countyscore
60.3
County Score
Safety 92.1Disaster Risk 87.1Lawn Care 77

County Report Card

About Greene County, Illinois

Strong Performance Above National Median

Greene County’s 60.2 composite score is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a very high quality of life compared to the majority of American counties.

Well Ahead of Illinois Averages

Scoring 60.2, Greene County easily outperforms the Illinois state average of 52.8. It is a standout performer in the region, particularly regarding safety and stability.

High Safety and Low Risk

The county scores 92.1 in safety and a remarkable 87.1 in natural risk protection. Residents also benefit from a strong school score of 75.5.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

The tax score is low at 8.2, reflecting a tax burden that hits harder than the state average. Water quality also lags with a score of 35.3, leaving room for environmental improvement.

Ideal for Secure Family Life

Greene County is a top-tier choice for families looking for excellent schools and a very low risk of crime or natural disaster. It offers a balanced, high-quality rural life.

Score breakdown

Tax8.2Cost65.2Safety92.1Health53Schools75.5Income41.9Risk87.1Water35.3Weather55.1
🏛8.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77
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

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene County moderately above average

Greene County's 1.657% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.562% by about 6%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. With a median home value of $94,400, residents pay $1,564 annually—well below the national median tax of $2,690.

Slightly above state average

Illinois averages 1.831%, and Greene County's 1.657% rate runs 0.174 percentage points below that, making it more affordable than most of the state. Residents pay $1,564 annually, roughly 44% less than the state median of $2,782, offering solid value for homeowners.

Mid-range for the south-central region

Greene County's 1.657% rate places it in the middle of this region—higher than Franklin (1.501%), Gallatin (1.506%), Fayette (1.517%), and Effingham (1.509%), but lower than Ford (2.069%), Fulton (2.133%), and Grundy (2.029%). It's a reasonable compromise between affordability and the county's services.

What your home costs to own

A typical Greene County home valued at $94,400 generates $1,564 in annual property taxes—moderately priced for the region. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,820 yearly; over a 30-year loan, that's $54,600 in taxes, a manageable cost for families in the area.

Assessment review pays off here too

Even in moderately-priced counties, overassessment wastes homeowner dollars; Greene County residents should verify their assessments match recent comparable sales. A free appeal to the county assessor could trim your annual tax bill by hundreds, with no risk or cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene County rents nibble at wages

Renters in Greene County spend 15.7% of their $60,976 median income on housing—above the national comfort threshold but moderate for downstate Illinois. The $800 monthly rent is mid-range compared to peers, and local incomes slightly exceed several neighboring counties, offering modest breathing room.

Slightly above Illinois affordability average

Greene County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it in the middle tier of state affordability rankings. Rents at $800 remain below the state median of $837, suggesting the affordability gap reflects local wage patterns rather than excessive costs.

Competitive middle ground regionally

Greene County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Fayette (15.6%) and sits comfortably below Ford (16.5%) and Franklin (17.3%), while its $800 rent falls between Fulton ($808) and Fayette ($740). The county offers regional balance without standing out as exceptionally affordable or expensive.

Wages support modest rental standards

Greene households earn $60,976 annually, directing $800 monthly toward rent (15.7% of income) or $709 for mortgages, leaving room for other obligations. The median home value of $94,400 remains accessible for buyers with typical local incomes, though still represents a commitment.

Greene offers reliable middle-ground option

Greene County appeals if you want modest affordability and stable local incomes without seeking extremes—it's affordable than Effingham yet more stable than Franklin. Compare with Fayette for similar ratios or Gallatin if you prioritize rock-bottom rent above other factors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene lags far behind national norm

Greene County's median household income of $60,976 falls $13,779 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the 32nd percentile nationally. This income level is characteristic of economically strained rural Midwestern counties.

Below-average earner in Illinois

Greene County's household income of $60,976 trails the Illinois state average of $68,580 by approximately $7,600, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $33,174 also falls below the state average of $36,009.

