countyscore
53.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Soil Quality 75.3Lawn Care 71.3

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Illinois

A Respectable National Ranking

Fulton County’s composite score of 53.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that remains competitive with many of the top-performing counties in the country.

Beating the Illinois State Average

The county's score of 53.9 is higher than the Illinois average of 52.8. It provides a better overall experience than the typical Illinois county, particularly in terms of community security.

Top-Tier Safety and Affordability

Fulton County boasts a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a solid cost score of 58.5. Homes are very affordable, with a median value of $102,500.

Tax and Water Quality Hurdles

The tax score is an extremely low 2.2 due to a 2.133% effective tax rate. Residents also face a low water quality score of 19.5, which is among the lowest in the state.

Suited for Safe Rural Living

This county is ideal for people who want a safe and affordable rural lifestyle. While taxes are high, the trade-off is a community with exceptionally low crime rates.

204060801002.258.597.557.455.234.44119.550.6Tax2.2Cost58.5Safety97.5Health57.4Schools55.2Income34.4Risk41Water19.5Weather50.653.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Fulton County DNA

Foverall

How Fulton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fulton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.2-49.8
Cost
58.5+10.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
57.4
Schools
55.2
Income
34.4-16.6
Risk
41
Water
19.5-38.5
Weather
50.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Fulton County?

Many homeowners in Fulton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$102,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$808/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$102,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,617/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Mason County
Illinois
52.8
McDonough County
Illinois
56.3
Schuyler County
Illinois
58.3
Peoria County
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31
Tazewell County
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Cass County
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Knox County
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Menard County
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Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton County taxes well above average

Fulton County's 2.133% effective tax rate ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, far exceeding the U.S. median of 1.562%. Though the median home value is just $102,500, residents pay $2,186 annually—approaching the national median tax of $2,690 for homes worth nearly three times as much.

Among Illinois's highest-taxed counties

Illinois averages 1.831%, and Fulton County's 2.133% rate is among the state's highest, ranking well above the median. Residents pay $2,186 annually, significantly more than the state average of $2,782, despite owning much less valuable homes.

Second priciest in south-central Illinois

At 2.133%, Fulton County taxes property second-highest in this region, trailing only Grundy County (2.029%)—though Fulton's rate is actually higher. Franklin (1.501%), Gallatin (1.506%), Fayette (1.517%), Effingham (1.509%), and Ford (2.069%) all undercut Fulton, making it one of the least affordable counties nearby.

What your home costs to own

A median Fulton County home valued at $102,500 generates $2,186 in annual taxes—a high burden given the home's modest value. Mortgage holders pay $2,431 yearly; over 30 years, that's $72,930 in property taxes, straining family budgets in a county with lower home values.

Appeals make sense at these rates

In a high-tax county like Fulton, an assessment appeal is especially valuable—potentially saving hundreds each year. Request your county assessor's recent assessment and compare it to recent comparable sales; if yours is inflated, appealing is free and often successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Fulton balances modest costs and income

Renters in Fulton County spend 16.5% of their $58,617 median income on housing—above the national comfort zone but typical for rural Illinois. The $808 monthly rent and below-average wages combine to create affordability pressure moderate compared to peer counties.

Slightly below Illinois averages

Fulton County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability among state counties. The median rent of $808 nearly matches the state average of $837, though local incomes remain below state norms.

Middle ground among peers

Fulton County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio matches Ford County exactly and falls between Fayette (15.6%) and Franklin (17.3%), while its $808 rent sits between Effingham ($734) and Ford ($836). The county represents a middle-ground option regionally, neither particularly affordable nor especially expensive.

Incomes struggle with mid-range costs

Fulton households earn $58,617 annually, directing $808 monthly toward rent (16.5% of income) or $786 for mortgages, leaving modest household cushion. The median home value of $102,500 remains accessible but requires incomes that many local residents lack.

Fulton offers regional middle option

Fulton County makes sense if you value small-town character and need affordability but not extremes—it's less strained than Franklin or Ford, yet more challenging than Effingham. Compare with Gallatin for lower rents or Effingham for stronger wage growth before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton falls short of national income

Fulton County's median household income of $58,617 is $16,138 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the 28th percentile nationally. Like many rural Illinois counties, Fulton reflects the income challenges facing agricultural and declining manufacturing communities.

