countyscore
66.7
County Score
Schools 89Water Quality 86Safety 82.9

County Report Card

About Edwards County, Illinois

Exceptional National Ranking

Edwards County earns a high composite score of 66.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier county for overall quality of life.

A Leader in Illinois

With a 66.7 score, Edwards County significantly outpaces the Illinois average of 52.8. It is one of the highest-scoring rural counties in the state.

Top Schools and Utilities

The county shines with a School score of 89.0 and a Water score of 86.0. Combined with a Cost score of 75.1, it offers high-quality infrastructure at a bargain.

Income and Property Taxes

The Income score of 37.1 is modest, and the Tax score of 14.7 reflects the typical Illinois property tax burden. However, home values remain low at a median of $97,500.

The Verdict: Affordable High Quality

Edwards County is ideal for families seeking great schools and reliable utilities without the high costs of suburban living. It offers an elite quality of life for a rural budget.

Score breakdown

Tax14.7Cost75.1Safety82.9Health69.6Schools89Income37.1Risk73.9Water86Weather56.5
🏛14.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓89
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.1
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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Deep Dives

Edwards County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Edwards County

via TaxByCounty

Edwards offers exceptional tax affordability

Edwards County's effective tax rate of 1.466% ranks among the nation's absolute lowest, and its median property tax of $1,429 represents just 53% of the national median of $2,690. With homes valued at only $97,500—one-third the national average—Edwards County represents some of America's most affordable property tax territory.

Illinois' lowest effective tax rate

Edwards County claims Illinois' lowest effective tax rate at 1.466%, significantly below the state average of 1.831%, and its median tax bill of $1,429 trails the state average by more than half. This positions Edwards as the state's single most affordable county for property taxes, ideal for those prioritizing low tax burden.

Edwards edges out all regional competitors

At 1.466%, Edwards County's rate undercuts even Edgar County's 1.544%, claiming the region's lowest effective rate by a meaningful margin. Combined with median home values of $97,500, Edwards delivers the absolute lowest tax burden in central Illinois, making it uniquely affordable even among this budget-friendly cluster.

Pay just $1,429 in annual property taxes

Edwards County homeowners pay approximately $1,429 per year on a median home valued at $97,500—just $119 monthly. Mortgage holders see higher bills at $1,780 annually, while mortgage-free owners pay $1,286, suggesting some variation in assessment patterns despite Edwards' overall status as exceptionally low-tax.

Verify your assessment regardless

Even in Illinois' lowest-tax county, property owners should confirm their assessment aligns with current market values and recent comparable sales. Formal appeals remain accessible to all Edwards County residents and could yield additional savings, however modest, on an already-minimal tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edwards County

via CostByCounty

Edwards renters navigate modest affordability challenges

Edwards County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio reflects some housing cost pressure relative to national benchmarks, with renters spending $746 monthly from a $59,386 median household income—20% below the U.S. median. The combination of lower income and elevated cost burden creates modest but real financial stress.

Edwards slightly exceeds state affordability

Edwards's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio modestly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, and the $746 median rent sits slightly below the state mean of $837. The county occupies an affordability middle ground within Illinois's housing landscape.

Lowest absolute rent in the region

Edwards's $746 rent represents the region's cheapest option, just below Crawford ($761), Cumberland ($756), and Edgar County ($757). The minimal savings versus peers reflect Edwards's status as the lowest-income county in this group, limiting residents' financial flexibility despite modest costs.

Both housing types demand budget discipline

Edwards renters spend $746 monthly on housing (15.1% of income), while homeowners pay $670 on properties valued at $97,500—making ownership slightly more favorable financially. Despite modest absolute costs, both options consume substantial portions of the $59,386 median income.

Edwards suits those prioritizing lowest costs

Edwards County offers the region's cheapest absolute housing prices, making it attractive to budget-conscious relocators accepting modest incomes. Compare carefully to slightly higher-income alternatives like Cumberland or Crawford to determine if Edwards's cost advantage justifies potential economic trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edwards County

via IncomeByCounty

Edwards Among America's Lowest-Income

Edwards County's median household income of $59,386 lags the national median of $74,755 by $15,369, a 20.6% shortfall placing it in the nation's lowest-income quartile. This gap reflects limited economic opportunities and an aging, agriculture-dependent population.

