countyscore
59.7
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.

Score breakdown

Tax4.1Cost59.9Safety61.8Health82.9Schools75.7Income69.1Risk79.6Water86Weather57.5
🏛4.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.8
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

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Clay County
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Richland County
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Effingham County
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Crawford County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jasper County

via CostByCounty

Jasper County delivers solid rental affordability

At 12.9%, Jasper County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below both the national 30% affordability standard and Illinois's 14.7% state average. With above-median household income ($71,094) and moderate rents ($766), renters enjoy substantial housing cost flexibility.

Above-average income, below-average burden

Jasper County's $766 median rent sits below the state's $837 average, while its $71,094 median household income ranks among the highest in this group. The resulting 12.9% rent-to-income ratio places it among Illinois's most affordable counties relative to earning power.

Strong income supports moderate rent costs

Jasper County's $71,094 median income is the second-highest in this region, paired with reasonable $766 rents that create one of the lowest burden ratios. Only Hardin County offers better overall affordability, achieved through dramatically lower rents rather than higher incomes.

Rent takes just 12.9% of income

With median household income of $71,094, residents pay $766 monthly rent (12.9% of income), leaving strong purchasing power for other needs. Homeowners spend $849 monthly on properties valued at $122,900, balancing affordability with wealth-building potential.

Balanced living for career-focused movers

Jasper County combines above-average income, moderate housing costs, and strong affordability—ideal for professionals balancing career opportunity and financial breathing room. Compare it against peers to confirm it matches your income and lifestyle priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jasper County

via HealthByCounty

Jasper County exceeds national health benchmarks

At 77.8 years, Jasper County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, representing a 1.4-year advantage. With only 14.6% reporting poor or fair health compared to 17.3% nationally, Jasper delivers some of the best health outcomes in the comparison group.

Top health performer in Illinois

Jasper County's 77.8-year life expectancy ranks among the state's highest, exceeding Illinois's 76.0-year average by 1.8 years. Its 6.0% uninsured rate matches state average, ensuring solid health coverage alongside strong longevity.

Regional health leader among peer counties

Jasper's 77.8-year life expectancy is the highest in its group, edging out Henry County (77.4) and Hancock County (77.3). Its 14.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among regional peers, reflecting genuinely robust population health.

Mental health access exceptional, primary care scarce

Jasper County provides an extraordinary 459 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, far exceeding typical rural capacity and supporting strong psychiatric services. However, it offers only 11 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest in its peer group—creating potential care coordination challenges.

Build on Jasper's health advantages

Jasper County's excellent longevity reflects strong community health practices; keep your insurance current to maintain this advantage. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to find plans and ensure you can access both mental health and primary care services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jasper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success in Jasper County

Jasper County serves 1,196 students through a concise network of seven public schools and three districts. The landscape is primarily managed by one large unit district and includes elementary, middle, and high school levels. This focused infrastructure ensures that resources are concentrated on a handful of high-performing campuses.

Outperforming State Averages with Smart Spending

Jasper County achieves a high 92.0% graduation rate, beating the Illinois state average of 88.8%. With a school score of 60.4 and per-pupil spending of $9,680, the county provides an education that is both high-achieving and well-funded. These metrics demonstrate a strong return on the community's investment in its public schools.

Jasper County CUD 1: The Primary Provider

Jasper County CUD 1 is the heart of the local school system, managing four schools and the entire student population of 1,196. The county does not host any charter schools, maintaining a 100% commitment to traditional public education. This single-district dominance allows for a consistent and community-oriented educational experience.

A Close-Knit Town and Rural Mix

The county's seven schools are split between rural (4) and town (3) settings, offering a quintessential small-town Illinois feel. With an average school size of 299 students, children benefit from a high degree of individual attention. Enrollment ranges from Newton Elementary's 487 students to the smaller Ste Marie Elementary with 132 students.

Secure Your Future in a Strong School District

With a 92.0% graduation rate and strong school scores, Jasper County is an excellent choice for families seeking educational stability. The unified district model makes finding a home in a good school zone straightforward and predictable. Explore the local real estate market to find a home in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jasper County

via RiskByCounty

Jasper County's protective position

Jasper County scores 20.42 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits significantly below Illinois' state average of 54.46. Your county experiences roughly 62% less natural disaster risk than typical state communities, positioning it among America's safer counties for natural disasters. This favorable standing reflects below-average exposure across most major hazard types.

Well below-average risk in Illinois

Jasper County ranks among Illinois' safest counties by composite score, placing it in the bottom quartile of state hazard exposure. At 20.42, your county's risk score is roughly one-third the state average of 54.46, indicating substantially lower vulnerability than most Illinois communities. This protective position reflects consistently low or moderate scores across flood, wildfire, tornado, and hurricane hazards.

Safer than most nearby counties

Jasper County's 20.42 risk score sits between Hardin County (8.30), the region's safest, and Hancock County (31.08) to the north. Compared to Henry County (57.09) and especially Jackson County (87.12), Jasper offers dramatically better protection—roughly one-third and one-quarter the risk respectively. This variation suggests that local geography significantly shapes disaster vulnerability across south-central Illinois.

Hurricanes and earthquakes rank highest

Hurricanes present the highest relative risk at 32.42, reflecting Jasper's location where tropical storm remnants can reach inland Illinois with diminished but still dangerous wind and rain. Earthquakes rank second at 75.60, though actual tremors remain infrequent—the moderate score reflects regional seismic hazard rather than historical frequency. Flooding (28.37) and tornadoes (29.36) pose secondary but real risks worth preparing for.

Practical protection in a safe county

While Jasper County faces lower overall risk, comprehensive homeowners insurance with adequate replacement cost coverage remains essential—hurricanes and tornadoes can still cause significant damage. Establish a tornado safety plan: identify shelter locations, practice emergency procedures annually, and stay weather-alert during spring and early summer. Consider earthquake coverage as a low-cost add-on; at 75.60, the risk warrants peace of mind, and policies are typically inexpensive in low-risk counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, Illinois has a composite county score of 59.7 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 Jasper County rank among counties in Illinois?
Jasper County ranks #24 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 $2,341, with an effective tax rate of 1.90%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 4.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, Illinois is $71,094 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, Illinois a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 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.

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