CountyScore

Hamilton County

Illinois · IL

#6 in Illinois
71.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Illinois

Hamilton outpaces the nation

Hamilton County's composite score of 71.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability. This 42% advantage over the national baseline demonstrates strong performance across tracked dimensions, particularly in housing affordability and tax burden.

Leading the state pack

At 71.3, Hamilton ranks above Illinois's state average of 62.1, positioning it among the state's better-performing counties. This 15% edge over the state baseline reflects Hamilton's particular strength in providing affordable living costs relative to peer counties.

Affordability and low taxes shine

Hamilton County's cost score of 88.4 and effective tax rate of just 1.351% make it exceptionally affordable, with a median home value of $108,800 and gross rent of $566 per month. These factors anchor the county's strong overall livability profile, offering genuine economic breathing room for households.

Income growth lags behind costs

With a median household income of $61,520 and an income score of just 23.5, Hamilton faces a significant gap between what residents earn and what they might aspire to. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors also leaves questions unanswered about quality of life beyond economics.

Ideal for budget-conscious families

Hamilton County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over high earning potential. The county delivers real value for those seeking a stable, economical lifestyle without the expense typically associated with more prosperous areas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.3Cost88.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.5Risk69.2WaterComing Soon
🏛64.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡69.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hamilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alamosa County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $51,445
Grand County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $84,558
Bingham County
Idaho
71.2
Median income: $76,842
Hancock County
Indiana
71.2
Median income: $91,326
Calhoun County
Iowa
71.2
Median income: $66,875

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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