Trailing State Average by $9,194

Edwards's median of $59,386 falls $9,194, or 13.4%, below Illinois's state average of $68,580—one of the largest deficits here. Per capita income of $31,314 significantly trails the state average of $36,009, indicating both household and individual economic stress.

Lowest-Income County in Group

Edwards's $59,386 is the absolute lowest in this eight-county analysis, trailing Edgar County ($56,909) only by $2,477. The gap to the next-lowest De Witt reaches $5,416, cementing Edwards's position as the region's most economically challenged county.

Critical Housing Affordability Issues

Edwards's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% reflects tight housing budgets despite the lowest median home values ($97,500) in the cluster. For households near the county median, housing costs consume an uncomfortably large share of already-stretched incomes.

Seek External Resources and Opportunity

Edwards residents need targeted support: accessing community development grants, small business microloans, and regional job training programs can lift income trajectories. Working with nonprofits specializing in rural economic development and financial counseling offers the most realistic path to building household wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Edwards County

via CrimeByCounty

National Safety Standing of Edwards County

Edwards County earns a high safety score of 99.4, making it far safer than the average American county. Its total crime rate of 404.4 per 100,000 is much lower than the U.S. national rate of 2,385.5. Four local agencies contribute to this positive safety profile.

Edwards County Compared to Illinois

The county's crime rate of 404.4 is roughly half the Illinois state average of 835.0. Edwards also outperforms the state’s average safety score of 98.7. Residents here enjoy a significantly higher level of security than many of their fellow Illinoisans.

Safety Trends in the Region

Edwards County is much safer than Crawford County, where the crime rate is 1,067.9 per 100,000. It also sees less crime than neighboring Effingham County, which reports a rate of 1,482.9. This makes Edwards one of the more secure options in its corner of the state.

Inside the Edwards Crime Stats

Violent crime is very rare, occurring at a rate of just 32.4 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for almost all local activity at a rate of 372.0 per 100,000. The statistical likelihood of experiencing a violent incident is extremely low here.

Securing Your Edwards County Home

Since property crime is the main concern, focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles which are common targets for theft. Installing a basic home security system can provide an extra layer of protection for your household. Small precautions help keep this community's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Edwards County

via HealthByCounty

Edwards matches national life expectancy

Edwards County residents live to 76.1 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 16.9% reporting poor or fair health, Edwards's population health aligns with national norms, though room for improvement exists.

Slight edge over Illinois average

Edwards County's 76.1-year life expectancy narrowly exceeds Illinois's state average of 76.0 years, placing it slightly above the state median. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate is also near state norms.

Middle-of-the-pack performer

Edwards County's 76.1-year life expectancy ranks it in the middle of the regional group, outperforming Edgar (74.0) and De Witt (75.1) but trailing Cumberland (77.1) and DuPage (81.3). The 16.9% poor/fair health rate places it near regional averages.

Limited primary care visibility

Edwards County's 6.3% uninsured rate exactly matches the Illinois state average, meaning roughly 1 in 16 residents lack coverage. Primary care provider data is not available for Edwards, but the county offers 50 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, below regional averages.

Don't become the uninsured 6%

In Edwards County, 6.3% of residents navigate healthcare without insurance—a precarious situation that can lead to debt and delayed care. Visit healthcare.gov to check if you qualify for subsidized plans and ensure your family is protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Edwards County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified School Experience

Edwards County operates a streamlined system of just three schools managed by a single county-wide district. This compact infrastructure serves 835 total students from primary through high school.

Exceptional Outcomes and Focused Investment

The county boasts a 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and 10 points above the national average. Per-pupil spending of $9,354 is also above the state average, contributing to a strong school score of 62.3.

The Edwards County CUSD 1 Model

Edwards County CUSD 1 manages every public student in the county, ensuring consistent standards across all three campuses. No charter schools exist here, as the community remains focused on its unified district model.

Deeply Rural and Collaborative

All schools in the county are rural, creating a cohesive community atmosphere for every student. Albion Grade School is the largest facility with 409 students, while West Salem Grade School offers an even smaller setting with 164 students.

Secure Your Place in a Top-Tier District

With a near-perfect graduation rate, Edwards County is a standout choice for families prioritizing academic results. Consider homes in Albion or West Salem to join this high-achieving, unified school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edwards County

via RiskByCounty

Edwards ranks safest among eight counties

Edwards County's 26.14 composite risk score achieves "Very Low" status and sits far below the national average for natural disasters. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from the multi-hazard exposure facing most American households.