Below state average in Illinois

Fulton County's household income of $58,617 lags the Illinois state average of $68,580 by $9,963, ranking it in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $33,706 also trails the state average of $36,009.

Middle of the struggling pack

Fulton County households earn $58,617, placing them between Ford County ($60,782) and Fayette County ($57,113), with similar economic challenges to neighboring rural counties. Together, these communities form a cluster of below-average income counties across central and southern Illinois.

Housing remains relatively affordable

Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% is elevated but manageable, and median home values of $102,500 remain accessible on local incomes. However, lower-income households in the county may still face affordability pressures in rental markets.

Build savings incrementally over time

Fulton County households can start wealth-building by automating even small contributions—$50 or $100 monthly—into a dedicated savings or investment account. Employer retirement benefits, if available, offer powerful tax advantages that amplify long-term returns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County sets the safety bar

Fulton County earns a flawless 100.0 safety score, far outperforming the national average. Reported crime is virtually non-existent relative to the U.S. rate of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Topping the list of safe counties

Fulton ranks significantly safer than the Illinois average of 98.7. Seven reporting agencies contribute to a secure environment that is among the state's best.

Safest among its regional peers

Fulton County maintains lower reported crime than neighbors like Greene (124.8) and Ford (437.5). It is a statistical leader for safety in this part of Illinois.

A quiet landscape for local residents

With 0.0 property and violent crimes per 100K, the county is exceptionally safe. This contrasts sharply with the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Proactive steps for home security

Low reported crime is a great asset, but residents should still practice basic safety habits. Secure locks and outdoor lighting help maintain the county's peaceful status.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fulton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network of Twenty-Four Schools

Fulton County operates 24 public schools, providing education for 4,302 students across nine districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring nine elementary, six middle, and eight high schools. This decentralized system ensures that students in every corner of the county have local access to education.

Strong Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

The county achieves an 88.5% graduation rate, effectively matching the state average and beating the national mark of 87%. These results are accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,259, which is approximately $1,000 less than the state average. The composite school score of 55.5 indicates a stable academic environment.

Canton Union SD 66 Powers the Region

Canton Union SD 66 is the primary educational provider, serving 2,150 students across five dedicated campuses. Outside of Canton, several smaller districts manage the remaining 19 schools in more rural areas. No charter schools exist in Fulton County, as the community relies on its established public district framework.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

With 17 rural and 7 town schools, the county offers an intimate average school size of just 205 students. Major hubs include Ingersoll Middle and Canton High, which both serve over 640 students. This landscape allows for a highly personalized education, particularly in the smaller outlying elementary schools.

Discover Value Near Canton's Educational Hub

Fulton County's high graduation rates make it a sensible choice for families looking for proven academic results. Residential options near Canton provide the benefits of the county's largest district and its most comprehensive school facilities. Let school performance guide your search for the perfect Illinois home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton County moderately above U.S. average

Fulton County's composite risk score of 59.00 exceeds the national average, though its "Relatively Low" rating indicates manageable hazard exposure. The county faces somewhat elevated but not extreme natural disaster risk compared to typical American regions.

Slightly above Illinois state average

Fulton's 59.00 score exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper-middle range of Illinois's risk profile. The 4.5-point difference reflects Fulton's notably higher exposure to tornado and earthquake hazards.

More risky than most nearby counties

Fulton's 59.00 exceeds Fayette (48.76) and Ford (26.21) but trails Franklin County's elevated 80.95. Fulton residents face more natural disaster exposure than most of central Illinois, placing it among the region's more hazard-prone communities.

Tornadoes and earthquakes top the list

Fulton County's tornado risk (74.01) and earthquake risk (78.82) are its primary concerns, with both scores well above state average. Flood risk (57.63) poses a meaningful secondary threat, while hurricane and wildfire risks remain minor.

Earthquake insurance is essential

Fulton County's 78.82 earthquake risk score demands serious attention to earthquake insurance, which standard homeowners policies exclude entirely. Ensure your policy covers tornado and wind damage, and consider flood insurance if your property sits in a historically vulnerable area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Fulton County

via WaterByCounty

Fulton County Records High Violation Rate

Fulton County receives an F grade for drinking water, with 44 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 136.3 per 100,000 people is nearly triple the state average of 48.7.

