countyscore
49.7
County Score
Health 85.9Income & Jobs 77.9Soil Quality 70.7

County Report Card

About Effingham County, Illinois

Effingham County Sits Near National Median

With a composite score of 49.7, Effingham County aligns closely with the national median of 50.0. It ranks right in the middle of the pack nationally, suggesting a balanced though average profile relative to the rest of the country.

Slightly Below the Illinois Average

Effingham County’s 49.7 score trails the Illinois state average of 52.8. While it remains competitive, it offers slightly lower overall livability metrics than many of its peer counties across the state.

Robust Health and High Incomes

The county excels in health with an impressive score of 85.9 and an income score of 77.9. A median household income of $75,380 supports a high standard of living compared to regional neighbors.

High Tax Burdens and Water Issues

Low scores in taxes (12.5) and water quality (19.6) present the biggest hurdles for residents. An effective tax rate of 1.509% creates a significant financial weight on local households.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

This county suits established professionals who value strong medical infrastructure and high earning potential. Those who can navigate the high property tax environment will find a prosperous, healthy community.

Score breakdown

Tax12.5Cost57.5Safety36Health85.9Schools55Income77.9Risk46.3Water19.6Weather55.6
🏛12.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.3
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

Effingham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Effingham County

via TaxByCounty

Effingham's tax rate beats the nation

At 1.509%, Effingham County's effective property tax rate falls below the national median of 1.562%, putting it in the 40th percentile—meaning 60% of U.S. counties tax property more heavily. Homeowners here pay $2,713 annually on the median home, compared to the national median of $2,690, largely because home values are lower nationally.

Middle of the pack statewide

Illinois averages a 1.831% effective rate and $2,782 median tax, making Effingham's 1.509% rate notably lower than the state average. This ranks Effingham in the lower half of Illinois counties, benefiting homeowners with a below-average tax burden.

Competitive with regional peers

Effingham's 1.509% rate sits between Franklin County (1.501%) and Fayette County (1.517%), making it one of the most affordable counties in south-central Illinois. Nearby Ford County (2.069%) and Fulton County (2.133%) charge significantly more, highlighting Effingham's advantage for property owners.

What your home costs to own

A typical Effingham County home valued at $179,800 generates an annual property tax of $2,713 for owners with a mortgage and $2,489 without one. Over ten years, that's roughly $27,130 in taxes—a modest burden compared to counties with higher rates.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Illinois homeowners pay more in property tax than necessary because their homes are assessed above fair market value. If your assessment feels high, filing an appeal with your county assessor's office costs nothing and could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Effingham County

via CostByCounty

Effingham hits sweet spot nationally

Renters in Effingham County spend just 11.7% of their income on housing—well below the national comfort threshold of 30% and outpacing the typical American household. The county's median income of $75,380 nearly matches the national median, while rents average $734 monthly, offering rare stability for both renters and buyers.

Top tier affordability in Illinois

Effingham's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Illinois's most affordable counties, significantly better than the state average of 14.7%. This advantage reflects both reasonable housing costs and solid local wages that outpace many rural Illinois communities.

Clear winner among central Illinois

Effingham's $734 monthly rent undercuts nearby Ford County ($836) and Fulton County ($808) by $100-plus, while its rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% beats neighboring Franklin County (17.3%) and Fayette County (15.6%). The county combines lower costs with stronger median incomes than most surrounding communities.

Income stretches further here

The typical Effingham household earns $75,380 annually, spending $734 monthly on rent (11.7% of income) or $947 on mortgage payments, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homebuyers find median values at $179,800—reasonable for the region and reflecting the county's economic stability.

Consider Effingham for balance

If you're weighing Illinois options, Effingham delivers rare combination: competitive wages, below-average housing costs, and genuine affordability without sacrificing community amenities. Compare it against Grundy County's higher costs or Franklin County's tighter budgets to see where your income stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Effingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Effingham edges ahead nationally

Effingham County's median household income of $75,380 sits just above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle tier across the country. This puts the county among approximately the 55th percentile of U.S. counties, a solid position for a rural Illinois community.

Strong performer in Illinois

At $75,380, Effingham County ranks in the top third of Illinois counties for household income, beating the state average of $68,580 by nearly $7,000. The county's per capita income of $38,582 also exceeds Illinois' state average of $36,009, signaling broad-based earning strength.

