countyscore
53.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 82.7Disaster Risk 81.2

County Report Card

About Jersey County, Illinois

Outperforming the National Median

Jersey County scores 53.4 on the composite index, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a robust local economy and a resilient environment.

Leading the Illinois State Average

The county sits above the Illinois state average of 52.8, making it a competitive regional choice. It balances high income potential with a stable landscape better than many of its neighbors.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

Jersey County shines with an income score of 82.7 and an environmental risk score of 81.2. The median household income of $79,104 provides a strong foundation for local families.

Taxes and School Performance Opportunities

A tax score of 6.0 indicates a heavy burden, with an effective tax rate of 1.752%. School scores also sit at 47.5, suggesting there is room for growth in educational outcomes.

Ideal for Professionals Seeking Stability

This county is a great fit for established professionals who value a high-income environment with low environmental risk. It rewards those who can navigate Illinois's standard property tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax6Cost47.3Safety70.1Health68.9Schools47.5Income82.7Risk81.2Water86Weather54.1
🏛6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.6
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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Deep Dives

Jersey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jersey County

via TaxByCounty

Jersey's rate slightly above U.S. median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jersey County

via CostByCounty

Jersey County beats U.S. housing affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jersey County

via IncomeByCounty

Jersey County Exceeds National Income Median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jersey County

via CrimeByCounty

Jersey County maintains a high national safety profile

Jersey County reports a total crime rate of 703.5 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Beating the Illinois average safety score

The county's safety score of 98.9 sits just above the Illinois state average of 98.7. With a total crime rate of 703.5, Jersey County remains safer than the typical Illinois community, which averages 835.0 crimes per 100,000 people.

Low crime rates relative to the region

Jersey County's crime footprint is less than one-third of the national total crime rate. While local property crime sits at 591.7 per 100,000, it remains highly competitive compared to more urbanized neighbors in the Metro East area.

Violent crime remains rare in Jersey County

The local violent crime rate is just 111.8 per 100,000, which is less than a third of the national violent average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 591.7 per 100,000 residents.

Focus on property security to stay safe

Since property crime is the primary concern for local law enforcement, simple deterrents like porch cameras and motion lights are highly effective. Residents should remain vigilant to keep these low crime rates stable across the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jersey County

via HealthByCounty

Jersey County trails U.S. health benchmarks

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jersey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Jersey County

Jersey County operates a focused educational landscape with 11 public schools consolidated into just two primary districts. These schools serve a total enrollment of 2,439 students, utilizing a structure of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 7 high school programs. This consolidated model allows for a high concentration of resources within a small number of facilities.

Competitive Outcomes on a Lean Budget

Jersey County achieves an 86% graduation rate, which is just one point shy of the national average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $8,202—well below both the state average of $9,250 and the national average of $13,000—the county maintains a school score of 54.0. These figures suggest a high level of fiscal efficiency in delivering core educational services.

Jersey CUSD 100 Powers Local Education

Jersey CUSD 100 is the dominant force in the county, overseeing 6 schools and nearly the entire student population with 2,432 enrollees. The county does not host any charter schools, relying entirely on traditional public districts. The Region III Spec Ed Coop provides additional support services through five specialized school programs.

Town-Centered Schools with Regional Reach

Eight of the county's 11 schools are located in town settings, creating a centralized feel for the 2,439 students. The average school size is 407 students, led by Jersey Comm High School, which hosts 1,006 students. Smaller options like Grafton Elementary School provide a more personal touch with an enrollment of 174.

Find Your Home in Jersey CUSD 100

For those seeking a community where the school district is the heart of the town, Jersey County offers a compelling case. Moving near central institutions like Jerseyville East Elementary can provide your children with a stable and consistent educational path. Start your home search today in a county that prioritizes streamlined, efficient public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jersey County

via RiskByCounty

Jersey County offers the safest risk profile

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jersey County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Jersey County maintains an average annual temperature of 53.4°F, positioning it slightly above the national median for humidity and warmth. This climate represents a classic transition zone between the cooler northern states and the humid subtropics.

Above the Illinois state average

The county's 53.4°F average temperature exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It records 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than the state-wide average of 41.7 inches.

A warmer choice than northern neighbors

Jersey County is significantly warmer than Jo Daviess County to the north, which averages only 47.4°F. While neighbors in the Chicago area face much heavier snowfall, Jersey sees a more moderate 12.5 inches annually.

Hot summers and mild winters

Summer heat is intense with 29 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. Winter remains relatively mild for the region, with an average December-to-February temperature of 30.9°F.

Prioritize cooling and rain management

Residents should invest in robust air conditioning to handle the 29 extreme heat days each year. Property owners also need reliable drainage systems to manage the 42.2 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jersey County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soils Near the River

Jersey County features an average pH of 6.48, which sits perfectly near the national median of 6.5 and is higher than the Illinois average. This balanced acidity creates a versatile environment for a wide range of agricultural activities.

A Silty Mix with Moderate Clay

The soil is comprised of 69.1% silt and 23.3% clay, with a very low sand content of 7.6%. This high silt-to-clay ratio ensures excellent nutrient retention and a stable soil structure for planting.

Steady Growth and High Moisture Retention

With 2.14% organic matter, these soils outperform the national average but fall behind the high Illinois state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.209 in/in provides a reliable reservoir for crops during the summer months.

Predicting Local Soil Movement

While specific drainage and hydrologic data are limited, the county's soil score of 75.6 is slightly above the state average. This indicates high-quality land that likely supports efficient water movement and stable foundations.

Versatile Planting in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone and balanced pH make Jersey County ideal for growing orchard fruits like peaches and apples. Local gardeners should take advantage of the high water capacity to establish deep-rooted perennial vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jersey County

via LawnByCounty

Jersey County Outperforms the State Average

With a lawn difficulty score of 74.6, Jersey County offers one of the more favorable environments for turfgrass in Illinois. This score exceeds both the national median and the state average of 69.8, indicating a high probability of lawn care success. The 6b hardiness zone provides a versatile climate that supports both cool-season and some transitional grasses.

High Heat and Consistent Precipitation

The county sees 29 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly higher than the Illinois average of 27. To compensate, the area receives a healthy 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, keeping soil moisture levels stable. These 3,714 growing degree days ensure a vigorous growing season for local landscapes.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

Jersey County features a favorable soil pH of 6.48, which is nearly perfect for lawn health. The soil composition includes 23.3% clay, providing a sturdy foundation that retains nutrients better than sandier regions. This balance reduces the need for heavy chemical amendments or frequent fertilization.

Steady Moisture Despite Dry Spells

While the county saw 26 weeks in drought over the last year, none of the area is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. This lack of extreme water stress makes it easier to maintain lush green cover without excessive irrigation. Using mulch-mowing techniques can further improve your lawn's resilience by returning moisture and nutrients to the soil.

Time Your Planting for Jersey County

The window between the April 14 spring frost and the October 19 fall frost is the prime time for lawn establishment. Tall fescue is highly recommended here due to its ability to handle those 29 days of extreme summer heat. Start your renovations in early autumn to give new roots time to dive deep before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jersey County's county score?
Jersey County, Illinois has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Jersey County rank among counties in Illinois?
Jersey County ranks #55 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 Jersey County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Jersey County is $2,957, with an effective tax rate of 1.75%. This earns Jersey County a tax score of 6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jersey County?
The median household income in Jersey County, Illinois is $79,104 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jersey County earns an income score of 82.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jersey County, Illinois a good place to live?
Jersey County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Jersey 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 Jersey 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.