countyscore
72.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 94.9Disaster Risk 91.7

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Illinois

Elite National Ranking

Hardin County secures a 70.7 composite score, placing it in an elite tier far above the 50.0 national median. It is one of the highest-rated rural counties in the United States.

Leading the State

With a 70.7 score, Hardin County is a standout performer compared to the Illinois average of 52.8. It offers a level of security and affordability that is rare to find elsewhere in the state.

Ultimate Affordability and Safety

The county boasts an incredible safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 94.1. With a median gross rent of only $342, it is one of the most affordable places to live in the entire nation.

Economic and Water Gaps

Income levels are a notable challenge, with a score of 30.8 reflecting a median household income of $57,155. Water quality and infrastructure also show room for improvement with a score of 34.2.

The Ultimate Budget Haven

Hardin County is ideal for remote workers or those on fixed incomes who want maximum safety for the lowest possible price. Its combination of low crime and ultra-low rents is practically unbeatable.

2040608010038.794.997.548.487.619.991.734.257.8Tax38.7Cost94.9Safety97.5Health48.4Schools87.6Income19.9Risk91.7Water34.2Weather57.872.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Hardin County DNA

Coverall

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

Hardin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (94.9/100) but notably weak in Income (19.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.7-13.299999999999997
Cost
94.9+46.900000000000006
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
48.4
Schools
87.6+33.599999999999994
Income
19.9-31.1
Risk
91.7+44.7
Water
34.2-23.799999999999997
Weather
57.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hardin County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$103,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$379/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$15,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,271/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

82.8

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

Crittenden County
Kentucky
61.9
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.7
Union County
Kentucky
58.5
Pope County
Illinois
66.9
Livingston County
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Saline County
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Webster County
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Caldwell County
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Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hardin County

via TaxByCounty

Hardin County Ranks Among Nation's Most Affordable

At 1.18%, Hardin County's effective tax rate places it in the lowest 25th percentile nationally, well below the national median of 1.82%. This exceptional affordability makes Hardin one of America's most tax-friendly counties for homeowners.

Second-Lowest Taxes in Illinois

Hardin County ranks second-lowest among Illinois counties with an effective tax rate of 1.18%, just above Hamilton County's 1.35% and far below the state average of 1.83%. At $1,078 in median annual property taxes, residents enjoy some of the state's most affordable assessments.

Clear Tax Leader in Region

Hardin County's 1.18% rate is the lowest in its region, significantly undercutting all neighbors including Hamilton (1.35%), Henderson (1.68%), and Hancock (1.86%). Hardin residents enjoy a clear competitive advantage on property tax burden.

Median Home Costs Just $1,078 Yearly

On a median home value of $91,700, Hardin County homeowners pay approximately $1,078 annually in property taxes, the lowest in the region. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,278 when including additional assessments.

Verify Your Assessment Accuracy

Even in low-tax counties like Hardin, some homeowners are overassessed relative to their property's true market value. Filing an assessment appeal is straightforward and could provide additional relief beyond the county's already-competitive rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardin County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardin's income significantly below national

Hardin County's median household income of $57,155 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $17,600—a 24% shortfall. This is among the wider gaps in the region, reflecting Hardin's position as one of Illinois's most economically challenged counties.

Lowest income in the sample group

Hardin's $57,155 median ranks near the bottom of Illinois counties, falling nearly $11,425 below the state average of $68,580. The county faces real economic headwinds compared to state and national peers.

Hardin is the income leader regionally

Despite statewide challenges, Hardin's $57,155 median stands as the lowest among its sampled neighbors, trailing Hancock ($65,044) and Hamilton ($61,520). Jackson County ($45,572) faces even steeper income pressures.

Housing remains affordable refuge

Hardin's 7.2% rent-to-income ratio is exceptionally low—well below the 15% stress threshold and among Illinois's most affordable. Median home values of $91,700 make homeownership achievable for qualified buyers, though low incomes require careful planning.

Affordable housing creates wealth potential

With per capita income of $30,158 and some of Illinois's lowest housing costs, Hardin households who stabilize employment can accumulate property equity. Focus on career development and financial discipline to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hardin County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Scores in Hardin County

Hardin County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, indicating almost no reported criminal activity. This stands in stark contrast to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents.

Leading the State in Reported Safety

With a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, Hardin County appears as an outlier compared to the Illinois average of 835.0. However, this data comes from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with some caution.

