countyscore
67.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 90Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Gallatin County, Illinois

Exceptional National Standing

Gallatin County’s composite score of 67.6 is far above the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the upper echelon of US counties for general livability.

A Top Performer in Illinois

Gallatin County crushes the state average of 52.8 with its own score of 67.6. It is one of the highest-rated counties in Illinois across several diverse categories.

Safety, Cost, and Schools Excel

The county hits high marks in safety (97.5), cost (93.3), and schools (81.9). With a median rent of just $500, it is one of the most affordable places to live in the state.

Moderate Income and Tax Burdens

Income remains a challenge with a score of 24.3 and a median of $54,626. Despite its overall high score, the tax score of 12.5 remains a persistent cost for households.

Best Value for Young Families

Gallatin County is a premier destination for families who prioritize great schools and absolute safety. It offers some of the best value in Illinois for those on a fixed or modest budget.

204060801008.99097.547.681.931.566.18657.5Tax8.9Cost90Safety97.5Health47.6Schools81.9Income31.5Risk66.1Water86Weather57.567.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Gallatin County DNA

C-overall

How Gallatin County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Gallatin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.9-43.1
Cost
90+42
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
47.6
Schools
81.9+27.900000000000006
Income
31.5-19.5
Risk
66.1+19.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
57.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$541/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,219/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

61.8

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

Union County
Kentucky
58.5
Hardin County
Illinois
72.1
Posey County
Indiana
59.5
Saline County
Illinois
55.4
White County
Illinois
62.6
Crittenden County
Kentucky
61.9
Hamilton County
Illinois
68.2
Henderson County
Kentucky
46.5

Deep Dives

Gallatin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gallatin County

via TaxByCounty

Gallatin County costs less than nation

Gallatin County's 1.506% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.562%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. With the second-lowest median home value at $84,700, residents pay just $1,276 annually—less than half the national median tax of $2,690.

Well below Illinois average

Illinois averages 1.831%, and Gallatin County's 1.506% rate beats that handily, ranking among the state's lowest-taxed counties. At $1,276 median annual tax, residents pay less than half the state median of $2,782, making Gallatin exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Third-lowest in the region

Gallatin's 1.506% rate ranks third-lowest in south-central Illinois, behind Franklin (1.501%) and Fayette (1.517%), but ahead of Effingham (1.509%). Counties like Ford (2.069%) and Fulton (2.133%) impose 37–42% higher rates, positioning Gallatin as a bargain for property buyers.

What your home costs to own

Gallatin County residents pay just $1,276 annually on the median home of $84,700—among the lowest tax bills in the region. Without a mortgage, owners pay $1,044; with one, $1,429—a manageable expense for families seeking affordable homeownership.

Even small assessments merit review

Though Gallatin County's taxes are low, overassessment still reduces your effective return on homeownership. Review your assessment against recent comparable sales in your neighborhood; if it's inflated, a free appeal to the county assessor could lower your bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gallatin County

via IncomeByCounty

Gallatin below national, but efficient

Gallatin County's median household income of $54,626 trails the national median of $74,755 by $20,129, placing it in the 22nd percentile nationally. However, the county's unusually high per capita income of $39,976 suggests more efficient income distribution across households.

Lower income, strong per-capita earnings

Gallatin County's household income of $54,626 falls below the Illinois state average of $68,580, but its per capita income of $39,976 actually exceeds the state average of $36,009. This paradox suggests some very high earners or fewer dependents per household than state averages.

Unique earnings pattern in the region

Gallatin County's median household income of $54,626 is below peers like Ford County ($60,782) and Fayette County ($57,113), yet its per capita income ($39,976) is among the strongest in the group. This suggests a smaller population with disproportionately high-wage workers.

Housing highly affordable here

Gallatin County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 11.0%, with a median home value of $84,700—making housing costs highly manageable. This affordability creates real opportunity for households to invest savings beyond housing expenses.

Leverage affordability for aggressive saving

Gallatin County's low housing costs mean households can redirect substantial income toward retirement accounts, college funds, or investment portfolios. Take advantage of this affordability advantage by maximizing tax-advantaged savings vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gallatin County

via CrimeByCounty

Gallatin County achieves maximum safety score

Gallatin County reports a 100.0 safety score, indicating an incredibly secure environment. This is a stark contrast to the national crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Higher safety than state averages

The county exceeds the Illinois state average safety score of 98.7. Public safety is managed by three agencies that report minimal criminal activity.