Comparable to similar rural counties

Greene County households earn $60,976, placing them between Ford County ($60,782) and Fulton County ($58,617), though below Effingham County ($75,380). These clustered incomes suggest shared economic conditions across central Illinois agricultural and former manufacturing regions.

Housing costs moderately burdensome

Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% is elevated, indicating housing costs consume a substantial share of income. A median home value of $94,400 remains relatively affordable, but the rent burden suggests rental housing may pose greater challenges than homeownership.

Start with employer benefits first

Greene County households should maximize any employer 401(k) matching before investing elsewhere—it's an immediate return on contributions. Follow with a modest emergency fund, then gradually build additional retirement savings as income allows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

High safety rankings in Greene County

Greene County earns a safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 124.8 per 100K is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Greene County leads Illinois in safety

The county's safety score of 99.8 is better than the Illinois average of 98.7. Its crime rate is also much lower than the state's average of 835.0 per 100K.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Greene is more secure than nearby Ford (437.5) and Fayette (847.9) counties. Five agencies work to keep crime levels exceptionally low for the region.

Property crime is minimal here

Property crime is the most common offense but remains low at 108.2 per 100K. Violent crime is extremely rare, with only 16.6 incidents per 100K.

Simple deterrents for property protection

Most local crime involves property, so basic deterrents are highly effective. Using motion lights and alarm stickers can further reduce the already low risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy well below U.S. average

Greene County residents have a life expectancy of 73.6 years, falling 2.8 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 19% report poor or fair health, reflecting a community burdened by chronic disease and limited wellness.

Below Illinois average with insurance gap

At 73.6 years, Greene County's life expectancy lags Illinois's state average of 76.0 years by 2.4 years. The 6.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 6.3%, putting additional people at risk of forgoing care.

Midrange performance in region

Greene County's 73.6-year life expectancy sits between lowest-performing Gallatin County (72.6) and higher-performing Fulton County (74.9). With just 17 primary care providers per 100K, the county ranks among the region's most provider-scarce areas.

Severe provider shortages compound challenges

Greene County has only 17 primary care providers per 100K residents—the region's lowest—forcing many to travel for routine care. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but the 6.8% uninsured rate and sparse primary care suggest systemic access barriers.

Insurance and advocacy are vital

With the fewest primary care providers in the region and above-average uninsured rates, Greene residents should prioritize enrollment. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 211 to apply for coverage, then advocate for local clinic expansion.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Seven Schools Across Three Rural Districts

Greene County provides public education to 1,753 students through a network of seven schools. The landscape is unique, featuring three elementary schools and four high school programs, but no standalone middle schools. Three districts manage these facilities, focusing on a K-8 and 9-12 or K-6 and 7-12 split.

Elite Graduation Success and High Scores

The county boasts a 94% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state's 88.8% average. Greene County also achieves a school score of 58.5, outperforming the Illinois average of 58.1. These high marks are maintained with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,333, reflecting strong community support for student outcomes.

North Greene CUSD Leads the Way

North Greene CUSD 3 is the largest local district, serving 832 students across its two primary campuses. Carrollton CUSD 1 and Greenfield CUSD 10 also play vital roles, serving 490 and 431 students respectively. No charter schools are available, as the county remains dedicated to its three traditional public districts.

Small Classes in a Traditional Setting

Education in Greene County is intimate, with an average school size of 292 students across five rural and two town locales. North Greene Elementary is the largest campus with 465 students, while many other schools are much smaller. This allows for a traditional Illinois school experience where teachers and families maintain close relationships.

High Graduation Rates Drive Local Appeal

Families looking for academic excellence will find Greene County's 94% graduation rate a compelling reason to move here. Homes in Carrollton or Greenfield offer direct access to districts that consistently beat state averages. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in this high-achieving rural county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County: safest in America's top tier

Greene County's composite risk score of just 12.98 places it among the safest counties in the entire United States, earning a "Very Low" rating. Residents here face remarkably low exposure to natural disasters compared to nearly all American communities.

Illinois's lowest-risk county

Greene County's 12.98 score sits over 41 points below Illinois's state average of 54.46, making it by far the state's safest region. No other county in this analysis comes remotely close to Greene's exceptional safety profile.

