 75.5 exceeds the state average, making Edgar County a great place to plant. Zone 6a temperatures support a long and reliable growing season for most vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Edgar County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Lawn Care in Edgar

Edgar County earns a lawn difficulty score of 70.2, placing it slightly above the state average for ease of maintenance. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6a, the county offers a reliable environment for standard Illinois turf.

Ideal Moisture Levels

The county receives 42.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the state average and near the middle of the ideal range. With only 19 extreme heat days, turf is less likely to go dormant during the summer months compared to southern counties.

Healthy Growing Foundation

With a soil pH of 6.43, Edgar County provides a near-perfect environment for nutrient uptake. The soil contains 22.5% clay and 15.3% sand, a combination that balances moisture retention with essential drainage.

Significant Drought Impact

Edgar County has faced 41 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently under severe drought. Careful water management and avoiding chemical treatments during heat waves are vital for survival.

Seeding for Success

Zone 6a supports a variety of grasses, but Tall Fescue is particularly durable during dry spells. Target your planting window between April 21 and October 20 to avoid frost damage to young seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edgar County's county score?
Edgar County, Illinois has a composite county score of 59.8 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 Edgar County rank among counties in Illinois?
Edgar County ranks #22 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 Edgar County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Edgar County is $1,478, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Edgar County a tax score of 11/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edgar County?
The median household income in Edgar County, Illinois is $56,909 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edgar County earns an income score of 30.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edgar County, Illinois a good place to live?
Edgar County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Edgar 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 Edgar 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.