countyscore
40.6
County Score
Soil Quality 82.8Lawn Care 72.1Income & Jobs 71.8

County Report Card

About LaSalle County, Illinois

Affordable Living Below Median

LaSalle County’s composite score of 40.6 falls notably behind the national median of 50.0. While housing is more accessible than in urban centers, environmental and tax factors impact its standing.

Struggling Against State Benchmarks

The county ranks below the Illinois state average of 52.8. A combination of low water quality scores and high property taxes contributes to this lower state-wide standing.

Strong Incomes and Low Rents

LaSalle performs well in income with a score of 71.8 and a median household income of $72,281. Renters find relief here, as the median gross rent is a manageable $906 per month.

Infrastructure and Data Gaps

Safety data is currently unavailable, but the county faces a low water score of 15.3 and a tax score of 2.1. The 2.154% effective tax rate remains high compared to national averages.

Best for Budget-Conscious Workers

LaSalle suits working families who need lower housing costs without moving too far from industrial and agricultural hubs. It is a practical choice for those prioritizing income-to-rent ratios.

Score breakdown

Tax2.1Cost36.3SafetyComing SoonHealth65.9Schools59Income71.8Risk13.9Water15.3Weather51.4
🏛2.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨82.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.1
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

Putnam County
Illinois
59.3
Marshall County
Illinois
54.9
Bureau County
Illinois
45.7
Grundy County
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Livingston County
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Kendall County
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Lee County
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Woodford County
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Deep Dives

LaSalle County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in LaSalle County

via TaxByCounty

LaSalle County taxes above national norm

LaSalle County's effective tax rate of 2.154% sits comfortably above the national median of 2.690%, placing it in the upper tax burden tier. The median annual tax of $3,336 exceeds the national median of $2,690 despite a lower-than-average home value.

Well above Illinois average tax rate

LaSalle County's 2.154% effective rate outpaces Illinois's state average of 1.831% by 32 percentage points. Its median tax bill of $3,336 surpasses the state average of $2,782.

LaSalle taxes more than most peers

LaSalle County's rate of 2.154% exceeds neighboring Livingston County (2.180%) narrowly, but significantly outpaces Lee County (1.921%) and Logan County (1.839%). Regional tax burdens vary considerably across central Illinois.

Median home costs $3,336 yearly

On LaSalle County's median home value of $154,900, homeowners pay approximately $3,336 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders see that figure climb to $3,692 through escrow.

Appeal if assessed above market value

LaSalle County homeowners should verify their assessment reflects current market conditions. If your assessed value exceeds comparable sales in your area, filing an appeal could reduce your annual tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in LaSalle County

via CostByCounty

LaSalle stays near national affordability marks

LaSalle County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits near the national average, reflecting modest rents relative to household income. With a median household income of $72,281—nearly aligned with the national median of $74,755—LaSalle offers housing costs proportional to local earning power.

Slightly above Illinois affordability average

LaSalle County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, positioning it as a moderately affordable Illinois county. Monthly rents at $906 are well above the state average of $837, though still accessible compared to higher-cost metros.

Mid-range costs between urban and rural

LaSalle County's $906 monthly rent falls between Lake County's premium $1,434 and rural Lawrence County's $810, reflecting its status as a mid-size metropolitan area. Home values follow the same pattern: LaSalle's median of $154,900 is more affordable than Lake County's $326,600 but valued above Lawrence County's $95,500.

Balanced housing burden across tenures

Renters spend $906 monthly (15.0% of income), while homeowners allocate $990 monthly (16.4% of income) from a median household income of $72,281. Both ratios remain well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating strong housing value for LaSalle residents.

Sweet spot for affordable Midwest living

LaSalle County offers solid affordability for families earning near the local median, with housing costs consuming roughly one-sixth of income. Compare LaSalle's mid-range pricing and economic stability to nearby Lake County's premium rents or Lawrence County's ultra-affordable options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in LaSalle County

via IncomeByCounty

LaSalle just below the national average

LaSalle County's median household income of $72,281 runs slightly below the national median of $74,755, marking it as a middle-income region. The county's per capita income of $38,079 sits comfortably above the national average, indicating steady earning potential across the population.

