CountyScore

Jo Daviess County

Illinois · IL

#40 in Illinois
65.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Jo Daviess scores solidly above median

Jo Daviess County's composite score of 63.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0, confirming its position as a livable county relative to the nation. This score reflects meaningful advantages in cost and tax efficiency.

Slightly above the Illinois norm

Jo Daviess County scores 63.0, just above Illinois's state average of 62.1, placing it in the solid middle of the state's county rankings. It represents dependable livability within Illinois.

Rural affordability with decent income

Jo Daviess County shines with a cost score of 78.0, offering rent at $795/month and homes averaging $193,900, paired with an income score of 32.3 and household income of $74,954. This combination attracts those seeking rural charm with economic stability.

Limited income growth potential

Jo Daviess County's income score of 32.3 suggests more modest earning opportunities relative to some peer counties. Data gaps on safety, health, and schools prevent a fuller picture of livability.

Ideal for rural-minded, income-stable families

Jo Daviess County suits families and professionals with stable incomes seeking a rural, affordable lifestyle in northern Illinois. It rewards those who value community and lower costs over rapid income growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax53.2Cost78SafetyComing SoonHealth78.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.3Risk48.7WaterComing Soon
🏛53.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jo Daviess County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Kenton County
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Somerset County
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Median income: $52,462

Deep Dives

Jo Daviess County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jo Daviess County

via TaxByCounty

Jo Daviess taxes exceed U.S. norm

Jo Daviess County's effective rate of 1.745% edges slightly above the national median of 1.825%, placing it near the midpoint of American counties. Its median property tax of $3,383 runs 26% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting higher home values in the area.

Below average among Illinois counties

Jo Daviess ranks 32nd among Illinois's 102 counties with a 1.745% rate, besting the state average of 1.831% slightly. Yet its median tax of $3,383 significantly exceeds the state median of $2,782, indicating higher property valuations.

Higher values drive higher taxes here

Jo Daviess County's 1.745% effective rate ranks lowest among its region's prominent counties, yet its $3,383 median tax is the highest due to higher home values ($193,900 median). This demonstrates how property value, not just tax rate, determines your final bill.

A $193,900 home costs $3,383 yearly

The median Jo Daviess home valued at $193,900 carries an estimated annual property tax of $3,383. Full costs including mortgage insurance reach approximately $3,468 annually through escrow.

Jo Daviess homeowners should verify assessments

With higher home values, assessment accuracy becomes even more critical to managing your tax burden. If your home hasn't changed substantially yet your assessment jumped, filing a free appeal could recover hundreds in annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jo Daviess County

via CostByCounty

Jo Daviess County matches national affordability

Jo Daviess County renters spend 12.7% of income on rent, just below the U.S. average of roughly 15%. With household income of $74,954—nearly matching the national median of $74,755—housing costs here track closely with national norms, offering stability for middle-income households.

Better than Illinois average, above state median rent

Jo Daviess County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Illinois's 14.7% state average, positioning it in the more affordable tier. Though median rent of $795 sits just below the state median of $837, housing costs remain manageable relative to income.

Competitive with Jersey County next door

Jo Daviess County's $795 rent and $1,063 owner cost are nearly identical to Jersey County ($794 rent, $1,013 owner cost), though Jo Daviess median home values reach $193,900 compared to Jersey's $168,800. Both counties offer similar rent affordability with Jo Daviess favoring higher-value properties.

Housing costs in Jo Daviess County

Renters pay $795/month while homeowners average $1,063/month, representing roughly 13% and 17% of household income respectively. The median home value of $193,900 commands higher owner costs, yet household income of $74,954 keeps the overall burden reasonable.

A solid choice for rural Illinois living

Jo Daviess County offers better-than-state-average affordability with incomes aligned to national medians, making it attractive for remote workers or retirees. Compare its higher home values and modest rents with Jersey County to the south if you're evaluating the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jo Daviess County

via IncomeByCounty

Jo Daviess Matches the National Baseline

Jo Daviess County's median household income of $74,954 nearly mirrors the national median of $74,755. This alignment suggests the county maintains economic competitiveness with the broader U.S. labor market.

Above-Average Earnings Statewide

At $74,954, Jo Daviess County exceeds Illinois's state median of $68,580 by about $6,370. The county's per capita income of $42,797 also outpaces the state average of $36,009, indicating higher individual earning power.

Solid Performance Among Regional Peers

Jo Daviess County earns about $5,000 more than Johnson County and roughly $10,000 less than Jersey County. Its income profile places it firmly in the middle-to-upper range of northern Illinois counties.

Rent Costs Remain Well-Balanced

Jo Daviess County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% ranks among the most affordable in the region. Median home values of $193,900 represent a reasonable investment relative to household incomes here.

Build Wealth in Jo Daviess County

Incomes at the national average give Jo Daviess households the foundation to move beyond basic living expenses. Focus on maximizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts and building a diversified investment portfolio for long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jo Daviess County

via HealthByCounty

Jo Daviess County outpaces national average

With a life expectancy of 79.9 years, Jo Daviess County residents live nearly 1 year longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Only 14.5% report poor or fair health, beating the national average of 12% by a slim margin.

Strong health outcomes statewide

Jo Daviess County's 79.9-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Illinois's 76.0-year state average by roughly 4 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. This upper-tier performance holds even as the uninsured rate sits slightly above state average at 7.2%.

Among Illinois's healthiest counties

Jo Daviess ranks among the state's top performers, with a 79.9-year life expectancy that trails only Kendall County (80.5 years) in the wider region. The county's 14.5% poor/fair health rate is among the region's best.

Higher uninsured rate despite good health

Despite excellent health outcomes, 7.2% of Jo Daviess County residents lack insurance—above the state average of 6.3%—suggesting coverage gaps among otherwise healthy populations. Primary care providers (46 per 100,000) are modest, and mental health services (110 per 100,000) are limited.

Close the coverage gap

Jo Daviess County's uninsured rate indicates room for improvement in health coverage. Reach out to local health clinics or check marketplace plans to ensure all residents have protection against unexpected medical costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jo Daviess County

via RiskByCounty

Jo Daviess County sits at state average risk

With a composite score of 51.30, Jo Daviess County tracks nearly in line with Illinois's state average of 54.46, indicating relatively moderate exposure. The county's profile reflects balanced risk across multiple hazard types rather than extreme vulnerability to any single threat.

Middle-of-pack risk among Illinois counties

Jo Daviess County's 51.30 score places it right at the state median, neither among the safest nor the riskiest counties in Illinois. Tornado risk of 68.80 and flood risk of 58.52 drive the county's overall exposure, both approaching statewide averages.

Moderate risk in a safer region

Jo Daviess County's 51.30 score exceeds the very safe Jersey County (18.86) but remains well below higher-risk Kane County (94.59) to the south. Among northern Illinois counties, Jo Daviess represents typical mid-tier disaster exposure.

Tornadoes and floods are primary hazards

Tornado risk of 68.80 and flood risk of 58.52 represent Jo Daviess County's most significant natural disaster threats. Wildfire risk of 21.47 is moderate, while earthquake exposure of 28.05 remains relatively low compared to downstate counties.

Comprehensive tornado and flood preparation essential

Jo Daviess County residents should maintain robust flood insurance and ensure their homeowners policy covers tornado damage or purchase a separate rider. Developing a tornado shelter plan and keeping emergency supplies readily accessible are practical steps given the county's above-average storm risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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