countyscore
44.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.1Health 82.1Lawn Care 75

County Report Card

About Grundy County, Illinois

Trailing the National Median Score

Grundy County’s composite score of 44.8 falls below the national median of 50.0. High costs and tax burdens weigh down its otherwise strong socioeconomic indicators.

Below the Illinois State Average

With a score of 44.8, Grundy County ranks lower than the Illinois average of 52.8. While prosperous, the high cost of living makes it less accessible than many state peers.

Elite Incomes and Great Health

The county boasts a massive income score of 93.1, with a median household income of $93,060. Health outcomes are also strong, reflected in a score of 82.1.

Extreme Costs and Tax Burdens

The cost score of 13.0 and tax score of 3.0 are major drawbacks. A 2.029% tax rate and $259,200 median home value create high barriers to entry.

A Choice for High Earners

Grundy County is best suited for high-income professionals who want strong schools and medical services. It is a premium-cost county that requires a significant paycheck to enjoy.

2040608010031350.582.170.593.133.541.252.6Tax3Cost13Safety50.5Health82.1Schools70.5Income93.1Risk33.5Water41.2Weather52.644.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Grundy County DNA

Foverall

How Grundy County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grundy County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3-49
Cost
13-35
Safety
50.5
Health
82.1+32.099999999999994
Schools
70.5+16.5
Income
93.1+42.099999999999994
Risk
33.5-13.5
Water
41.2-16.799999999999997
Weather
52.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$259,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,137/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$259,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $93,060/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.7

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

Kendall County
Illinois
38.6
Kankakee County
Illinois
48
Livingston County
Illinois
51.6
Will County
Illinois
50.3
LaSalle County
Illinois
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DuPage County
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Putnam County
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Kane County
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Deep Dives

Grundy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grundy County

via CrimeByCounty

Grundy County maintains solid safety levels

Grundy County has a safety score of 98.2, reflecting a secure community. Its crime rate of 1115.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Just below the state safety average

Grundy's 98.2 score is slightly lower than the Illinois average of 98.7. The crime rate of 1115.4 is also higher than the state average of 835.0 per 100K.

More activity than rural neighbor counties

Grundy reports higher crime than neighbors like Ford (437.5), likely due to its higher population density. Eleven agencies monitor the county to manage this activity.

Property crime drives local statistics

The property crime rate stands at 944.4 per 100K, while violent crime is 171.0. Both figures remain well below national averages for a county of this size.

Secure your home against property crime

As property crime is the primary concern, homeowners should prioritize security. Smart cameras and sturdy locks are excellent ways to protect your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grundy County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Scale System of Fourteen Districts

Grundy County manages a expansive education system with 27 public schools serving 12,175 students. The county features a diverse infrastructure including 13 elementary, five middle, and eight high schools. This high density of schools is overseen by 14 distinct school districts, offering significant local variety.

Impressive Grad Rates and Efficient Spending

Grundy County reaches a 93.6% graduation rate, outstripping the Illinois state average of 88.8% by a wide margin. This success is achieved with a per-pupil spending of $7,910, which is over $1,300 less than the state average. The county maintains a respectable school score of 57.4, indicating high productivity for every dollar spent.

Minooka and Coal City Drive Growth

Minooka CCSD 201 is the county's largest district, serving 4,499 students across seven campuses. Coal City CUSD 1 also maintains a significant presence with 2,112 students across five schools. The county contains no charter schools, relying instead on a high-performing network of traditional public institutions.

Suburban Reach with Large Campus Energy

With an average school size of 553, Grundy County offers a more bustling environment than its neighbors, led by Minooka Community High's 2,930 students. The locale mix is diverse, featuring 11 town, 9 rural, and 7 suburban schools. This variety allows families to choose between high-energy suburban campuses and more traditional town settings.

Join a High-Achieving Suburban Community

Grundy County is a top pick for families who want high graduation rates and a variety of school settings. Homes near the Minooka or Morris districts provide access to some of the largest and most resource-rich schools in the region. Let the county's strong academic track record lead you to your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grundy County

via WaterByCounty

Grundy County Receives Low Compliance Grade

Grundy County earns an F grade for drinking water safety with 13 health violations in recent years. However, its rate of 30.3 violations per 100,000 people is actually lower than the Illinois state average of 48.7.

