countyscore
68.6
County Score
Safety 93.3Cost of Living 86.8Schools 82.4

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Illinois

Beating the National Average

Hamilton County earns an impressive 68.6 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the vast majority of counties in the United States.

A Top Performer in Illinois

The county's 68.6 score significantly outpaces the Illinois state average of 52.8. It serves as a high-performing regional anchor with metrics that outperform many neighboring districts.

Safety and School Success

Public safety is a premier feature here, boasting a near-perfect safety score of 93.3. Families also benefit from strong educational outcomes with an 82.4 school score and high housing affordability at 86.8.

High Local Tax Burden

The local tax burden is the primary challenge, resulting in a low tax score of 18.8. An effective tax rate of 1.351% means residents pay a larger share of their home value than those in more tax-friendly regions.

The Ideal Family Value

Hamilton County is perfect for families who prioritize safety and strong schools over low taxes. With a median gross rent of just $566, it offers an exceptionally affordable entry point for new residents.

Score breakdown

Tax18.8Cost86.8Safety93.3Health61.8Schools82.4Income43.7Risk69.2Water52.8Weather53.5
🏛18.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.8
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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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Illinois
55.9
Saline County
Illinois
56.8
Jefferson County
Illinois
51.7
White County
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Gallatin County
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Williamson County
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Posey County
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Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton County's Tax Rate Below National Average

At 1.35%, Hamilton County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.82%, placing it in the lower 35th percentile nationally. This means homeowners here pay substantially less in property taxes relative to home values than most Americans.

Lowest-Taxed County in Illinois

Hamilton County ranks dead last among Illinois counties with the lowest effective tax rate at 1.35%, significantly below the state average of 1.83%. At just $1,470 in median annual property taxes, residents pay roughly half what the state average household pays.

Far Below Surrounding Regional Counties

Neighbors Hancock (1.86%) and Henderson (1.68%) counties both exceed Hamilton's rate by 38-40%, while Hardin County (1.18%) is the only regional peer approaching similar affordability. Hamilton homeowners enjoy some of the region's most competitive property tax burden.

Median Home Costs Just $1,470 Yearly

On a median home value of $108,800, Hamilton County homeowners pay approximately $1,470 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,917 when including additional assessments.

Even Low-Tax Counties Have Overassessments

Despite competitive rates, many Hamilton County homeowners may still be overassessed relative to their property's actual market value. Homeowners dissatisfied with their assessments can file formal appeals to potentially lower their annual tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton County rents are remarkably affordable

At just 11.0%, Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national standard of 30% affordability and beats the state average of 14.7%. Renters here spend significantly less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans, making it one of Illinois's most accessible rental markets.

Among Illinois's most affordable counties

Hamilton County ranks in the lower tier of housing costs statewide, with residents paying $566 monthly for rent compared to Illinois's $837 average. The county's 11.0% rent-to-income ratio places it well ahead of most other Illinois counties in overall affordability.

Cheaper rents than surrounding counties

Hamilton County's $566 median rent undercuts neighbors Hancock ($755) and Henderson ($834) by $189–$268 monthly. Even when factoring in lower median incomes, Hamilton residents enjoy greater housing affordability than their counterparts in adjacent areas.

Rent stays lean at 11% of income

With median household income of $61,520 and median gross rent of $566, housing costs consume just 11% of typical household budgets. Homeowners pay $661 monthly on properties valued near $109,000, leaving substantial room for other expenses.

Seeking true housing affordability?

If you're prioritizing low rent-to-income ratios and stretching modest incomes further, Hamilton County delivers. Compare its 11% rent burden against state and national benchmarks—your wallet will feel the difference immediately.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton lags behind national income

Hamilton County's median household income of $61,520 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $13,235, placing it below the national average. This 18% gap reflects the economic challenges facing many rural Illinois counties compared to wealthier metro areas nationwide.

Below average for Illinois

Hamilton's $61,520 median falls short of Illinois's state average of $68,580 by about $7,060. The county ranks in the lower half of Illinois's 102 counties for household earnings.

Hamilton among slower-earning neighbors

Hamilton County ($61,520) outpaces Hardin County ($57,155) but trails Hancock County ($65,044) and Iroquois County ($62,439) in the region. These rural counties cluster around $61,000–$65,000, reflecting shared agricultural and small-town economies.

