countyscore
59.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 82.9Disaster Risk 79.6

County Report Card

About Jasper County, Illinois

Outperforming the Nation

Jasper County earns a 59.7 composite score, which is nearly 10 points higher than the national median. This reflects a very positive quality of life compared to the national baseline.

Exceeding Illinois Averages

At 59.7, the county sits comfortably above the Illinois state average of 52.8. Jasper is a strong contender for those looking for high-quality services in the state.

Prosperous and Healthy

Jasper excels in health and wealth, with a health score of 82.9 and an income score of 69.1. Excellent water quality (86.0) and low environmental risk (79.6) further bolster its appeal.

The Property Tax Burden

The county's main weakness is its low tax score of 4.1. An effective tax rate of 1.905% is quite high, which can be a deterrent for those sensitive to annual property assessments.

Best for High Earners

Jasper County is ideal for high-earning professionals and families who value health and environmental safety. The robust median household income of $71,094 helps residents manage the high tax rates while enjoying top-tier local resources.

204060801003.258.661.882.975.772.779.68657.5Tax3.2Cost58.6Safety61.8Health82.9Schools75.7Income72.7Risk79.6Water86Weather57.559.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Jasper County DNA

Foverall

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

Jasper County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (82.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.2-48.8
Cost
58.6+10.600000000000001
Safety
61.8
Health
82.9+32.900000000000006
Schools
75.7+21.700000000000003
Income
72.7+21.700000000000003
Risk
79.6+32.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
57.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Jasper County?

Many homeowners in Jasper 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

$125,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$793/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$125,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,755/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jasper County

via TaxByCounty

Jasper County's Tax Rate Above National Average

At 1.91%, Jasper County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.82%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay more in property taxes relative to home values than the typical American household.

Jasper Ranks Above Illinois Average

Jasper County's effective tax rate of 1.91% exceeds the Illinois state average of 1.83%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties across the state. At $2,341 median annual property taxes, residents pay substantially more than the typical Illinois household.

Among Region's Higher-Taxed Counties

Jasper County's 1.91% rate exceeds Hardin (1.18%), Hamilton (1.35%), Henderson (1.68%), and Hancock (1.86%), placing it among the region's more heavily burdened areas. Only Henry (1.98%) and Iroquois (1.95%) carry heavier tax loads.

Median Home Costs About $2,341 Yearly

On a median home value of $122,900, Jasper County homeowners pay approximately $2,341 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,793 when including additional assessments.

File an Appeal to Lower Your Assessment

Jasper County homeowners facing elevated tax bills should explore assessment appeals—many properties are overvalued relative to comparable sales. Successfully challenging an inflated assessment can yield meaningful annual savings and long-term tax relief.

Income & Jobs in Jasper County

via IncomeByCounty

Jasper nearly meets national income bar

Jasper County's median household income of $71,094 falls just $3,661 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This near-parity with the national average positions Jasper as one of Illinois's stronger-earning rural counties.

Above Illinois state average

Jasper's $71,094 exceeds the state average of $68,580 by about $2,514, placing it comfortably in the upper-middle tier of Illinois counties. The county outperforms most of its rural peers statewide.

Jasper leads the eight-county group

Jasper County ($71,094) edges out even Henry County ($69,912), making it the highest-earning county in the sample. This positions Jasper as an economic leader among its southwestern Illinois neighbors.

Balanced housing affordability

Jasper's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% sits comfortably below the 15% stress threshold, indicating manageable housing costs. Median home values of $122,900 are achievable for households earning $71,094, particularly with proper financing.

Leverage strong incomes for long-term gains

With per capita income of $36,847 and the region's highest median household earnings, Jasper residents are well-positioned to save and invest. Focus on building diversified portfolios, securing homeownership equity, and planning for retirement with confidence.

Safety in Jasper County

via CrimeByCounty

Jasper County Offers a Secure Lifestyle

Jasper County carries a safety score of 98.6, placing it very close to the Illinois state average. Its total crime rate of 882.2 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistent with Illinois Safety Trends

Jasper’s crime rate is slightly above the state average of 835.0 per 100,000. With two agencies reporting, the data provides a focused look at safety in this specific corridor of the state.

