Grundy County

Illinois · IL

#84 in Illinois
58.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Grundy County, Illinois

Grundy below national average

Grundy County's composite score of 54.4 falls notably below the national median of 50.0, making it the weakest performer in this eight-county group. Higher costs and tax burdens offset the advantage of stronger local incomes.

Below Illinois state average

At 54.4, Grundy trails Illinois's state average of 62.1 by a meaningful margin. It ranks among the lower-performing Illinois counties in this analysis, reflecting cost pressures that outweigh other advantages.

Strongest income in the group

Grundy's income score of 44.1 is the highest among these eight counties, with median household income reaching $93,060. This reflects a more affluent local market with stronger earning potential.

Housing and tax burden heavy

Grundy's cost score of 63.8 is the lowest in this group, with median home values at $259,200 and rent at $1,137 monthly—far above rural peers. The tax score of 45.2 and effective rate of 2.029% add further financial pressure.

For affluent commuters and earners

Grundy suits higher-income households and commuters willing to pay suburban-level costs for rural proximity and strong local wages. It's best for dual-income families with significant earning power, not budget-conscious retirees or remote workers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax45.2Cost63.8SafetyComing SoonHealth77.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.1Risk33.5WaterComing Soon
🏛45.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼44.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
33.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Grundy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grundy County

via TaxByCounty

Grundy County taxes significantly above U.S.

Grundy County's 2.029% effective tax rate ranks in the 68th percentile nationally, well above the U.S. median of 1.562%. However, Grundy homes are worth far more than most—the median $259,200 home value nearly matches the national median of $281,900—resulting in a $5,260 annual tax that exceeds the national median by 96%.

Moderately high for Illinois

Illinois averages 1.831%, and Grundy County's 2.029% rate runs 0.198 percentage points higher, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. With a median tax of $5,260, Grundy residents pay 89% more than the state median of $2,782, driven largely by significantly higher home values.

Most valuable homes in region

Grundy County's $259,200 median home value far exceeds neighboring Franklin ($87,700), Gallatin ($84,700), and Fayette ($114,700), explaining its higher tax bill. Though its 2.029% rate is lower than Fulton (2.133%) and only slightly higher than Ford (2.069%), Grundy's higher property values result in the region's largest median annual tax of $5,260.

What your home costs to own

Grundy County homeowners pay $5,260 annually in property taxes on the median home—by far the highest in this survey, reflecting valuable suburban properties. With a mortgage, that climbs to $5,754; over 30 years, this county costs $157,800 in property taxes alone, a significant expense despite moderate tax rates.

High-value homes warrant appeal review

Given Grundy County's high property values and resulting large tax bills, assessment overages compound quickly—potentially costing thousands if inflated. Hiring an assessment attorney or appraiser to challenge a questionable assessment could save thousands annually, paying for itself within a year or two.

Cost of Living in Grundy County

via CostByCounty

Grundy County highest earners in region

Renters in Grundy County earn a median of $93,060—$18,000 above the national average—and spend 14.7% of income on housing, right at Illinois's state average. At $1,137 monthly rent, Grundy is the most expensive among these eight counties, yet strong wages mean it remains the most financially stable option regionally.

Higher costs, higher incomes in Illinois

Grundy County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Illinois's state average exactly, despite rents running 36% above the state median of $837. The match reflects Grundy's fundamental advantage: household incomes significantly outpace state and national norms, enabling support for higher housing costs.

Premium prices for premium incomes

Grundy County's $1,137 monthly rent and $93,060 median income dwarf all neighbors—rents run $300+ above most peers, yet incomes exceed every county by $20,000-plus. The county represents a different housing market entirely: higher wages supporting higher costs, with strong affordability relative to income.

High costs justified by strong wages

Grundy households earn $93,060 annually, dedicating $1,137 monthly to rent (14.7% of income) and $1,573 to mortgages, with the median home value reaching $259,200. Despite the highest absolute costs in this comparison, the rent-to-income ratio remains sustainable due to exceptional local wages.

