countyscore
51.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 77.6Lawn Care 66.2

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Illinois

Above Average National Livability

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 51.7, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a quality of life that is competitive with many areas across the United States.

A Middle-of-the-Road Illinois Performer

Within Illinois, the county trails the state average composite score of 52.8 by just over one point. It remains a stable choice for residents looking for a typical Illinois living experience.

Strong Water Quality and Public Safety

The county excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and public safety with a score of 77.6. These factors create a secure environment for families in a region with very affordable $118,400 median home values.

Managing High Taxes and Climate Risk

The tax score of 6.8 is quite low, driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.711%. Additionally, the county faces environmental challenges with a risk score of 22.8.

A Secure Choice for Budget-Conscious Families

Jefferson County is best suited for families who prioritize safety and low housing costs. While taxes are higher than the national average, the low median rent of $862 helps balance the household budget.

Score breakdown

Tax6.8Cost49.4Safety77.6Health58.1Schools60.4Income42.3Risk22.8Water86Weather62.8
🏛6.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.2
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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55.9
Perry County
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Marion County
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Hamilton County
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Washington County
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Williamson County
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Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson's tax rate lags the nation

At 1.711%, Jefferson County's effective property tax rate sits below the national median of 1.825%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,026 annually compared to the national median of $2,690—about 25% less than the typical American household.

Below Illinois average, middle ranking

Jefferson County ranks 34th among Illinois's 102 counties by effective tax rate at 1.711%, beating the state average of 1.831%. Its median tax bill of $2,026 trails the state median of $2,782, making it slightly more affordable than most Illinois communities.

Most affordable in its region

Jefferson County offers the lowest effective rate among southern Illinois neighbors—outpacing Jersey County (1.752%) and Jo Daviess County (1.745%) by a narrow margin. Only Johnson County's exceptional 1.317% rate beats Jefferson, making this one of Illinois's most tax-friendly areas.

A $118,400 home costs $2,026 yearly

The median home in Jefferson County valued at $118,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,026. With mortgage insurance included, homeowners can expect to pay roughly $2,397 annually when factoring in insurance and escrow.

Many Jefferson homeowners could appeal

Research shows roughly 20% of homeowners statewide are assessed above market value. If you believe your assessment is unfair, filing an appeal during Illinois's open assessment window costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County rents strain budgets

Renters in Jefferson County spend 16.9% of household income on rent, higher than the U.S. average of about 15%. With a median household income of $61,102—nearly $14,000 below the national median—housing costs consume a meaningful share of paychecks here.

Above Illinois average on affordability stress

Jefferson County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Illinois's 14.7% state average, placing it in the less affordable tier among Illinois counties. Median rent of $862 is slightly higher than the state median of $837, yet household incomes lag behind state peers.

More expensive than southern Illinois peers

Jefferson County's $862 rent and $834 monthly owner cost exceed those in Knox County ($725 rent, $814 owner cost) to the north. Compared to Johnson County's bargain rent of $634, Jefferson residents pay roughly 36% more to rent.

Where Jefferson County dollars go

Renters average $862/month while homeowners pay $834/month, with both groups committing roughly one-sixth of income to housing. The median home value of $118,400 remains modest, but paired with lower household incomes, it still strains budgets relative to state averages.

Weighing options in Southern Illinois

If affordability is your priority, Johnson County offers lower rents ($634) and similar owner costs. For slightly more housing stock and comparable prices, explore Knox County or neighboring regions where your dollar stretches further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County Lags Behind National Average

Jefferson County's median household income of $61,102 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $13,650. This 18% gap means the typical household here earns considerably less than the average American family, reflecting regional economic challenges.

Below Average for Illinois

At $61,102, Jefferson County ranks below Illinois's state median of $68,580, placing it in the lower half of the state's 102 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,541 similarly trails the state average of $36,009.

Income Gap with Adjacent Counties

Jefferson County earns about $17,000 less than neighboring Jersey County ($79,104) and roughly $22,000 below Johnson County ($65,203). This income disparity reflects different economic bases and labor market conditions across the region.