Moderate Crime Levels in the Region

Compared to similar counties, Jasper experiences moderate crime levels for its size. It remains a safer alternative to more densely populated areas while maintaining a consistent reporting record.

Property Crime is the Main Concern

The local rate includes 763.9 property crimes and 118.3 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. While property crime is more common, the violent crime rate is still less than one-third of the national average.

Securing Property and Outbuildings

Securing garages and outbuildings is particularly important in Jasper County to prevent property theft. Simple motion-activated lighting can be a powerful deterrent for unwanted nocturnal activity.

Weather & Climate in Jasper County

via WeatherByCounty

Perfectly aligned with the national median temperature

Jasper County's 53.6°F average temperature sits almost exactly at the U.S. median. Its 45.1 inches of rain makes it wetter than the national average.

Slightly warmer than the Illinois state average

The county is 0.8°F warmer than the state average of 52.8°F. This reflects its position in the southeastern part of Illinois.

Wetter and warmer than northern Iroquois County

Jasper receives 45.1 inches of precipitation, which is over 5 inches more than Iroquois. It also experiences 24 extreme heat days, compared to only 16 in the north.

Moderate snowfall and warm, humid summers

The county averages 15.1 inches of snow and 24 days above 90°F. January temperatures average 28.6°F, which is milder than northern Illinois counties.

Prepare for wet springs and hot summers

With 45.1 inches of annual rain, basement waterproofing is a wise investment. Ensure HVAC systems can handle the 75.8°F July average and 24 heat days.

Soil Quality in Jasper County

via SoilByCounty

Jasper County's State-Standard Soil

Jasper County soil has a pH of 6.38, almost exactly matching the Illinois state average of 6.39. This makes it slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but still within a very productive range for Midwest farming. It represents a stable and familiar chemical profile for local growers.

Balanced Silt and Sand

The soil mix contains 59.5% silt, 21.5% sand, and 19.0% clay. The presence of over 20% sand is helpful for drainage and makes the soil easier to work with hand tools or machinery. This balance prevents the soil from becoming as heavy and unworkable as more clay-heavy neighbors.

Moisture Management Challenges

The organic matter level is 1.92%, which is lower than the state's 2.94% average. Additionally, the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is below the state average of 0.204 in/in. Growers may need to focus on soil-building practices like cover cropping to improve both nutrient levels and water retention.

Consistent Growing Conditions

Jasper County earns a soil score of 64.3, indicating it is reliable land even if it sits below the state average of 73.6. The sand content aids in drainage, which is a benefit for those building on this land or planting in early spring. It provides a solid, predictable foundation for most rural land uses.

Thriving in Zone 6b

In hardiness zone 6b, Jasper County is well-suited for a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables. The soil's texture is great for root crops like carrots and potatoes that prefer a bit of sand to grow straight and clean. It is an inviting environment for anyone looking to start a diverse home garden.

Lawn Care in Jasper County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Performance in Central Illinois

Jasper County earns a lawn difficulty score of 68.8, which is nearly identical to the Illinois state average. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers a standard Midwestern growing environment that is manageable for most residents.

Ample Rainfall for Thirsty Grass

Annual precipitation of 45.1 inches is robust, often reducing the need for supplemental watering compared to drier northern counties. The 24 extreme heat days are manageable, though the 3680 growing degree days still demand regular mowing attention.

Optimal pH and Texture Balance

Jasper County's soil pH of 6.38 is well within the ideal range for nutrient absorption. The soil contains 19.0% clay and 21.5% sand, a mix that generally offers better drainage than the heavier clay soils found elsewhere in the state.

Persistent Dry Spells to Watch

The county has spent 31 weeks in drought over the last year, with 18.9% currently classified as severe. While not as extreme as some neighbors, the 100% abnormally dry rating means you should monitor your lawn for signs of wilting.

A Broad Window for Planting

The frost-free period begins on April 13 and lasts until October 22, providing a generous window for turf establishment. Tall fescue is a reliable choice for this climate, offering both drought resistance and winter hardiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, Illinois has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Jasper County rank among counties in Illinois?
Jasper County ranks #23 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 Jasper County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Jasper County is $2,448, with an effective tax rate of 1.95%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, Illinois is $74,755 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 72.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, Illinois a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Jasper 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 Jasper County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.