countyscore
60.8
County Score
Safety 88Health 83.7Schools 79.3

County Report Card

About Jo Daviess County, Illinois

High National Livability Ranking

Jo Daviess County reaches a composite score of 60.8, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. It is one of the higher-performing counties in the Midwest for overall quality of life.

A Top-Tier Illinois Destination

With a score of 60.8, the county significantly exceeds the state average of 52.8. It stands out as a regional leader in health, safety, and educational metrics.

Superior Health and Community Safety

The county boasts impressive scores in safety (88.0), health (83.7), and schools (79.3). These high marks support a thriving community where median home values reach $193,900.

Water Infrastructure and Tax Pressures

Water quality and infrastructure score 43.2, which is lower than other dimensions in the county. Residents also face a tax score of 6.2, reflecting a 1.745% effective rate.

Perfect for Families and Retirees

Jo Daviess County is ideal for those seeking a safe, healthy environment with excellent schools. It is a premium choice for residents who value community well-being over the lowest possible tax rate.

Score breakdown

Tax6.2Cost45.4Safety88Health83.7Schools79.3Income77.2Risk48.7Water43.2Weather54
🏛6.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓79.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.2
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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54
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45.4
Carroll County
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Deep Dives

Jo Daviess County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Jo Daviess County

via CrimeByCounty

Jo Daviess is among the nation's safest counties

With a total crime rate of only 259.7 per 100,000, Jo Daviess County is far below the national average of 2,385.5. The county boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.6.

Leading Illinois in public safety metrics

The county's safety score of 99.6 outpaces the Illinois state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 259.7 is less than a third of the state average of 835.0, marking it as a top-tier safe haven in the state.

A quiet outlier in Northwest Illinois

Across eight reporting agencies, the county maintains remarkably low crime activity compared to regional hubs. Its violent crime rate of 18.2 is exceptionally low when compared to the national average of 369.8.

Minimal violent crime reported in 2022

Property crime accounts for 241.5 of the 259.7 total crimes per 100,000 residents, showing that violent incidents are extremely rare. This suggests that the majority of police activity involves minor theft or property disputes rather than physical threats.

Protecting your property in a safe zone

While crime is low, locking doors and securing outbuildings helps maintain the county's high safety standing. Simple home security awareness remains the best defense against the minor property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Jo Daviess County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Rural Educational Landscape

Jo Daviess County features a robust educational network of 20 public schools serving 3,121 total students. The system is distributed across 7 districts and includes 6 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 8 high schools. This variety ensures that students across the county's diverse geography have access to specialized learning levels.

High Achievement and Strong Investment

The county excels with a graduation rate of 91.9%, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. Investment is a priority here, with per-pupil spending reaching $12,337, which is nearly $3,000 more than the Illinois state average. This commitment is reflected in an impressive composite school score of 66.1.

Galena and East Dubuque Lead the Way

Galena USD 120 is the county's largest district, managing 3 schools and 822 students, while East Dubuque USD 119 serves 637 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus. River Ridge CUSD 210 also supports the region with 3 schools serving 460 students.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

With 15 of 20 schools located in rural areas, the county offers a peaceful, low-density learning environment. The average school size is just 184 students, providing a level of individual attention that is rare in larger counties. East Dubuque Elementary is the largest single school with 348 students, while most others are significantly smaller.

Relocate to a Top-Tier School District

Jo Daviess County is a premier destination for families who value high academic standards and small class sizes. The high graduation rates and generous per-pupil funding make this area an excellent long-term investment for your children's future. Explore available homes near Galena or East Dubuque to secure a spot in these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Jo Daviess County

via WeatherByCounty

A cool northern continental climate

With an average annual temperature of 47.4°F, Jo Daviess is significantly cooler than the national median. This region experiences a true four-season climate defined by brisk air and heavy winter accumulation.

Among the coldest counties in Illinois

The county's 47.4°F average is over five degrees colder than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It sits near the bottom of the state temperature rankings, emphasizing its northern latitude.

Coldest in the regional comparison

Jo Daviess is much colder than Kane County, which averages 49.5°F. It also records 34.6 inches of snow, far surpassing the 12.5 inches seen in Jersey County to the south.

Heavy snow and mild summers

Winter is rigorous here, with temperatures averaging just 22.6°F and delivering 34.6 inches of snow. Conversely, summers are comfortable, featuring only 8 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Prepare for significant winter weather

High-quality snow removal equipment and heavy-duty winter apparel are essential for the 34.6-inch annual snowfall. Homeowners can focus more on heating efficiency than extreme summer cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jo Daviess County

via SoilByCounty

Representative Illinois Soil Profile

Jo Daviess County perfectly matches the state average pH of 6.39, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5. This slightly acidic profile is typical for the region and supports a wide variety of native prairie and forest species.

Granular Silt and Moderate Sand

The composition includes 17.6% sand and 62.3% silt, creating a more porous mix than some southern neighbors. This 20.1% clay content helps maintain enough structure to prevent nutrients from washing away during heavy rains.

Strong Organic Matter in the North

The soil contains 2.38% organic matter, surpassing the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, this land is well-suited for high-yield gardening and sustainable farming.

Analyzing Upland Soil Quality

Though specific taxonomic and drainage data are missing, the county's soil score of 75.4 outperforms the state average. This suggests that the land generally manages water well and provides a solid base for various land uses.

Hardy Options for Zone 5a

As one of the cooler regions in the state, Zone 5a is perfect for cool-season crops like kale, peas, and potatoes. The balanced pH ensures that most garden favorites will thrive with minimal lime amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jo Daviess County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Climates in Northern Illinois

Jo Daviess County maintains a solid lawn difficulty score of 69.2, aligning closely with the Illinois state average. As a 5a hardiness zone, this region faces much colder winters than southern neighbors but enjoys significantly cooler summers. This makes it a primary environment for traditional cool-season grasses like fine fescues.

Low Heat Stress and Efficient Growth

With only 8 days of extreme heat per year, lawns here avoid the scorching stress found elsewhere in the state. The region receives 39.2 inches of rain annually, which is ample for sustaining turf without constant watering. A shorter growing window of 2,770 growing degree days means you will spend less time mowing than residents in warmer counties.

Solid Soil with Good Drainage Potential

The soil pH of 6.39 is squarely within the ideal range, ensuring your grass can access the nutrients it needs. A mix of 20.1% clay and 17.6% sand suggests a relatively balanced texture that supports root growth. These properties minimize the need for aggressive soil correction or specialty drainage projects.

Enduring the Dry Northern Winters

The county spent 43 weeks in drought over the past year, showing that even cool climates face significant moisture challenges. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, making supplemental watering critical during dry autumns. Focus on building organic matter in your soil to increase its water-holding capacity during these extended dry periods.

Planting for a Shorter Growing Season

Because your growing season is shorter, aim to seed between the April 27 spring frost and the October 9 fall frost. Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in these cooler temperatures and fewer heat days. Early fall is your best bet for seeding, allowing the lawn to establish before the zone 5a winter sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jo Daviess County's county score?
Jo Daviess County, Illinois has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Jo Daviess County rank among counties in Illinois?
Jo Daviess County ranks #19 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 Jo Daviess County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Jo Daviess County is $3,383, with an effective tax rate of 1.74%. This earns Jo Daviess County a tax score of 6.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jo Daviess County?
The median household income in Jo Daviess County, Illinois is $74,954 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jo Daviess County earns an income score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jo Daviess County, Illinois a good place to live?
Jo Daviess County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.