Housing Remains Affordable Here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.9%, Jefferson County keeps housing costs manageable—well within the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $118,400 pairs with modest incomes to create one of the region's most accessible housing markets.

Build Financial Security in Jefferson

Despite lower incomes, Jefferson County residents benefit from affordable housing that frees resources for savings and investments. Starting an emergency fund and exploring employer retirement plans can help families build long-term wealth even on a more modest budget.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Maintains High Safety Scores

Jefferson County maintains a strong safety score of 99.2, indicating a high level of security for its citizens. Its total crime rate of 531.8 per 100,000 is less than a quarter of the national average.

Safer Than the Illinois Average

Jefferson is safer than the average Illinois county, with a crime rate significantly lower than the state mark of 835.0. Four reporting agencies ensure the data captures a representative slice of local safety.

Standout Safety Performance in the Region

The county stands out in the region for its relatively low crime volume compared to more urbanized neighbors. This creates a secure environment for families and local businesses alike.

Violent Crime Remains Very Low

Property crime accounts for 488.6 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is very low at 43.2. Residents are far less likely to experience violent crime here than in the average U.S. community.

Utilize Technology for Extra Security

Even with high safety scores, residents should not overlook basic home security. Using smart home technology to monitor deliveries and entrances helps keep these impressive numbers stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County lags on life expectancy

At 74.1 years, Jefferson County residents live roughly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.8%) report poor or fair health—well above the national average of 12%—signaling broader health challenges in the county.

Below Illinois average in longevity

Jefferson County's life expectancy of 74.1 years trails Illinois's 76.0-year state average by 1.9 years. This gap places Jefferson in the lower tier of Illinois counties when ranked by health outcomes.

Health lags similar Illinois counties

Jefferson's 74.1-year life expectancy falls behind neighboring Jersey County (74.7 years) and significantly trails high-performing counties like Kendall (80.5 years). The county's 18.8% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in its region.

Modest uninsured rate, primary care gaps

Just 6.0% of Jefferson County residents lack health insurance—slightly better than the state average of 6.3%—but access to primary care remains constrained with only 49 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health services are stronger, with 319 providers per 100,000.

Explore coverage options now

If you're among the uninsured or underinsured in Jefferson County, now is the time to investigate marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility. Local health departments and community health centers can guide you toward affordable coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Rural and Town Classrooms

Jefferson County manages a decentralized education system with 27 total public schools spread across 15 different districts. This infrastructure supports 5,435 students through 14 elementary schools, 7 high schools, and 2 middle schools. The presence of 15 districts for a modest student population reflects a highly localized approach to education.

Solid Performance with Efficient Spending

The county earns a school score of 59.6, slightly outpacing the Illinois state average of 58.1. While the graduation rate of 86.6% sits just below the national average of 87%, the county maintains efficiency with per-pupil spending at $10,642. This investment level is higher than the state average of $9,250 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000.

Mount Vernon Leads the County Districts

Mount Vernon SD 80 stands as the primary provider in the area, serving 1,509 students across four schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's 15 districts. Bluford Unit School District 318 also plays a key role, managing education for 377 students.

Quiet Campuses and Close-Knit Communities

Education here is primarily rural, with 17 schools in rural settings and 10 in town locales. The average school size is relatively small at 259 students, though Mount Vernon High School serves a much larger cohort of 1,210 students. At the smaller end, schools like Woodlawn Grade School offer a more intimate environment with just 315 students.

Invest in a Community That Values Education

Families looking for a localized, town-and-country school experience will find Jefferson County an appealing choice. As you explore homes in the area, consider how the proximity to high-performing schools like Rome Comm Cons Elem can impact your family's daily life and property value. Let local school quality guide your next real estate decision.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 77.23, Jefferson County ranks as relatively low risk but significantly exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46. This places the county in the higher-risk category nationally, driven primarily by severe earthquake and tornado exposure.