Grundy for those with strong careers

Grundy County is worth considering only if you're relocating with a job matching or exceeding its $93,060 median income—otherwise, housing costs will overwhelm your budget. Its superior affordability ratio and home values reflect a stronger economic base; compare with Effingham if your income falls short of Grundy's premium.

Income & Jobs in Grundy County

via IncomeByCounty

Grundy ranks among nation's wealthier

Grundy County's median household income of $93,060 stands $18,305 above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. This exceptional performance reflects proximity to Chicago's commuter belt and access to high-wage employment.

Illinois' strongest county in this analysis

Grundy County's household income of $93,060 towers over the Illinois state average of $68,580 by $24,480, ranking it among the top counties statewide. Per capita income of $43,744 similarly leads the state average by nearly $8,000, signaling robust earning power.

Far exceeds surrounding counties

Grundy County households earn $93,060—a remarkable $32,084 more than Franklin County ($53,471) and $17,680 above Effingham County ($75,380). This income premium reflects Grundy's location in the Chicago metropolitan commute shed and higher-skilled workforce.

Housing costs reasonable despite high values

Despite a median home value of $259,200—the highest in this group—Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% remains manageable on local incomes. Higher incomes absorb higher property values without creating affordability strain.

Maximize tax-advantaged investment vehicles

Grundy County's above-average incomes position households to fully maximize 401(k) contributions, backdoor Roth IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. Consider consulting a financial advisor about tax-efficient wealth strategies, including diversified portfolios and estate planning.

Health in Grundy County

via HealthByCounty

Healthy outcomes outpace national average

Grundy County residents live to 76.5 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years and demonstrating strong overall health. Just 14.6% report poor or fair health, placing the county among Illinois's healthier communities.

Illinois's top tier for health outcomes

At 76.5 years, Grundy County's life expectancy exceeds Illinois's state average of 76.0 years, with an uninsured rate of just 4.7%—below the state average of 6.3%. The county represents a model of strong insurance coverage and preventive care.

Among region's healthiest communities

Grundy County's 76.5-year life expectancy ranks second in the region, trailing only Effingham County (77.4), and its 4.7% uninsured rate is the lowest. With 32 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers solid baseline infrastructure.

Strong insurance, solid provider access

Grundy's 4.7% uninsured rate—the region's lowest—ensures most residents can access care, while 32 primary care and 189 mental health providers per 100K support comprehensive services. This combination enables preventive care and timely treatment of health concerns.

Keep coverage strong and consistent

Grundy County's health success stems partly from high insurance rates; residents should maintain coverage and encourage neighbors to enroll. Visit Healthcare.gov annually to review options and ensure continuous, uninterrupted access to care.

Disaster Risk in Grundy County

via RiskByCounty

Grundy County moderately above U.S. risk

Grundy County's composite risk score of 66.51 exceeds the national average, though its "Relatively Low" rating indicates manageable hazard exposure. The county faces somewhat elevated natural disaster risk compared to typical American regions, primarily due to flood and tornado hazards.

Above Illinois state average

Grundy's 66.51 score exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 by 12 points, placing it in the upper range of Illinois's risk profile. This gap reflects Grundy's notably higher exposure to flooding and tornado events.

More hazardous than most central Illinois

Grundy's 66.51 substantially exceeds Fayette (48.76) and Effingham (53.75) but remains well below Franklin County's elevated 80.95. Grundy residents face more natural disaster exposure than most of northern-central Illinois.

Flooding and tornadoes are primary concerns

Grundy County's flood risk (66.48) and tornado risk (68.77) are nearly equally serious threats, both ranking well above state norms. Wildfire (15.68) and earthquake (56.33) pose secondary considerations, while hurricane risk (9.39) is minimal.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage

Grundy County residents must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and Grundy's 66.48 score reflects real exposure. Verify comprehensive tornado/wind coverage in your homeowners policy, which is critical given the 68.77 tornado risk score.

ByCounty Network

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