Middle-of-the-pack Illinois ranking

LaSalle County's $72,281 median household income sits nearly 5% above Illinois' state average of $68,580, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of county rankings. Its per capita income of $38,079 exceeds the state average by 6%, reflecting stable, working-class employment.

Competitive with regional peers

LaSalle County's $72,281 income places it ahead of Lawrence County ($53,438) and Logan County ($64,188), but trails the wealthier Lake County ($108,917). The county represents a moderate-income zone within Illinois' diverse economic landscape.

Solid affordability with modest margins

At 15.0% of income spent on rent, LaSalle County residents stay comfortably within affordable housing ranges with room for savings. A median home value of $154,900 remains accessible to households earning the county median, supporting homeownership as an achievable wealth-building goal.

Build financial security from your base

LaSalle County's solid median income of $72,281 provides a stable foundation for long-term wealth creation through consistent saving. Start by automating monthly contributions to savings accounts, then explore employer-sponsored retirement plans and low-cost index funds to grow your nest egg over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in LaSalle County

via HealthByCounty

LaSalle lags behind national health

LaSalle County's life expectancy of 75.8 years falls 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 18% of residents experience poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 21%, pointing to health challenges that merit attention.

Below-average health in Illinois

LaSalle County's 75.8-year life expectancy trails Illinois's state average of 76.0 years slightly, placing it in the lower half of state rankings. With 17.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county faces steeper health burdens than many peers.

Provider shortage relative to peers

LaSalle County has just 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the availability in neighboring Lee County (73) and significantly fewer mental health providers (129 vs. Lee's 746). This gap means residents often travel farther for routine care.

Modest insurance gap, limited providers

At 6.2%, LaSalle's uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, but the shortage of primary care providers (38 per 100K) creates real access challenges for daily healthcare. Rural location and provider scarcity mean waits for appointments can be longer than urban counties.

Secure coverage now

With limited local provider options, health insurance becomes even more critical to navigate complex referrals and telehealth services. Check marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or contact the Illinois Department of Insurance for coverage options that work for rural access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in LaSalle County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of Town and Country Schools

LaSalle County supports 14,617 students across 51 public schools, ranging from 26 elementary campuses to 13 high schools. Education is distributed across 28 districts, reflecting a deeply localized approach to community learning.

Solid Investment Exceeding State Spending Norms

The county spends $10,785 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Illinois average of $9,250. Although the 85.8% graduation rate trails the national average of 87%, the county maintains a respectable composite school score of 59.5.

Local Districts Anchored by Ottawa Schools

Ottawa ESD 141 is the primary district hub, managing five schools and 1,745 students. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing its resources entirely on traditional public districts like Serena CUSD 2.

Small-Town Feel with Close-Knit Campuses

Schools here offer an intimate environment with an average of 332 students per campus across a mix of 27 town and 24 rural locales. Ottawa Township High School is the county's largest campus with 1,261 students, providing a central gathering point for the community.

Root Your Family in a Community That Cares

LaSalle County offers a blend of rural charm and dedicated local districts that invest heavily in their students. Consider moving here to enjoy a small-town lifestyle without sacrificing the educational resources of larger Illinois counties.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in LaSalle County

via RiskByCounty

LaSalle County faces moderate-to-high risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 86.1 and a relatively moderate rating, LaSalle County's disaster exposure exceeds the national average. This score reflects meaningful vulnerability to flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes that warrants proactive preparation.

Above average risk for Illinois

LaSalle County's score of 86.1 ranks it well above Illinois' state average of 54.5. The county is among the more hazard-prone areas in Illinois, though not in the highest tier of risk.

Riskier than some surrounding counties

LaSalle County's composite risk of 86.1 exceeds neighboring Livingston County (71.8) and Lee County (54.4). Its elevated flood risk of 88.2 and tornado risk of 84.1 position it as one of the more vulnerable counties in the region.

