countyscore
70.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 94.1Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax26.7Cost94.1Safety97.5Health48.4Schools87.6Income30.8Risk91.7Water34.2Weather57.8
🏛26.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓87.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.4
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

Crittenden County
Kentucky
63.7
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.6
Union County
Kentucky
60.1
Pope County
Illinois
67.4
Livingston County
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Saline County
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Webster County
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Caldwell County
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63.9

Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Hardin County

via CostByCounty

Hardin County: Illinois's most affordable rents

At just 7.2%, Hardin County's rent-to-income ratio is exceptionally low—less than one-quarter of the national 30% affordability standard and less than half Illinois's 14.7% state average. This southern Illinois county stands out as a housing bargain destination.

The most affordable county in Illinois

Hardin County's $342 median monthly rent is the lowest across the state, nearly 60% below Illinois's $837 average. The county's 7.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as unquestionably the state's most accessible rental market.

Dramatically cheaper than all neighbors

Hardin County's $342 median rent undercuts even Hamilton County—the next-most-affordable in this group—by $224 monthly. No adjacent county comes close to matching Hardin's remarkable rental affordability.

Just 7.2% of income goes to rent

With median household income of $57,155 and median gross rent of $342, housing consumes a tiny slice of typical household budgets. Homeowners pay $568 monthly on properties valued around $91,700, offering rural affordability for both renters and buyers.

Maximum housing affordability awaits here

If cutting housing costs is your priority, Hardin County offers unmatched savings—your rent payment leaves vastly more room for savings and other needs. Rural living and unbeatable affordability combine here more dramatically than anywhere else in Illinois.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hardin County

via HealthByCounty

Hardin County faces significant health challenges

At 71.6 years, Hardin County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 5 years, marking a substantial gap. With 20.1% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 17.3%, residents face above-average health burdens.

Illinois's lowest life expectancy in this group

Hardin County's 71.6-year life expectancy is 4.4 years below Illinois's 76.0-year average, placing it among the state's least healthy counties. The 5.7% uninsured rate is slightly better than state average, but coverage alone doesn't address deeper health disparities.

Significant gap from regional peers

Hardin's 71.6-year life expectancy lags far behind Henry County (77.4) and Hancock County (77.3), representing a 5–6 year disadvantage. It's the lowest in its peer group, indicating concentrated health challenges in this county.

Excellent provider access masks deeper health issues

Surprisingly, Hardin has strong provider capacity with 82 primary care and 56 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in its region. Despite good access, the county's poor life expectancy suggests lifestyle, economic, and social factors are driving health outcomes more than provider availability.

Get covered and connect with local providers

With strong primary care available, getting insured in Hardin County is the first step toward better health. Explore Medicaid options and marketplace plans at healthcare.gov—then schedule preventive visits with local providers to address your health proactively.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hardin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education Infrastructure

Hardin County operates just three public schools—one elementary, one middle, and one high school—to serve its 532 students. All schools are managed by a single county-wide district, ensuring a unified curriculum and transition for students. This simplified landscape provides a clear and direct path through the local education system.

Top-Tier Scores and High Graduation Rates

Hardin County boasts an exceptional school score of 95.8, nearly double the national median of 50.0. The graduation rate is a strong 95.0%, which easily surpasses both the Illinois average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending data is currently unavailable, these results indicate high levels of academic achievement.

The Single District Success Story

Hardin County CUSD 1 is the sole district in the county, providing a comprehensive PK-12 experience for all 532 local students. There are no charter schools, keeping the county's educational focus entirely on its traditional public school system. This structure fosters a strong, tight-knit community where every student attends the same sequence of schools.

Purely Rural, Small-Scale Learning

Every school in Hardin County is classified as rural, reflecting the county’s quiet and scenic geography. The schools are very small, with an average enrollment of just 177 students per building. Hardin County Elementary is the largest at 232 students, while the Junior High serves as the smallest hub with only 139 students.

Relocate for Exceptional Academic Results

Hardin County's remarkable school score of 95.8 makes it a hidden gem for families prioritizing academic excellence. The high graduation rate and small school sizes offer a private-school feel within a public system. Consider making this high-performing rural community your next home by exploring local listings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardin County

via RiskByCounty

Hardin County: Illinois' safest

Hardin County scores just 8.30 on the composite risk scale—the lowest among the eight counties profiled and a Very Low rating well below the Illinois state average of 54.46. Your county experiences roughly 85% less natural disaster risk than typical state communities, making it one of the most protected places in Illinois. This exceptional safety reflects favorable geography and relatively low exposure to all major hazard types.

Ranked safest in its state tier

Hardin County claims the single lowest composite risk score among Illinois counties in this analysis, with a 8.30 that is dramatically lower than the state average of 54.46. No other county profiled approaches this level of protection, underscoring Hardin's exceptional resilience to natural disasters. This standing reflects a combination of inland location, low flood exposure, and minimal seismic vulnerability.

Significantly safer than neighbors

Hardin County's 8.30 score is roughly one-quarter the risk of Henderson County (17.53) and one-third that of Hancock County (31.08), making it the clear regional leader in disaster resilience. Even compared to relatively safe Hamilton County (30.82), Hardin offers substantially greater protection. Jackson County (87.12) to the north carries more than ten times the hazard burden, illustrating how dramatically risk varies across southern Illinois.

Minimal but real hazards

Earthquakes represent the highest relative risk at 68.96, though actual tremors remain infrequent given Hardin's distance from major fault lines. Tornadoes rank second at 31.30, a seasonal threat that affects all Illinois counties and warrants basic preparedness despite low frequency. Flooding (15.46) and wildfire (5.34) pose substantially lower risks reflective of the county's inland, well-watered landscape.

Smart protection in a safe place

Even in low-risk Hardin County, tornado preparedness remains essential—identify a safe room, practice sheltering drills annually, and stay weather-aware during spring and early summer. Earthquake insurance is optional but inexpensive; the modest risk (68.96) combined with potentially severe damage makes it a reasonable investment for peace of mind. Standard homeowners coverage is typically sufficient for most Hardin County properties; review your policy annually to ensure adequate replacement cost coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 70.7 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 $1,078, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Hardin County a tax score of 26.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardin County?
The median household income in Hardin County, Illinois is $57,155 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardin County earns an income score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardin County, Illinois a good place to live?
Hardin County scores 70.7/100 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.

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🏛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.