A Statistical Outlier Among Neighbors

Hardin County’s lack of reported incidents makes it the quietest area in the region. While neighboring counties report standard crime fluctuations, Hardin’s data suggests a remarkably peaceful environment.

No Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Current data shows zero violent or property crimes per 100,000 residents for the reporting period. While these figures are encouraging, consistent reporting from all local jurisdictions is vital for a complete safety profile.

Proactive Security for Total Peace of Mind

Even with no reported crime, maintaining basic security measures like sturdy deadbolts is a wise investment. Proactive habits ensure your home remains as secure as the official data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hardin County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and wet compared to national norms

Hardin County's 54.8°F average temperature exceeds the national median, placing it in a more temperate zone. It is significantly more humid than many other regions in the U.S.

One of the warmest spots in Illinois

The county's 54.8°F average temperature is 2.0°F warmer than the state average of 52.8°F. This makes it part of the warmer southern corridor of the state.

Leading the region in annual rainfall

With 50.9 inches of rain, Hardin is much wetter than the state average of 41.7 inches. It receives nearly 10 inches more precipitation than northern counties like Hancock.

Milder winters with very rare snowfall

Snowfall is minimal at just 3.3 inches per year, while summer brings 31 extreme heat days. January averages a relatively mild 31.8°F compared to northern Illinois.

Prioritize drainage and efficient summer cooling

Residents need to manage 50.9 inches of annual rain with proper home drainage and gutter maintenance. High-efficiency cooling is essential for the month-long stretch of 90°F days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Southern Illinois

Hardin County presents a notably acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.86. This is significantly lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the Illinois state average of 6.39. Gardeners here often need to add agricultural lime to neutralize the soil for common crops.

The Silt and Clay Mix

Hardin's soil consists of 64.8% silt and 20.9% clay, leaving only 14.3% for sand. This mixture produces a dense soil that can feel heavy and may compact easily under heavy machinery. While it retains moisture well, it lacks the easy drainage found in sandier regions.

Lean Organic Reserves

Organic matter in Hardin County is 1.66%, which is lower than the 2.0% national average and the 2.94% state average. The available water capacity is 0.202 in/in, which is nearly identical to the state average of 0.204 in/in. This means the soil is good at holding water, even if it requires more supplemental nutrients.

Challenging Soil Conditions

The overall soil score for Hardin County is 55.5, which is well below the state average of 73.6. While specific drainage class data is missing, the low score and high silt/clay levels suggest potential drainage and workability issues. Builders and farmers must plan carefully to manage water runoff and soil stability.

Success in Zone 7a

Hardin sits in the warm 7a hardiness zone, allowing for a longer season and milder winters. This climate is excellent for heat-loving crops like melons and okra that can handle the warm southern Illinois summers. With proper soil amendments to fix acidity, you can grow a vibrant and productive garden here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardin County

via LawnByCounty

Lush Conditions in the Deep South

Hardin County features a lawn difficulty score of 66.4, making it more manageable than the typical U.S. lawn. As a Hardiness Zone 7a region, it supports a wider variety of grasses than its northern neighbors.

Abundant Rain Drives Rapid Growth

The county receives 50.9 inches of rain annually, which slightly exceeds the ideal range and can lead to rapid turf expansion. With 3804 growing degree days and 31 heat days, expect a long and active mowing season that starts early and ends late.

Correcting Acidic Soil Conditions

Local soil pH averages 5.86, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 minimum and may require lime applications to improve nutrient availability. The soil contains 20.9% clay, so monitoring for drainage issues is essential given the high annual rainfall.

Stable Moisture Levels for Now

Unlike many parts of the state, Hardin County has seen only 6 weeks of drought in the past year and currently has no areas in severe drought. While conditions are currently favorable, maintain your irrigation system to handle any sudden shifts in the 100% abnormally dry coverage.

Embrace the Long Growing Season

Zone 7a allows for transition-zone grasses like tall fescue or even heat-tolerant Bermuda grass varieties. Wait until the last frost around April 19 to begin spring seeding, and enjoy the long growing window before the October 20 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardin County's county score?
Hardin County, Illinois has a composite county score of 72.1 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 Hardin County rank among counties in Illinois?
Hardin County ranks #1 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 Hardin County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Hardin County is $1,001, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Hardin County a tax score of 38.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardin County?
The median household income in Hardin County, Illinois is $54,271 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardin County earns an income score of 19.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardin County, Illinois a good place to live?
Hardin County scores 72.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Hardin 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 Hardin 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.