countyscore
68.2
County Score
Safety 93.3Cost of Living 83.9Schools 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.

2040608010017.683.993.361.882.450.269.252.853.5Tax17.6Cost83.9Safety93.3Health61.8Schools82.4Income50.2Risk69.2Water52.8Weather53.568.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Hamilton County DNA

C-overall

How Hamilton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hamilton County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (93.3/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (17.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.6-34.4
Cost
83.9+35.900000000000006
Safety
93.3+38.3
Health
61.8+11.799999999999997
Schools
82.4+28.400000000000006
Income
50.2
Risk
69.2+22.200000000000003
Water
52.8
Weather
53.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hamilton County?

Many homeowners in Hamilton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$568/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$22,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,746/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.6

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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Counties with similar scores

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Osage County
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LaMoure County
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Menifee County
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Van Buren County
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Grundy County
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68.1

Nearby counties

Franklin County
Illinois
55.3
Saline County
Illinois
55.4
Jefferson County
Illinois
51.4
White County
Illinois
62.6
Wayne County
Illinois
52.3
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.7
Williamson County
Illinois
49
Posey County
Indiana
59.5

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 68.2 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 $1,512, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Illinois is $65,746 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 50.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Illinois a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 68.2/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.