Outpacing the surrounding region

Effingham County households earn $75,380 compared to neighboring Ford County ($60,782) and Greene County ($60,976), reflecting a 24% income advantage over peers. This premium suggests stronger local employment opportunities or higher-wage industries anchoring the county economy.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Effingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% is well below the national affordability threshold, meaning housing remains accessible on local incomes. A median home value of $179,800 paired with $75,380 household income indicates stable housing markets without severe affordability strain.

Build on Effingham's income foundation

With incomes above national and state averages, Effingham County households have meaningful capacity to invest in retirement accounts, education funds, or home equity. Consider maximizing employer 401(k) matches and opening a Roth IRA to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Effingham County

via CrimeByCounty

Effingham's Safety in the National Spotlight

Effingham County holds a safety score of 97.7, reflecting a stable and generally safe environment. Its total crime rate of 1,482.9 per 100,000 is higher than some neighbors but still well below the national average of 2,385.5. Four reporting agencies track these statistics for the community.

Effingham vs. the Illinois Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,482.9 is higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0. However, its violent crime rate of 170.5 is very close to the state average of 160.1. This indicates that Effingham experiences a more active crime environment than the typical Illinois county.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Effingham County has a higher crime rate than nearby Douglas (456.5) and Crawford (1,067.9). As a regional transit and commercial hub, it often sees more reported incidents than its more rural neighbors. Despite this, it remains a secure area by national standards.

A Closer Look at Effingham's Data

Property crime is the most frequent issue, with a rate of 1,312.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 170.5, representing about 11% of the total reported crime in the county. Residents are significantly more likely to encounter theft than physical confrontation.

Home Security Tips for Effingham

Given the property crime rate, residents should prioritize home security measures like alarm systems and reinforced locks. Keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles is another key way to prevent local thefts. Staying informed about neighborhood activity can help keep these numbers in check.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Effingham County

via HealthByCounty

Effingham outlives national average

Residents of Effingham County live to 77.4 years old, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 14.3% report poor or fair health, a sign of stronger-than-typical well-being in this central Illinois community.

Above-average health for Illinois

At 77.4 years, Effingham County's life expectancy exceeds Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 1.4 years. The county ranks among the healthier regions in the state, with insurance coverage stronger than average.

Outperforming nearby counties

Effingham's 77.4-year life expectancy leads its neighbors: Ford County (74.3), Fayette County (77.0), and Fulton County (74.9). With 78 primary care providers per 100K residents, Effingham offers better access than most surrounding areas.

Strong insurance, solid access

Just 4.8% of Effingham residents lack health insurance—below Illinois's 6.3% average—giving most people a path to regular care. The county supports 78 primary care providers and 259 mental health providers per 100K, resources that enable preventive and ongoing treatment.

Check your coverage options

Even with strong insurance rates, some Effingham residents remain uninsured. Visit Healthcare.gov or Illinois.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and local community health centers near you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Effingham County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Network of Five School Districts

Effingham County manages a robust infrastructure of 18 public schools serving 5,027 students across five distinct districts. The landscape includes seven elementary, three middle, and six high schools, plus two specialized campuses. This distribution provides a comprehensive educational framework for the county's growing student population.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceeding State Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 91.4% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Illinois average of 88.8% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $7,388 sits below the state average, the composite school score of 55.1 reflects a focused academic environment. This demonstrates a high level of efficiency in converting resources into student success.

Effingham CUSD 40 Leads Local Education

Effingham CUSD 40 stands as the regional leader, overseeing six schools and a student body of 2,314. Teutopolis CUSD 50 follows with 1,081 students across its three local campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public district structure.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

The educational experience is split between 10 town-based and 8 rural schools, with an average school size of 335 students. Learners range from large environments like Effingham High School, with 734 students, to more intimate primary settings. This mix allows families to choose between larger central hubs and smaller, community-focused rural campuses.

Invest in a Community Prioritizing Education

With graduation rates that lead the state, Effingham County is a prime destination for families seeking academic reliability. Exploring homes near top-rated campuses like Teutopolis Grade School offers the benefit of high-performing local districts. School quality remains a primary driver for property values and community stability here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Effingham County

via RiskByCounty

Effingham sits near U.S. risk average

With a composite risk score of 53.75, Effingham County ranks slightly below the national median for natural disaster risk. The county's "Relatively Low" rating means residents face manageable but not negligible hazards compared to the typical American county.