Rents manageable; housing costs rise

Hamilton's 11.0% rent-to-income ratio is among Illinois's most affordable, well below the 15% benchmark for housing stress. However, median home values of $108,800 have crept upward, requiring long-term buyers to plan carefully.

Build savings despite modest income

With per capita income of $35,585 and manageable rents, Hamilton households have real opportunity to save and invest. Starting an emergency fund and exploring tax-advantaged retirement accounts can help families build wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Hamilton County is remarkably safe

Hamilton County earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.9. Its total crime rate of 75.0 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Exceeding the state safety benchmark

Hamilton's 99.9 safety score easily beats the Illinois average of 98.7. The crime rate is more than ten times lower than the state average of 835.0.

Regional safety at its best

The county is safer than neighbors like Greene (124.8) and Fayette (847.9). Two reporting agencies efficiently manage public safety for the local community.

Very low violent and property crime

Violent and property crimes are evenly split, both occurring at 37.5 per 100K. These rates are significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Stay safe in a low-risk county

Residents in Hamilton enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in Illinois. Simple habits like neighborly watch and exterior lighting keep this community secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton County life expectancy slightly above U.S. average

At 76.1 years, Hamilton County residents live roughly as long as the national average of 76.4 years, though 18.7% report poor or fair health—higher than the U.S. rate of 17.3%. This suggests that while lifespan is comparable, daily health challenges affect a meaningful portion of the population.

Slightly outperforming Illinois on life expectancy

Hamilton County's 76.1-year life expectancy edges past Illinois's 76.0-year average, placing it in the middle of the state's health rankings. However, its 7.0% uninsured rate exceeds Illinois's 6.3% average, indicating slightly less health security despite comparable longevity.

Mixed health picture in county's peer group

Among similar rural counties, Hamilton ranks below Henry County (77.4 years) and Hancock County (77.3 years) but above Iroquois County (74.7 years) on life expectancy. Its uninsured rate of 7.0% is higher than most neighbors, suggesting affordability barriers in the area.

Adequate primary care, limited mental health access

Hamilton County has 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—close to rural Illinois norms—but only 13 mental health providers per 100,000, making mental health support harder to access. With 7.0% of residents uninsured, cost remains a barrier to regular preventive care.

Find coverage options that fit your budget

If you're among Hamilton County's uninsured, healthcare marketplace options and Medicaid expansion programs can help lower costs. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to explore plans that work for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hamilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Framework

Hamilton County operates a streamlined education system centered around a single school district that serves 1,169 students. The infrastructure consists of four public schools, including two elementary campuses and one junior/senior high school. This consolidated approach allows the county to manage its entire student population within a unified administrative structure.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 88.8% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite spending only $8,241 per pupil—lower than the state average of $9,250—Hamilton County earns a 59.9 composite school score. These metrics suggest the district delivers strong academic results while maintaining high fiscal efficiency.

Centralized Learning at Hamilton Co CUSD 10

Hamilton Co CUSD 10 is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 1,169 students across its four facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of students are served by this single traditional public district. This centralization ensures a consistent educational path from preschool through high school graduation.

Small-Town Schools with Personalized Scale

Schooling in Hamilton County is primarily a town-based experience, with three of its four schools located in town settings and one in a rural area. With an average school size of 292 students, the environment is intimate and personalized. Enrollment ranges from the 91-student preschool center to the Hamilton County Jr/Sr High School, which serves 512 students.

Invest in a High-Performing School Community

Families looking for exceptional graduation rates and efficient local schools should consider exploring the housing market in Hamilton County. The county's high academic standing relative to its peers makes it a compelling choice for education-focused homebuyers. Reach out to a local expert to find a home near these top-performing rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County's risk profile

Hamilton County scores 30.82 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits well below the state average of 54.46. Your county faces less than half the overall natural disaster risk that typically burdens Illinois communities. This favorable position reflects relatively moderate hazard exposure across most disaster types.

Among the safest in Illinois

Hamilton County ranks among Illinois' lowest-risk counties by composite score, placing it in the bottom quartile of state hazard exposure. The state average of 54.46 is nearly two points higher than your county's 30.82, indicating substantially lower vulnerability than most peers. This favorable standing reflects consistent low-to-moderate scores across flood, wildfire, and tornado hazards.

Compared to nearby counties

Hamilton County's 30.82 risk score edges slightly higher than Hardin County (8.30), the region's safest, but significantly outperforms Jackson County (87.12) to the east. When compared to neighboring Henderson County (17.53), Hamilton sits in the middle range, suggesting moderate variation in hazard exposure across south-central Illinois. The differences highlight how local geography and proximity to flood zones reshape risk.