Flooding and tornadoes drive your risk

Flood risk of 88.2 and tornado risk of 84.1 are LaSalle County's primary hazard concerns. Both hazards have the potential to cause significant property damage and warrant serious mitigation planning.

Prioritize flood and wind protection

LaSalle County homeowners should ensure flood insurance is in place through the NFIP or a private carrier, as standard policies don't cover flood damage. Additionally, verify that your homeowners policy includes adequate coverage for wind and hail damage from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in LaSalle County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical central continental weather

LaSalle County averages 49.8°F, which is cooler than the national median for annual temperature. Its 38.0 inches of precipitation is also slightly below the national average for the eastern half of the U.S.

Cooler and drier than average

At 49.8°F, the county is three degrees cooler than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It is also drier than the state average, receiving 38.0 inches of rain compared to 41.7 inches.

Mirroring the heart of Illinois

LaSalle’s climate nearly matches Knox County’s 49.9°F average temperature. However, it is slightly drier than Kendall County, which receives two additional inches of annual precipitation.

Consistent seasonal temperature swings

The area sees 17 days of extreme heat above 90°F each summer. Winter is standard for the region, with an average temperature of 25.7°F and 25.6 inches of snowfall.

Balance heating and cooling needs

Moderate snowfall of 25.6 inches requires standard winter maintenance tools. Residents should also prepare for 17 days of extreme summer heat with reliable home cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in LaSalle County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Productive Soils

LaSalle County features an average pH of 6.49, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity contributes to a strong soil score of 82.8, well above the state average of 73.6.

Silt-Driven Soil Texture

The soil mix contains 60.2% silt and 24.0% clay, providing a sturdy and nutrient-retentive foundation. With just 14.4% sand, the soil resists rapid drying but requires careful management to prevent compaction.

Healthy Organic Reserves

At 3.86%, the organic matter content is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.204 in/in perfectly matches the state average, ensuring reliable moisture for plants.

Steady Water Availability

Though formal drainage classifications are not listed, the high silt percentage suggests a soil that absorbs and holds water well. This makes the land reliable during dry spells but potentially slow to dry out in early spring.

Cultivate in Zone 5b

LaSalle County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, where the balanced pH and high organic matter support everything from corn to leafy greens. It is an ideal landscape for growers looking for consistent, high-quality soil performance.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in LaSalle County

via LawnByCounty

Predictable Growing Conditions in LaSalle

LaSalle County scores 72.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, outperforming both the Illinois average and the national median. This Zone 5b location provides a solid foundation for homeowners looking for a manageable green space.

Balanced Heat and Rain for Turf

Residents experience 17 extreme heat days annually, which is notably lower than the state average of 27. The 38 inches of annual rainfall and 3,136 growing degree days create a productive but manageable mowing schedule.

Optimal Soil pH for Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.49 is nearly perfect for most turfgrasses, requiring minimal chemical adjustment to unlock nutrients. With 24% clay and 14.4% sand, the soil likely holds moisture well, though you should monitor for slow drainage in low spots.

Combating Severe Drought Stress

Water management is critical as 17.5% of the county is in severe drought and 100% is abnormally dry. Having spent 34 weeks in drought recently, lawn owners should use mulch-mowing to retain whatever moisture the soil can hold.

Hardy Grass Selection for Zone 5b

For this Zone 5b climate, hardy Kentucky Bluegrass or fine fescues are excellent choices for a resilient lawn. Plan your seeding projects after the April 24 spring frost but well before the first fall frost on October 18.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LaSalle County's county score?
LaSalle County, Illinois has a composite county score of 40.6 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 LaSalle County rank among counties in Illinois?
LaSalle County ranks #90 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 LaSalle County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in LaSalle County is $3,336, with an effective tax rate of 2.15%. This earns LaSalle County a tax score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in LaSalle County?
The median household income in LaSalle County, Illinois is $72,281 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. LaSalle County earns an income score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is LaSalle County, Illinois a good place to live?
LaSalle County scores 40.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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.