CountyScore

Fulton County

Illinois · IL

#73 in Illinois
60.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Illinois

Fulton edges above national median

Fulton County's composite score of 59.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, indicating reasonable livability by U.S. standards. However, it ranks lower than most Illinois peers in this analysis, suggesting trade-offs in cost and tax burden.

Below Illinois state average

At 59.5, Fulton falls slightly short of Illinois's state average of 62.1. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, reflecting a livability profile that is acceptable but not among Illinois's stronger markets.

Solid affordability and moderate taxes

Fulton maintains a cost score of 81.9 with median home values at $102,500 and rent averaging $808 monthly. The tax rate of 2.133% is higher than top performers but remains manageable for rural residents.

Higher taxes narrow the advantage

Fulton's tax score of 42.3 is the lowest in this group, with an effective tax rate of 2.133% that reduces household savings. The income score of 21.7 reflects median household earnings of $58,617, limiting wage-growth prospects.

Suits those balancing trade-offs

Fulton appeals to households willing to accept higher taxes in exchange for rural lifestyle and moderate housing costs. It's best for families with stable external income sources rather than those seeking maximum affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax42.3Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.7Risk41WaterComing Soon
🏛42.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Fulton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Imperial County
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Median income: $56,393
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Reno County
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60.7
Median income: $60,498
Charles County
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60.7
Median income: $120,592
St. Louis County
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60.7
Median income: $81,340

Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Fulton County

via HealthByCounty

Below-average life expectancy

Fulton County residents have a life expectancy of 74.9 years, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.5 years. Nearly 20% report poor or fair health, indicating chronic conditions and preventable illness burden.

Below Illinois state average

At 74.9 years, Fulton County's life expectancy falls 1.1 years short of Illinois's 76.0-year average. Insurance coverage is near state average at 6.3% uninsured, so health gaps likely stem from provider access and social factors.

Middle-tier outcomes in region

Fulton County's 74.9-year life expectancy sits between lower-performing Ford County (74.3) and higher-performing Fayette County (77.0). At 36 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers minimal primary care infrastructure compared to better-performing neighbors.

Minimal providers, limited resources

Fulton County supports just 36 primary care providers and 86 mental health providers per 100K residents—among the lowest in the region. The 6.3% uninsured rate matches the state average, but the scarcity of providers creates real barriers to care.

Insurance plus local clinics matter

Even with insurance, Fulton residents may struggle to find primary care nearby. Explore Medicaid and marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov, then ask about telehealth options and regional specialists to bridge the provider gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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