Nearly average for Illinois

Effingham's score of 53.75 tracks almost exactly with Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk profile. This means Effingham faces typical exposure to the natural hazards that define the Illinois landscape.

Safer than most regional peers

Effingham's 53.75 score outperforms Franklin County (80.95) and Grundy County (66.51) but trails Ford County's notably lower 26.21. The variation across central Illinois shows that county-by-county differences matter significantly—neighboring communities can face very different risk levels.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Effingham's earthquake risk (88.55) and tornado risk (63.58) are the county's primary concerns, with both notably elevated. Flood risk (49.17) poses a moderate secondary threat, while wildfire danger remains minimal at just 10.88.

Prioritize earthquake and wind coverage

Standard homeowners policies often exclude earthquake damage—a critical gap in Effingham County. Ensure your policy covers tornado/wind damage, and strongly consider a separate earthquake rider given the county's 88.55 earthquake risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Effingham County

via WeatherByCounty

Higher Precipitation than the National Median

Effingham County receives 43.8 inches of precipitation annually, which is high compared to the national average. While local temperature records are limited, the county is a key transition zone in the Midwest.

Wetter than the Illinois State Average

At 43.8 inches of rainfall, Effingham exceeds the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. It is consistently wetter than its neighbors to the north and west.

Climate Transition in Central Illinois

Effingham acts as a gateway where northern snow begins to taper off. Its 16.2 inches of annual snowfall is significantly lower than what is seen in the Chicago area.

Damp Seasons with Moderate Snow

The county manages 16.2 inches of snow across the winter months. With 43.8 inches of total precipitation, the year is characterized more by rainfall than by heavy winter accumulation.

Manage Moisture and Road Safety

Homeowners should focus on moisture control and sump pump reliability given the 43.8 inches of annual rain. Drivers should still prepare for winter, as 16.2 inches of snow can create slick conditions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Effingham County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam and Alfisols in Effingham

Effingham's Alfisols feature a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.25, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level also sits just below the Illinois state average of 6.39.

Smooth Texture for Better Workability

The soil consists of 66.9% silt and 18.9% clay, creating a smooth-textured profile with moderate workability. A 14.2% sand content ensures the mix remains manageable for most agricultural and landscaping uses.

High Water Capacity Boosts Growth

Organic matter reaches 2.19%, exceeding the national average but trailing the Illinois state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity of 0.212 in/in provides better moisture retention than the state benchmark of 0.204.

Reliable Drainage and Stable Soils

Classified as well drained and sitting in hydrologic group B, this soil moves water efficiently after heavy rain. These characteristics reduce the risk of root rot while supporting stable foundations for building projects.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, the soil supports a wide range of hardy perennials and productive vegetable gardens. Gardeners should view this fertile silt loam as an excellent foundation for cool-season crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Effingham County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Foundation in Effingham County

With a lawn difficulty score of 62.3, maintaining grass here is easier than the national median of 50.0 but remains slightly more challenging than the Illinois state average of 69.8. Residents in Hardiness Zone 6b enjoy a moderate climate that supports a variety of traditional turfgrasses.

Ample Rainfall for Thirsty Lawns

Effingham receives 43.8 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While specific heat and growing degree data are unavailable, this steady rainfall supports consistent growth throughout the season. You can generally rely on natural moisture to reduce your summer irrigation needs.

Silt Loam Provides Reliable Drainage

The local soil is a well-drained silt loam with a healthy pH of 6.25, falling right in the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. With 18.9% clay and 14.2% sand, the texture provides a stable balance of moisture retention and root aeration. Most lawns will thrive here without significant chemical pH adjustments.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dryness

Effingham has spent 31 weeks in drought over the past year, with 44.2% of the county currently facing severe conditions. Even though 100% of the area is abnormally dry, the well-drained soil helps plants recover quickly once water is applied. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during these dry spells to encourage deep root systems.

Planting for Success in Zone 6b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this climate and soil profile. Plan to seed or sod in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to cool but before the ground freezes. With a little care during dry spells, your Effingham lawn is well-positioned for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Effingham County's county score?
Effingham County, Illinois has a composite county score of 49.7 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 Effingham County rank among counties in Illinois?
Effingham County ranks #72 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 Effingham County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Effingham County is $2,713, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Effingham County a tax score of 12.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Effingham County?
The median household income in Effingham County, Illinois is $75,380 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Effingham County earns an income score of 77.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Effingham County, Illinois a good place to live?
Effingham County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Effingham 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 Effingham County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.