countyscore
50.8
County Score
Schools 77Lawn Care 73.1Soil Quality 72.8

County Report Card

About Iroquois County, Illinois

Standard National Livability

Iroquois County scores 50.3, matching the national median almost exactly. Residents experience a quality of life that is highly representative of the American average.

Steady State Performance

The county’s 50.3 score is just under the Illinois average of 52.8. It offers a stable, middle-of-the-road alternative to more volatile or expensive regions in the state.

Solid Schools and Safety

Educational quality is a primary draw here, with a school score of 77.0. Public safety also contributes to its stability, earning a respectable 64.3 score.

Tax and Environmental Risk

With a 1.953% effective tax rate, the county earns a low tax score of 3.7. Environmental stability is also a concern, as seen in the low 26.1 risk score.

Balanced Rural Stability

Iroquois County is a good fit for families who prioritize quality education and safety in a rural setting. It appeals to those who don't mind a higher tax burden in exchange for a reliable community atmosphere.

204060801004.356.964.355.27752.326.126.655Tax4.3Cost56.9Safety64.3Health55.2Schools77Income52.3Risk26.1Water26.6Weather5550.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Iroquois County DNA

Foverall

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

Iroquois County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (77/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.3-47.7
Cost
56.9+8.899999999999999
Safety
64.3+9.299999999999997
Health
55.2
Schools
77+23
Income
52.3
Risk
26.1-20.9
Water
26.6-31.4
Weather
55
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Think property taxes are too high in Iroquois County?

Many homeowners in Iroquois 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

$137,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$799/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,255/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.7

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

Benton County
Indiana
62.3
Newton County
Indiana
53.3
Ford County
Illinois
52.4
Kankakee County
Illinois
48.3
Warren County
Indiana
70.8
Vermilion County
Illinois
34.8
Jasper County
Indiana
65.6
White County
Indiana
59.9

Deep Dives

Iroquois County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Iroquois County

via TaxByCounty

Iroquois County's Tax Rate Above National Median

At 1.95%, Iroquois County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.82%, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay more in property taxes relative to home values than roughly six in ten American households.

Iroquois Ranks Above State Average

Iroquois County's effective tax rate of 1.95% exceeds the Illinois state average of 1.83%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties across the state. At $2,449 median annual property taxes, residents pay substantially more than the typical Illinois household.

Among Region's Higher-Taxed Counties

Iroquois County's 1.95% rate sits above most regional peers including Hardin (1.18%), Hamilton (1.35%), and Henderson (1.68%), making it one of the more heavily burdened areas in the region. Only Henry (1.98%) approaches or exceeds Iroquois's tax rate.

Median Home Costs About $2,449 Yearly

On a median home value of $125,400, Iroquois County homeowners pay approximately $2,449 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,643 when including additional assessments.

Reduce Your Tax Bill Through Appeals

In a higher-tax county like Iroquois, assessment appeals offer meaningful opportunity to lower annual payments. Many homeowners find their properties assessed above comparable market values and can realize hundreds in savings through successful challenges.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iroquois County

via IncomeByCounty

Iroquois income below national mark

Iroquois County's median household income of $62,439 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $12,316. This 16% gap is typical for rural agricultural counties competing in a national economy increasingly skewed toward higher-wage metros.

Below state average; midrange county

Iroquois's $62,439 median falls short of the Illinois state average of $68,580 by roughly $6,141, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The county reflects typical challenges facing rural Illinois.

Middle-low earner in regional cluster

Iroquois ($62,439) outearns Hardin ($57,155) but trails Hancock ($65,044) and Henry ($69,912). The county sits squarely in the middle of the regional income distribution, typical of northern Illinois farm counties.

Rents eating large share of income

Iroquois's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% signals housing stress, meaning renters are spending a problematic chunk of earnings on shelter. Median home values of $125,400 are rising, tightening affordability further.

Prioritize financial planning and education

With per capita income of $34,719 and rising housing costs, Iroquois households must budget aggressively to build wealth. Seek out local financial counseling, explore low-cost investing, and focus on career advancement and skills training.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iroquois County

via CrimeByCounty

Iroquois County Matches State Safety Norms

Iroquois County holds a safety score of 98.7, which aligns perfectly with the Illinois state average. Its total crime rate of 832.0 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the national average.

A Typical Profile for Illinois Safety

The county's crime rate of 832.0 per 100,000 is nearly identical to the Illinois average of 835.0. Six reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a representative look at the county's public safety.

