countyscore
50.3
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.

Score breakdown

Tax3.7Cost56.4Safety64.3Health55.2Schools77Income46.3Risk26.1Water26.6Weather55
🏛3.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.1
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 →
Sponsored

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

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
Compare Iroquois County with Appling County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Appling County
Georgia
Median income: $43,728
50.3
Henry County
Illinois
Median income: $69,912
50.3
Will County
Illinois
Median income: $107,799
50.3
Haskell County
Kansas
Median income: $69,138
50.3
Iosco County
Michigan
Median income: $47,777
50.3
Hubbard County
Minnesota
Median income: $70,622
50.3
Stearns County
Minnesota
Median income: $76,447
50.3
Harrison County
Missouri
Median income: $53,364
50.3

Nearby counties

Benton County
Indiana
61
Newton County
Indiana
52.4
Ford County
Illinois
53.8
Kankakee County
Illinois
48
Warren County
Indiana
70.7
Vermilion County
Illinois
35.5
Jasper County
Indiana
65.8
White County
Indiana
60.6

Deep Dives

Iroquois County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Iroquois County

via CostByCounty

Iroquois County rents strain household budgets

At 15.2%, Iroquois County's rent-to-income ratio matches Henderson County as the highest in this group and exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average. While still below the national 30% affordability threshold, renters here allocate a noticeably larger share of income to housing than typical Illinoisans.

Above-average rent burden statewide

Iroquois County's $793 median rent runs below the state's $837 average, but its 15.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the statewide 14.7%. The county sits in the upper-middle tier of housing affordability challenges across Illinois.

Mid-range rents with high affordability pressure

Iroquois County's $793 rent falls between Hamilton ($566) and Henderson ($834), but its 15.2% rent-to-income ratio ties Henderson for the highest burden in this region. The county's above-median home values ($125,400) add to overall housing cost pressures.

Rent takes 15.2% of household income

With median household income of $62,439, residents pay $793 monthly in rent and $847 for homeownership on properties averaging $125,400. The combination creates stronger cost pressures than many neighboring counties, leaving less discretionary income.

Evaluate housing costs against income carefully

Iroquois County's higher rent burden relative to income makes careful budgeting essential before relocating. Compare its affordability metrics closely to neighbors like Hamilton or Jasper, where income-to-rent ratios are measurably better.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Iroquois County

via HealthByCounty

Iroquois County lags national health standards

At 74.7 years, Iroquois County falls 1.7 years short of the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4, representing meaningful health disadvantage. With 18.2% reporting poor or fair health compared to 17.3% nationally, residents face above-average health struggles.

Below Illinois average on life expectancy

Iroquois County's 74.7-year life expectancy lags Illinois's 76.0-year average by 1.3 years, placing it among the state's less healthy counties. Its 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 6.3%, affecting healthcare access.

Health challenges evident in regional comparison

Iroquois's 74.7-year life expectancy trails peers like Henry County (77.4) and Hancock County (77.3) by substantial margins. Its 7.6% uninsured rate is the highest among regional peers, signaling both health and economic stress.

Mental health abundant, primary care limited

Iroquois boasts 352 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—exceptionally high—yet offers just 30 primary care providers per 100,000, creating a care mismatch. The 7.6% uninsured rate likely limits access to both services, despite availability.

Health coverage is essential in Iroquois County

With the county's higher uninsured rate, securing coverage becomes critical for accessing available primary and mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department about Medicaid and marketplace options tailored to your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Iroquois County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Rural Schools

Iroquois County manages a network of 24 public schools serving 3,915 students across eight different districts. The county's education infrastructure is well-rounded, including ten elementary schools, five middle schools, and six high schools. This distributed system ensures that even the most rural parts of the county have accessible local schools.

Academic Excellence and Above-Average Scores

The county earns a composite school score of 60.1, surpassing the Illinois state average of 58.1. Graduation rates are strong at 92.1%, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. With a per-pupil expenditure of $9,549, the county invests more per student than the state average to maintain these high standards.

Key Districts in Iroquois County

Central CUSD 4 is the largest district, serving 990 students, followed closely by Iroquois West CUSD 10 and Iroquois County CUSD 9. These three districts manage the bulk of the county's enrollment across 13 total schools. The county maintains a traditional public school focus, with 0% of schools operating under charter status.

Primarily Rural and Personalized Learning

With 21 of its 24 schools located in rural areas, the county offers a classic country-school atmosphere. Schools are generally small and intimate, with an average enrollment of only 178 students per campus. The largest campus, Milford Grade School West, serves 356 students, ensuring that no school in the county feels overcrowded.

Find Your Home in a Top-Rated Rural District

Iroquois County's combination of high graduation rates and small school sizes makes it an attractive destination for homebuyers with children. The school score of 60.1 suggests a high level of academic quality across the county's eight districts. Search for homes today to enjoy the benefits of a high-achieving, rural education system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iroquois County

via RiskByCounty

Iroquois County carries substantial risk

Iroquois County scores 73.95 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating that significantly exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.46 by 36%. Your county experiences substantially higher natural disaster risk than typical Illinois communities, particularly from flooding and tornadoes. This elevated position reflects above-average exposure to multiple major hazard types.

Above-average risk among peers

Iroquois County ranks notably above the Illinois state average of 54.46 with a composite score of 73.95, placing it in the upper-middle band of state hazard exposure. Only Jackson County (87.12) among profiled peers faces significantly more risk; Iroquois' higher-than-average position is driven primarily by flood exposure (79.58) and tornado vulnerability (57.19). This standing demands proactive hazard preparedness.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Iroquois County's 73.95 score substantially exceeds safer neighbors like Hardin (8.30), Henderson (17.53), and Hancock (31.08), making it the riskiest in the broader region except for Jackson County. Henry County (57.09) poses lower overall risk, while Jackson County (87.12) carries notably more hazard exposure. This elevation reflects Iroquois' agricultural landscape and vulnerability to river flooding and severe convective storms.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate

Flooding represents the highest hazard at 79.58—nearly 60% higher than the state average—making Iroquois County vulnerable to inundation from swollen rivers, streams, and saturated soils during wet periods. Tornadoes rank second at 57.19, a significant seasonal threat that can cause catastrophic damage to homes and infrastructure throughout spring and early summer. Earthquakes (71.06) and hurricanes (30.58) pose secondary but real risks that deserve preparation.

Critical protections for Iroquois

Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Iroquois County—obtain it immediately if you lack coverage, as your elevated flood risk (79.58) puts property at genuine hazard and many mortgage lenders require it. Tornado preparedness is equally vital: construct or identify a reinforced safe room, practice sheltering drills with your household, and monitor weather actively during severe thunderstorm seasons. Review earthquake coverage options with your insurance agent; the moderate risk (71.06) combined with potential structural damage makes it a worthwhile investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 50.3 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 #69 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 $2,449, with an effective tax rate of 1.95%. This earns Iroquois County a tax score of 3.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iroquois County?
The median household income in Iroquois County, Illinois is $62,439 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iroquois County earns an income score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iroquois County, Illinois a good place to live?
Iroquois County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.