Dramatically safer than all peers

Greene County's 12.98 substantially outperforms every regional neighbor, from Gallatin (33.87) to Fulton (59.00) to Franklin (80.95). Greene residents enjoy an exceptionally favorable natural disaster risk profile across western Illinois.

Minimal hazard exposure across the board

Even Greene County's most significant risk—tornado at 31.90—ranks among the lowest in Illinois, and earthquake (55.82), flood (13.20), and hurricane (18.31) risks all remain negligible. Wildfire risk is essentially nonexistent at 0.25.

Basic homeowners insurance sufficient

Greene County's exceptional safety means standard homeowners insurance with wind/tornado coverage likely provides all the natural disaster protection most residents need. Earthquake insurance is unnecessary given Greene's minimal 55.82 earthquake score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-American Climate

Greene County’s 52.9°F annual average temperature aligns perfectly with the national median. It offers a balanced climate typical of the American heartland.

Mirroring the Illinois Average

The county's 52.9°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It serves as a climate bellwether for the entire state.

Drier Than Southern Neighbors

Receiving 40.3 inches of annual precipitation, Greene is slightly drier than the Illinois average of 41.7 inches. This makes it a transition point between the wet south and drier north.

Steady Heat and Moderate Snow

The county sees 25 extreme heat days annually where temperatures hit 90°F. Winters bring a manageable 17.9 inches of snow, with January averages staying around 26.9°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

A dual-purpose HVAC system is necessary to handle both the 25 heat days and the sub-freezing winter nights. Keep snow removal tools ready for the nearly 18 inches of expected snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

A Near-Neutral Soil Profile

Greene County features a pH of 6.58, making it slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This measurement is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 6.39.

Medium-Textured Silty Soil

The soil is composed of 64.1% silt and 21.3% clay, creating a medium-textured profile. The 14.6% sand content provides enough grit to prevent the soil from becoming overly sticky during rain.

Healthy Soil Health Benchmarks

Organic matter reaches 2.51%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national average but falls short of the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is slightly better than the Illinois state average.

Resilient Moisture Storage

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the balanced silt-to-clay ratio generally supports reliable moisture management. The soil's capacity to hold water suggests it is resilient against short-term summer droughts.

Versatile Planting in Zone 6a

In Zone 6a, Greene County gardeners can expect success with everything from tomatoes to hearty winter squashes. The neutral pH makes this soil a ready-to-use environment for most common landscape plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Conditions in Greene County

With an impressive lawn difficulty score of 77.0, Greene County is one of the easiest places in the state to grow a lawn. This score far exceeds both the Illinois average of 69.8 and the national average of 50.0. For residents in Hardiness Zone 6a, nature does much of the hard work for you.

A Balanced Growing Environment

The climate features 40.3 inches of rain and 25 extreme heat days, staying close to the state average for both. With 3,639 growing degree days, your lawn will have plenty of warmth to establish itself strongly. This balance of heat and moisture is why the difficulty score remains so high.

Optimal pH and Reliable Texture

Greene County soil has a pH of 6.58, sitting exactly where turfgrasses prefer for maximum nutrient absorption. The texture includes 21.3% clay and 14.6% sand, providing a stable medium for root growth. While drainage data is limited, these proportions generally support healthy lawns without excessive amendments.

Strong Resistance to Severe Conditions

Only 15.1% of Greene County is currently in severe drought, despite having 26 drought weeks in the past year. While the entire county is technically dry, the severity is much lower than in many surrounding areas. This relative stability means your lawn is less likely to suffer long-term damage during typical dry cycles.

The Perfect Window for Seeding

Your growing season typically begins after the last frost on April 13 and lasts until late October. Late summer is the best time to seed in Zone 6a to allow roots to establish before the winter. Given the favorable conditions, a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue will look great here.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Illinois has a composite county score of 60.3 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 Greene County rank among counties in Illinois?
Greene County ranks #21 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 Greene County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $1,564, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Illinois is $60,976 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Illinois a good place to live?
Greene County scores 60.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene 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.