Jersey County's composite score of 63.7 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing counties nationwide. This solid performance signals a county with meaningful livability strengths.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Illinois average
Jersey County scores 63.7, marginally above the Illinois state average of 62.1, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents a reliably livable choice within Illinois.
3 / 5
Affordability and solid incomes shine
Jersey County combines a strong cost score of 78.8 with the region's best income score of 35.0, backed by a median household income of $79,104 and affordable rent at $794/month. This balanced approach to housing affordability and earning potential makes it attractive for working families.
4 / 5
Tax burden slightly elevated
Jersey County's tax score of 53.0 and effective tax rate of 1.752% are moderately higher than some rural peers. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for working families seeking balance
Jersey County appeals to families wanting both affordable housing and reasonable earning potential without premium price tags. It offers a balanced Midwestern lifestyle with good economic fundamentals.
Jersey County's composite score of 63.7 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing counties nationwide. This solid performance signals a county with meaningful livability strengths.
Slightly ahead of Illinois average
Jersey County scores 63.7, marginally above the Illinois state average of 62.1, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents a reliably livable choice within Illinois.
Affordability and solid incomes shine
Jersey County combines a strong cost score of 78.8 with the region's best income score of 35.0, backed by a median household income of $79,104 and affordable rent at $794/month. This balanced approach to housing affordability and earning potential makes it attractive for working families.
Tax burden slightly elevated
Jersey County's tax score of 53.0 and effective tax rate of 1.752% are moderately higher than some rural peers. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.
Perfect for working families seeking balance
Jersey County appeals to families wanting both affordable housing and reasonable earning potential without premium price tags. It offers a balanced Midwestern lifestyle with good economic fundamentals.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛53
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jersey County's effective tax rate of 1.752% sits modestly above the national median of 1.825%, placing it just below the midpoint nationwide. Residents pay a median of $2,957 in property taxes—about 10% more than the typical American household.
Slightly below Illinois average statewide
At 1.752%, Jersey County ranks 33rd among Illinois's 102 counties, sitting just below the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $2,957 exceeds the state median by about 6%, putting it near the middle tier of Illinois communities.
Middle ground in southern Illinois
Jersey County's 1.752% rate falls between Jefferson County (1.711%) and Jo Daviess County (1.745%), making it a typical southern Illinois option. The county's median tax of $2,957 is substantially higher than neighboring Johnson County at $1,952, reflecting higher home values.
A $168,800 home costs $2,957 yearly
The median home in Jersey County valued at $168,800 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,957. With mortgage and insurance, homeowners typically pay about $3,268 annually through escrow accounts.
Assessment appeals available every year
One in five Illinois homeowners may be paying taxes on inflated assessments. Jersey County residents dissatisfied with their valuation can appeal during the designated assessment window—a free process that often results in meaningful savings.
Jersey County renters spend just 12.0% of income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $79,104—above the U.S. median of $74,755—housing costs here represent one of Illinois's strongest affordability positions.
Illinois's most affordable county ranking
At 12.0% rent-to-income, Jersey County ranks among the most affordable in Illinois compared to the state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $794 undercuts the state median of $837, making it a sweet spot for budget-conscious families.
Cheaper rents than Jo Daviess County
Jersey County's $794 rent is lower than neighboring Jo Daviess County's $795, while homeownership costs diverge: Jersey owners pay $1,013/month versus Jo Daviess at $1,063. Both counties offer strong affordability compared to their respective household incomes.
Jersey County's housing balance
Renters pay $794/month while homeowners average $1,013/month, consuming roughly 12% and 15% of income respectively. The median home value of $168,800 is accessible for moderate-income buyers, supported by the county's relatively strong $79,104 median household income.
A rare Illinois affordability win
Jersey County delivers strong affordability for both renters and homeowners, with household incomes above state average and housing costs below state median. If you're relocating within Illinois, this county offers genuine breathing room in your housing budget.
Jersey County's median household income of $79,104 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by roughly $4,350. This outperformance ranks the county in the upper half nationally, signaling a relatively strong local economy.
Top Tier in Illinois
Jersey County's $79,104 median income places it well above Illinois's state median of $68,580—about 15% higher than average. The county's per capita income of $38,238 also exceeds the state average of $36,009.
Jersey County Leads Neighboring Regions
Jersey County outearns nearby Jefferson County by $17,000 and surpasses Johnson County by about $13,900. Only Kane County and Kendall County significantly exceed Jersey's income levels within the broader region.
Strong Earnings Support Homeownership
Jersey County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates excellent housing affordability—among the best in the region. Median home values of $168,800 remain reasonable relative to household earnings, enabling family stability and wealth building.
Invest Your Jersey County Advantage
With incomes above regional and national averages, Jersey County households are well-positioned to invest beyond basic homeownership. Consider diversifying into stocks, bonds, and education investments to compound wealth across generations.
Jersey County's life expectancy of 74.7 years falls about 4 years short of the national average of 78.9 years. With 16.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county significantly exceeds the national average of 12%.
Life expectancy below state average
At 74.7 years, Jersey County ranks below Illinois's 76.0-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The uninsured rate of 5.2%, however, beats the state average of 6.3%.
Mixed outcomes in regional peer group
Jersey County's 74.7-year life expectancy matches nearby Jefferson County but trails high-performing Jo Daviess (79.9 years) and Kendall (80.5 years) by significant margins. The county's 16.6% poor/fair health rate sits mid-range for the region.
Better-than-average coverage, limited specialists
At 5.2%, Jersey County's uninsured rate is better than state average, but primary care access is modest with 47 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health provider availability at 133 per 100,000 lags behind comparable counties.
Keep your coverage strong
Jersey County residents already have relatively good insurance coverage, but gaps remain for some. Check whether your current plan meets your family's needs or explore marketplace options if circumstances change.
At 18.86, Jersey County's composite risk score ranks among the lowest in Illinois and well below the state average of 54.46. This very low risk rating reflects relatively minimal exposure to most natural hazards, though earthquake risk remains a statewide consideration.
Safest disaster risk in Illinois
Jersey County ranks as one of the lowest-risk counties statewide with a score of just 18.86 versus the state average of 54.46. The county's wildfire risk of 0.48 is nearly nonexistent, and tornado and flood risks remain substantially below statewide norms.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Jersey County's 18.86 score is dramatically lower than Jo Daviess County (51.30) to the north and Jefferson County (77.23) to the east. Among regional peers, Jersey stands out as the safest choice for disaster risk exposure.
Tornado and earthquake are minor concerns
Jersey County's highest individual risk scores are tornado (38.07) and earthquake (64.28), both well below statewide averages. Flood risk of 18.03 and wildfire risk near zero suggest this county experiences minimal multi-hazard exposure compared to neighbors.
Standard coverage generally sufficient here
Jersey County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider adding earthquake coverage as a cost-effective precaution given statewide seismic activity, but major natural disaster preparedness is less urgent than in higher-risk counties.