High Impairment in Grundy County Watersheds

The 2022 assessment shows that 48.4% of Grundy's 506 water bodies are impaired, well above the state average. Phosphorus, mercury, and suspended solids are the most common causes of environmental failure.

Over 2,600 Water Quality Samples Taken

A network of nine monitoring sites has produced 2,665 measurements over the last five years. The data focuses on metals and physical characteristics to track the impact of human activity on the Illinois River.

Illinois River Flow Lower Than Usual

At Morris, the Illinois River is flowing at 6,650 cfs, which represents 65% of its long-term typical mean. This flow serves a massive 7,483-square-mile drainage area and is critical for both ecology and transport.

Focus on Filtration and River Health

With nearly half of local water bodies impaired by phosphorus and mercury, residents should be cautious during river recreation. Using a water filter can provide an extra layer of protection against the contaminants noted in local health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grundy County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Continental Climate

Grundy County averages 51.0°F annually, placing it below the national median. This region is known for colder winters and brisk autumns.

Below the Illinois Average

The annual average of 51.0°F is nearly two degrees cooler than the state average of 52.8°F. This reflects the county's northern position and exposure to Great Lakes influences.

Low Precipitation for the Region

Grundy receives 38.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the 41.7-inch state average. It is one of the drier counties in the northern half of Illinois.

Snowy Winters and Warm Summers

Winters are significant with 21.5 inches of annual snowfall and a 23.9°F January average. Summers still bring 20 days of extreme heat where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Invest in Winter Durability

The 21.5-inch snowfall average requires heavy-duty winter gear and effective home insulation. Residents should also prepare for the 20 annual heat days with reliable air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grundy County

via SoilByCounty

Grundy's High pH Potential

Grundy County has a pH of 6.63, the highest among this group and well above the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is ideal for most commercial crops and diverse home gardens.

Grittier Mix for Better Tilling

This soil has a higher sand content than its neighbors at 25.1%, mixed with 51.0% silt and 23.3% clay. This unique composition improves aeration and makes the soil easier to till in the spring.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter is impressive at 3.60%, far surpassing the Illinois state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.204.

Natural Aeration and Water Flow

Local records are limited, but the relatively high sand content suggests better natural drainage than heavier clay soils found elsewhere. This profile helps oxygen reach plant roots, though it may require more frequent watering.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 5b

Falling into the cooler Zone 5b, Grundy County is perfect for cold-hardy perennials and early-season greens. Take advantage of the high organic matter to grow nutrient-dense vegetables right in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grundy County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Climates Lead to Greener Lawns

Grundy County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 75.0, benefiting from its northern position in Hardiness Zone 5b. This score is well above the Illinois average of 69.8 and indicates very favorable conditions for homeowners. The cooler climate here is specifically well-suited for traditional cool-season grasses.

Low Heat Stress for Northern Grass

With only 20 extreme heat days, Grundy lawns face less stress than the state average of 27. Annual precipitation of 38.0 inches is within the ideal range, and 3,344 growing degree days provide a steady growth pace. These conditions mean your lawn is less likely to go brown and dormant in mid-summer.

Sandy Texture and Great pH

The soil in Grundy County has a higher sand content of 25.1%, which often improves drainage and reduces the risk of root rot. A pH of 6.63 is excellent, ensuring your grass can access the fertilizer and nutrients you provide. With 23.3% clay, the soil still retains enough moisture to survive between rains.

Avoiding Severe Drought Cycles

Grundy is currently avoiding severe drought entirely, with 0% of the area in D2 or higher. Although nearly 99.2% of the county is abnormally dry and has seen 27 weeks of drought this year, the lack of severe conditions is a huge win. The sandy soil components help the area manage moisture efficiently.

Manage Your Late Spring Starts

Being in Zone 5b, your last spring frost occurs later, around April 20, and the first fall frost hits by October 26. This shorter window makes late summer seeding even more critical for winter survival. Focus on high-quality Bluegrass or Fine Fescue blends for the best northern results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grundy County's county score?
Grundy County, Illinois has a composite county score of 44.8 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 Grundy County rank among counties in Illinois?
Grundy County ranks #83 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 Grundy County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Grundy County is $5,260, with an effective tax rate of 2.03%. This earns Grundy County a tax score of 3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grundy County?
The median household income in Grundy County, Illinois is $93,060 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grundy County earns an income score of 93.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grundy County, Illinois a good place to live?
Grundy County scores 44.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Grundy 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 Grundy County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.