Higher-risk county in Illinois rankings

Jefferson County's 77.23 score ranks it among the riskier counties statewide, well above the state average of 54.46. The county's earthquake risk of 95.83 is particularly notable, putting it in the highest tier for seismic activity in the state.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Jefferson County's composite score of 77.23 exceeds neighboring Johnson County (51.08) and Knox County (57.16) significantly. Only Kane County to the north approaches similar risk levels, making Jefferson an outlier in the region for earthquake and tornado exposure.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate here

Earthquake risk reaches 95.83—nearly double the state average—while tornado risk stands at a substantial 79.07. Flooding poses moderate concern at 58.97, meaning residents face compound hazard exposure across multiple disaster types.

Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage now

Standard homeowners policies rarely cover earthquakes or tornadoes; Jefferson County residents should actively purchase separate earthquake insurance and ensure comprehensive storm coverage. With combined earthquake and tornado scores exceeding 170, reinforced foundation anchoring and a safe room for severe weather are practical investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median temperature

Jefferson's 54.5°F average temperature is higher than the national median of 53°F. It experiences a relatively wet climate with 44.9 inches of rain.

Exceeding the Illinois state temperature average

At 54.5°F, the county is 1.7°F warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It sits firmly in the warmer southern half of the state.

Much less snow than northern Henry County

Jefferson sees only 9.5 inches of snow, nearly 20 inches less than Henry County. Its precipitation is also higher than the state average of 41.7 inches.

Warm summers with three weeks of heat

July averages 76.5°F, including 21 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are relatively mild, with January temperatures averaging 30.1°F.

Focus on cooling and heavy rain management

Efficient air conditioning is key for the 21 extreme heat days. Residents should also be prepared for 44.9 inches of rain with proper roof and gutter care.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silts in Jefferson County

Jefferson County soils lean acidic with an average pH of 6.13, falling below the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomic data is unavailable, the overall soil score of 65.1 suggests a challenging environment compared to the Illinois state average of 73.6.

Silt-Heavy Composition and Low Clay

The soil contains a high 69.6% silt concentration paired with 19.8% clay and 10.5% sand. This silt-dominant mix provides a smooth texture that is easy to work, though it may be prone to erosion without proper cover.

High Water Capacity, Low Organic Matter

Organic matter content sits at 1.81%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity of 0.211 in/in is better than the state benchmark, meaning these soils hold onto moisture effectively during dry spells.

Regional Hydrology and Development

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. Given the low soil score and high silt content, builders and farmers should expect moderate permeability and prioritize drainage management.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

The local 6b hardiness zone allows for a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and sweet potatoes. Gardeners can overcome the lower organic matter by adding compost to boost the soil's natural fertility.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Jefferson County

Jefferson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 66.2, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. While this score sits slightly below the Illinois state average of 69.8, the 6b hardiness zone supports a wide variety of resilient turf types. Homeowners here face fewer challenges than most of the country, though local factors still require attention.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Southern Heat

The county receives 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. With 21 extreme heat days per year, Jefferson stays cooler than the state average of 27 days, reducing mid-summer stress on grass. A robust 3,832 growing degree days provide a long window for active turf development and recovery.

Balanced Soils for Root Strength

Soil pH sits at 6.13, placing it right at the lower edge of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for nutrient uptake. The ground contains roughly 19.8% clay and 10.5% sand, a mix that generally holds moisture well without becoming completely waterlogged. You may need light lime applications to keep the pH from dipping too far into the acidic range.

Managing Severe Drought Challenges

Despite good rainfall, the county experienced 29 weeks in drought over the past year, with 95.4% of the area currently facing severe conditions. You should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to combat these dry spells. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3 to 4 inches helps shade the soil and preserve vital moisture.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for this climate, offering the best balance of heat tolerance and winter hardiness. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 11 or before the first fall frost on October 22. Starting your lawn projects during these transition periods ensures your grass establishes itself before temperature extremes hit.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Illinois has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Illinois?
Jefferson County ranks #63 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 Jefferson County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $2,026, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 6.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Illinois is $61,102 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Illinois a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.