Phosphorus and Solids Impair Fulton Waters

About 45% of the 631 assessed water bodies in Fulton County are impaired, exceeding the Illinois average of 38%. Major pollutants identified in the 2022 cycle include phosphorus and total suspended solids.

Extensive Testing Across 13 Monitoring Sites

Fulton County maintains a robust monitoring footprint with 3,574 measurements recorded at 13 different sites. The data provides a detailed look at nutrients and inorganic metals across the county’s watersheds.

Spoon River Flowing Below Typical Levels

The Spoon River at Seville currently shows a discharge of 693 cfs, which is 60% of its long-term typical mean. This moderate flow reduction impacts a large 1,636-square-mile drainage area throughout the county.

Urgent Need for Filtration and Oversight

With a high violation rate and nearly half of its watersheds impaired, residents are strongly encouraged to use certified water filters. Vigilance regarding suspended solids is especially important for those relying on surface water intakes.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fulton County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder Than the National Median

Fulton County's 49.3°F annual average temperature is several degrees below the national median. It experiences a rigorous continental climate with substantial seasonal variation.

Chilly Rank Among Illinois Counties

Averaging 49.3°F, Fulton is one of the cooler counties in Illinois, sitting well below the 52.8°F state average. Its northern-latitude weather patterns bring sharper winters.

Drier and Cooler Than Neighbors

The county receives 38.6 inches of rain annually, which is below the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. It is notably drier than counties to its south and east.

Cold Winters and Managed Heat

January temperatures average a cold 21.9°F, accompanied by 19.2 inches of annual snowfall. Extreme heat is less frequent here, with only 16 days reaching 90°F or more.

Focus on Winter Home Prep

Winterization is the priority here, as January lows require reliable heating systems and pipe protection. Outdoor recreation is best planned for the mild 71.3°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral pH for Optimal Growing

Fulton County boasts a pH of 6.55, which is almost perfectly neutral compared to the national median of 6.5. This is slightly more alkaline than the Illinois state average of 6.39.

Balanced Ratios for Easy Planting

The soil contains 61.2% silt and 23.0% clay, providing a stable structure for root development. A 15.8% sand portion helps keep the soil workable and prevents excessive compaction during agricultural activities.

Solid Organic and Water Metrics

Organic matter sits at 2.29%, which is higher than the national average but lower than the state's 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.207 in/in beats the Illinois state average of 0.204.

Steady Moisture Management

High-resolution drainage data is limited, but the balanced ratio of silt and clay suggests moderate moisture movement. The soil's water capacity indicates it can store plenty of hydration for crops during dry spells.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a allows for a wide variety of brassicas and root vegetables to thrive in Fulton County. With a near-neutral pH, most garden favorites will grow here without the need for heavy lime applications.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

Fulton County Offers Easy Growing

With a lawn difficulty score of 71.3, Fulton County is one of the more favorable places in Illinois for a lush yard. This score beats both the state average of 69.8 and the national average of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 6a climate provides a classic Midwestern environment for cool-season turf.

Mild Summers Help Grass Thrive

Fulton only sees 16 extreme heat days per year, much lower than the state average of 27. Annual precipitation of 38.6 inches is within the ideal range, and the 3,044 growing degree days provide a manageable pace for mowing. Your lawn will likely stay green longer into the summer here than in the hotter southern counties.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry

The soil pH in Fulton County is a healthy 6.55, which is virtually perfect for standard grass nutrition. It contains 23.0% clay and 15.8% sand, a combination that balances moisture storage with essential drainage. You likely won't need many soil amendments to see great results.

Total County Under Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of Fulton County is experiencing severe drought conditions, and the area has seen 34 drought weeks in the past year. This level of dryness is a significant challenge even for the best soils, making supplemental watering a necessity. Watch for signs of wilting and water deeply to protect the turf through this extreme period.

Ready for Spring After Late April

The last spring frost usually occurs around April 22, so wait until then to start sensitive lawn work. Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite here and performs well given the mild summer temperatures. Use the long fall season starting around October 19 to overseed any thin spots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, Illinois has a composite county score of 53.9 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 Fulton County rank among counties in Illinois?
Fulton County ranks #52 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 Fulton County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $2,186, with an effective tax rate of 2.13%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 2.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Illinois is $58,617 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 34.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Illinois a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 53.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Fulton 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 Fulton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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