Extremely safe compared to neighbors

Gallatin reports lower crime rates than Hamilton (75.0) and Fayette (847.9) counties. It remains one of the most secure jurisdictions in southern Illinois.

Zero reported violent or property incidents

The 0.0 crime rate per 100K residents encompasses both violent and property categories. This is significantly lower than the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Keeping your property safe and secure

Residents enjoy a very low-risk environment in Gallatin County. Simple home security systems can provide additional peace of mind and help keep crime rates at zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gallatin County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation River Region

While temperature data is limited for this area, Gallatin County is defined by its high annual precipitation of 47.1 inches. This exceeds the national average for rainfall significantly.

One of the Wettest Counties

Gallatin's 47.1 inches of annual precipitation is far above the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. It represents the damp, lush climate of the state's southeastern border.

Southeastern Illinois Moisture Profile

The county shares a similar rainfall pattern with neighboring Hamilton County, both receiving over 47 inches of rain. This makes it part of the wettest region in the state.

Heavy Rains and Moderate Winters

Specific seasonal temperatures are not recorded, but the high annual rainfall suggests frequent storm activity. The region typically follows the southern Illinois pattern of mild winters and humid summers.

Prioritize Water Management

Residents should focus on flood mitigation and high-capacity gutter systems given the 47.1 inches of annual rain. Humidity control is also essential for maintaining homes in this moist environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gallatin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of the South

Gallatin's Alfisols have a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.22, leaning more acidic than the 6.5 national median. This pH level is also slightly lower than the Illinois state average of 6.39.

Silt Loam with Gritty Sand

The soil mix includes 60.1% silt and 21.5% clay, alongside a notable 18.4% sand content. This blend offers a good balance between nutrient holding and physical workability in the field.

Meeting National Fertility Standards

Organic matter measures 1.92%, nearly meeting the national 2.0% average but trailing the state's 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in is just under the Illinois average of 0.204.

Efficient Water Movement in Group B

These well-drained soils belong to hydrologic group B, ensuring that excess water moves away from plant roots efficiently. This characteristic makes the county particularly suitable for farming and sturdy home foundations.

Warm Growing Climate in Zone 7a

Gallatin County sits in Zone 7a, providing a warm climate for a variety of specialty crops. The well-drained silt loam is ideal for starting a productive home orchard or a diverse vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gallatin County

via LawnByCounty

Gallatin County Leads the Pack

Gallatin County enjoys a high lawn difficulty score of 74.2, making it significantly easier to maintain a yard here than the Illinois average of 69.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a long growing season and friendly conditions. It ranks well above the national median for lawn care ease.

Highest Precipitation in the Region

Lawns in Gallatin benefit from 47.1 inches of rain annually, the highest among its neighbors and well within the 30-50 inch ideal range. While specific temperature data is missing, this abundant rainfall provides a massive advantage for keeping grass lush. You may find you rarely need to run the sprinklers outside of the peak summer months.

Well-Drained Silt Loam Soils

Gallatin features well-drained silt loam soil with a 6.22 pH level, which is excellent for turfgrass vitality. The mix of 21.5% clay and 18.4% sand ensures that roots stay hydrated without being drowned. This natural drainage is a key reason for the county's high lawn-ease score.

Superior Resilience to Dry Weather

Gallatin is currently free of severe drought, though 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry. With only 10 weeks of drought over the past year, this area is much more resilient than its neighbors. The high annual rainfall and good soil drainage create a buffer that helps your lawn survive dry spells better than most.

Thriving in the Southern Heat

In Hardiness Zone 7a, tall fescues and warm-season grasses like Zoysia are highly successful. The silt loam texture is particularly inviting for new sod or seed, especially when planted in the early spring or late summer. Gallatin is an ideal place to start your dream lawn project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gallatin County's county score?
Gallatin County, Illinois has a composite county score of 67.7 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 Gallatin County rank among counties in Illinois?
Gallatin County ranks #4 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 Gallatin County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Gallatin County is $1,305, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Gallatin County a tax score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gallatin County?
The median household income in Gallatin County, Illinois is $59,219 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gallatin County earns an income score of 31.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gallatin County, Illinois a good place to live?
Gallatin County scores 67.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Gallatin 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 Gallatin County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.