Stable Safety Environment Among Neighbors

Iroquois maintains a stable safety environment compared to its neighbors, balancing rural peace with standard regional activity. It serves as a consistent example of typical Illinois public safety metrics.

Property Incidents Outnumber Violent Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 761.7 per 100,000, while violent crime is reported at just 70.3. Both figures sit comfortably below national benchmarks, indicating that most local issues are non-violent in nature.

Simple Steps for Better Home Security

Homeowners should focus on securing common entry points to deter property-related incidents. Well-lit exteriors and modern lock systems are simple, effective ways to enhance your home's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Iroquois County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than average with typical Midwest seasons

The 50.8°F average temperature is over two degrees lower than the national median. The county experiences a moderate precipitation profile of 39.6 inches annually.

Trailing the Illinois state temperature average

Iroquois County stays cooler than the state average of 52.8°F, coming in at 50.8°F. This makes it part of the cooler northern-central Illinois belt.

Drier and cooler than its southern neighbors

With 39.6 inches of rain, it is drier than Jasper County further south. It also sees more snow than southern counties, averaging 21.1 inches a year.

Mild summers with 16 days of heat

Summer heat is relatively rare compared to southern Illinois, with only 16 days above 90°F. Winter brings a cold average of 27.2°F and 21.1 inches of snow.

Balance heating needs with moderate snow prep

Prepare for a long winter season with average January lows of 24.1°F. Maintenance for 21.1 inches of snow is necessary for safe winter travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Iroquois County

via SoilByCounty

Iroquois County's Balanced Chemistry

Iroquois County features an average soil pH of 6.38, which is nearly identical to the state average of 6.39. This provides a stable chemical environment that doesn't usually require heavy adjustment for standard crops. It represents a solid middle ground between national and regional benchmarks.

Coarser Texture, Better Workability

This county has a higher sand content than most at 26.7%, mixed with 46.5% silt and 24.1% clay. This coarser texture makes the soil easier to till and less prone to the heavy compaction seen in silt-only soils. It provides a unique physical profile that balances drainage with structural stability.

Massive Organic Nutrient Wealth

Iroquois County boasts a remarkable 5.09% organic matter, which is among the highest in the state and far exceeds the 2.94% Illinois average. However, the available water capacity is lower than average at 0.179 in/in. While the soil is incredibly fertile, it may require more frequent watering during extreme droughts.

Managing High-Performance Land

The soil score of 72.8 is very close to the state average of 73.6, indicating reliable agricultural performance. The higher sand content helps with vertical water movement, although the lower water capacity suggests the soil doesn't hold moisture as long as others. This makes it an excellent choice for crops that prefer well-aerated roots.

Rich Harvests in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone is classic Illinois, supporting staples like soybeans and root vegetables. With over 5% organic matter, this soil is a powerhouse for organic gardening and high-yield produce. Your plants will find plenty of natural fuel here to grow large and healthy.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iroquois County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions Despite Cold Winters

Iroquois County matches the state's high standards with a lawn difficulty score of 73.1. As a Hardiness Zone 5b county, the primary challenge is helping turf recover from deep winter freezes.

Low Heat Stress for Grass

The county sees just 16 extreme heat days per year, which prevents the mid-summer dormancy common in southern counties. Annual precipitation of 39.6 inches provides a reliable water source that matches the needs of most traditional lawn types.

Higher Clay and Sandy Mix

The soil here is fairly balanced with 24.1% clay and 26.7% sand, creating a versatile base for grass roots. A pH of 6.38 means you won't need major chemical amendments to maintain a vibrant, healthy green color.

Severe Drought Requires Vigilance

Currently, a significant 72.0% of the county is in severe drought after 36 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. It is critical to use mulch-mowing and avoid heavy foot traffic during these times to protect the stressed grass blades.

Seeding for the Prairie Climate

With the last spring frost on April 24 and the first fall frost on October 16, your growing window is concise. Recommended grasses include fine fescue for shaded areas and Kentucky bluegrass for full sun, seeded ideally in the late summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iroquois County's county score?
Iroquois County, Illinois has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Iroquois County rank among counties in Illinois?
Iroquois County ranks #68 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 Iroquois County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Iroquois County is $2,504, with an effective tax rate of 1.82%. This earns Iroquois County a tax score of 4.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iroquois County?
The median household income in Iroquois County, Illinois is $66,255 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iroquois County earns an income score of 52.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iroquois County, Illinois a good place to live?
Iroquois County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Iroquois 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 Iroquois 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.