Illinois's second-safest county

Edwards's 26.14 score ranks it among the two lowest-risk counties in Illinois, substantially below the 54.46 state average. Only Cumberland County (25.86) matches Edwards's minimal natural disaster exposure across the entire state.

Virtually tied with Cumberland for safest

Edwards (26.14) and Cumberland (25.86) represent the two safest counties in south-central Illinois, separated by less than half a point. Crawford (37.02) and De Witt (29.26) follow at a noticeable distance, making Edwards and Cumberland a uniquely protected pair.

Tornado risk slightly elevated

Tornadoes represent Edwards's primary concern at 30.03, followed by earthquakes (83.68) and hurricanes (22.95) as secondary considerations. Flooding at 21.50 and wildfire at just 0.76 round out an exceptionally favorable hazard profile for residents.

Basic coverage provides strong protection

Standard homeowners insurance paired with basic tornado awareness covers Edwards County's primary natural disaster exposure quite thoroughly. The county's remarkably low overall risk means households can focus on general preparedness rather than specialized coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Edwards County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Much Wetter than Average

Edwards County averages 56.4°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. It receives a significant 50.0 inches of precipitation, making it one of the wettest spots in the region.

One of the State's Warmest Spots

The county's 56.4°F average temperature far exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It also receives about 8 more inches of precipitation than the state norm of 41.7 inches.

Southern Illinois Heat and Moisture

Edwards County aligns with the southern Illinois climate, which is notably warmer and wetter than the central plains. It sees less than half the snow of northern counties like DuPage.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Summer is grueling with 45 days of extreme heat over 90°F and an average temperature of 76.8°F. Winter is mild by Illinois standards, with only 11.8 inches of annual snow.

Prioritize Cooling and Flood Safety

High-performance air conditioning is vital for the 45 days of extreme heat. Residents must also prepare for heavy rain, as 50.0 inches of annual precipitation can lead to local flooding.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Edwards County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly acidic southern soils

At 6.13, the soil pH in Edwards is more acidic than the state average of 6.39 and the national median. Some gardeners may choose to add lime to neutralize the soil for specific vegetables.

High silt content for easy tilling

Silt dominates the landscape at 68.0%, the highest among its neighbors, paired with 20.6% clay. This silty texture makes the ground easy to till but requires protection to prevent surface erosion.

Impressive water storage capacity

The available water capacity of 0.211 in/in is higher than the Illinois average, keeping plants hydrated during dry spells. However, organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.86%.

Steady water movement through silt

Official drainage records are currently limited for this area. Based on the high silt and low sand percentages, expect water to move at a moderate pace through the soil profile.

Long growing season in Zone 6b

Edwards County offers a warm climate perfect for long-season crops like sweet potatoes. Even with a soil score of 65.6, the excellent water capacity makes this a resilient garden spot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Edwards County

via LawnByCounty

Edwards County's Lawn Challenge

With a difficulty score of 52.1, Edwards County is one of the toughest places in Illinois to maintain a lawn. While still easier than the national median, it is significantly more demanding than the state average of 69.8.

High Heat and Heavy Rain

Lawns here must endure 45 extreme heat days annually—nearly double the state average—and 50 inches of precipitation. This combination of intense heat and moisture can create high humidity and disease pressure for cool-season grasses.

Slightly Acidic Soil Baseline

The soil pH of 6.13 is on the lower end of the ideal range, meaning some lawns may eventually benefit from a lime application. The soil consists of 20.6% clay and 11.4% sand, making it relatively heavy and prone to holding onto moisture.

Monitoring Drought Pockets

While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, only 14.6% is in severe drought currently. Having spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, local lawns require deep-root watering to withstand the high 78.4°F July average temperatures.

Heat-Tolerant Turf Required

In Hardiness Zone 6b, heat-tolerant species like Turf-Type Tall Fescue or Zoysia are your best bets. Take advantage of the long growing season by seeding after the early April 7 frost but before late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edwards County's county score?
Edwards County, Illinois has a composite county score of 66.7 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 Edwards County rank among counties in Illinois?
Edwards County ranks #8 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 Edwards County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Edwards County is $1,429, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Edwards County a tax score of 14.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edwards County?
The median household income in Edwards County, Illinois is $59,386 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edwards County earns an income score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edwards County, Illinois a good place to live?
Edwards County scores 66.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Edwards 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 Edwards 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.