Jefferson County's composite score of 63.3 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of all U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a county that offers genuine livability advantages compared to the typical American county.
2 / 5
Above average in Illinois
Jefferson County scores 63.3, edging out Illinois's state average of 62.1, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's counties. This positions it as a solid performer within the Illinois landscape.
3 / 5
Affordability is Jefferson's strong suit
The county excels with a cost score of 80.2, reflecting a median home value of $118,400 and rent at just $862/month—among the most affordable in the region. Combined with a reasonable 1.711% effective tax rate, Jefferson County delivers strong economic accessibility for budget-conscious families and retirees.
4 / 5
Income levels need attention
Jefferson County's income score of 23.3 is its most significant challenge, with a median household income of $61,102 trailing many peer counties. Limited data on safety, health, and schools leaves some livability questions unanswered.
5 / 5
Best for budget-first households
Jefferson County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and lower living costs over higher incomes. It's an ideal landing spot for those seeking economic breathing room in a stable Midwestern setting.
Jefferson County's composite score of 63.3 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of all U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a county that offers genuine livability advantages compared to the typical American county.
Above average in Illinois
Jefferson County scores 63.3, edging out Illinois's state average of 62.1, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's counties. This positions it as a solid performer within the Illinois landscape.
Affordability is Jefferson's strong suit
The county excels with a cost score of 80.2, reflecting a median home value of $118,400 and rent at just $862/month—among the most affordable in the region. Combined with a reasonable 1.711% effective tax rate, Jefferson County delivers strong economic accessibility for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Income levels need attention
Jefferson County's income score of 23.3 is its most significant challenge, with a median household income of $61,102 trailing many peer counties. Limited data on safety, health, and schools leaves some livability questions unanswered.
Best for budget-first households
Jefferson County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and lower living costs over higher incomes. It's an ideal landing spot for those seeking economic breathing room in a stable Midwestern setting.
Score breakdown
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🏛54.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.