Where Hamilton faces the most exposure

Earthquakes pose the highest relative risk at 90.74, reflecting Hamilton's position in a seismically active region, though actual earthquake frequency remains low. Tornadoes rank second at 37.31, a hazard common to all Illinois counties that warrants seasonal preparedness and a reliable warning plan. Flooding and hurricanes present lower but non-negligible risks at 12.53 and 27.83 respectively.

Secure coverage for real threats

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake or flood damage, yet both rank as moderate threats in Hamilton County—consider standalone earthquake and flood policies for comprehensive protection. Review your tornado preparedness annually: identify safe rooms or shelters, establish a family communication plan, and ensure your property is secured against high winds. A small investment in these protections now can prevent catastrophic losses later.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet Southern Climate

Hamilton County's 55.4°F annual average temperature is warmer than the national median. Its climate is characterized by significant rainfall and prolonged summer heat.

One of Illinois' Warmest Counties

Averaging 55.4°F, Hamilton is nearly three degrees warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It is consistently among the top tier for heat in the state.

Maximum Precipitation in the Region

With 47.1 inches of annual precipitation, Hamilton is much wetter than the state average of 41.7 inches. It shares this humid, high-rainfall profile with neighbor Gallatin County.

Intense Heat and Minimal Snow

The county endures 43 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. In contrast, it receives only 13.3 inches of snow, making for relatively easy winters.

Beat the Southern Illinois Heat

With over 40 days of extreme heat, robust air conditioning is a non-negotiable for safety and comfort. Homeowners should also ensure property drainage can handle the heavy 47.1-inch rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

Hamilton's Acidic Ground Profile

Hamilton County features an average soil pH of 6.07, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.39. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, this lower pH suggests a need for lime applications to optimize nutrient availability. Growers must monitor acidity closely to maintain productivity in this southern Illinois landscape.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation

The soil contains a high concentration of silt at 68.4%, balanced by 20.4% clay and a modest 11.3% sand. This fine-textured mix offers excellent workability but can be prone to surface crusting if left bare. The low sand content means the soil holds onto moisture effectively rather than letting it wash away.

Evaluating Soil Energy Levels

Organic matter sits at 1.75%, trailing both the national 2.0% average and the Illinois state average of 2.94%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.212 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.204 in/in. This high water storage helps crops survive dry spells even when organic nutrients are lean.

Managing Water in Silt

Specific drainage classifications are not listed for this area, but the 63.3 soil score reflects moderate challenges compared to the state's 73.6 average. The high silt and clay content generally indicates slower natural drainage that requires careful management for building foundations. Farmers often use tiling or specialized tillage to prevent water from sitting too long.

Flourishing in Zone 6b

Hamilton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a long growing season for corn, soybeans, and hardy vegetables. The soil's strong water capacity supports thirsty summer crops like tomatoes and peppers if acidity is managed. Your garden can thrive here with a simple soil test to guide your initial fertilizer and lime applications.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Southern Illinois Heat

Hamilton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 61.8, meaning it is easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 but more challenging than the Illinois state average of 69.8. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, homeowners here must balance high summer temperatures with relatively mild winters.

High Heat Impacts Mowing Schedules

The county experiences 43 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 27 days. While the 47.1 inches of annual precipitation fits within the ideal range for grass, the 4039 growing degree days suggest a rapid growth rate that requires frequent mowing.

Slightly Acidic Soil Needs Monitoring

The local soil pH of 6.07 sits at the lower end of the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, though it remains suitable for most turf types. With a clay content of 20.4%, your lawn may require aeration to prevent compaction despite the lack of specific regional drainage data.

Severe Drought Challenges Local Turf

Almost half of the county, 49.3%, currently faces severe drought conditions, and the area has spent 19 weeks in drought over the last year. You should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to keep roots resilient during these dry spells.

Ready for Spring Success

The last spring frost typically occurs around April 11, marking the start of the peak growing season for tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. Plan to finish your heavy lawn work before the first fall frost hits on October 21 to ensure roots are established for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, Illinois has a composite county score of 68.6 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in Illinois?
Hamilton County ranks #3 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 Hamilton County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $1,470, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Illinois is $61,520 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 43.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Illinois a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 68.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.