countyscore
55.7
County Score
Safety 94.1Cost of Living 70.9Lawn Care 64

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Illinois

Beating the National Median

Lawrence County earns a composite score of 55.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places it in a competitive position for overall livability across the United States.

Outperforming the Illinois Average

With a 55.7 score, the county sits comfortably above the Illinois state average of 52.8. Its high marks for safety and lower tax burden help it stand out among its regional peers.

Top-Tier Safety and Value

Safety is the county's crown jewel with a score of 94.1. Residents also enjoy a 70.9 cost score, supported by an affordable median home value of $95,500.

Improving Education and Wealth

The county struggles with an income score of 21.6 and a school score of 32.4. Median household income remains modest at $53,438, which is lower than many neighboring counties.

A Haven for Retirees

This county is an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers looking for extreme safety and very low housing costs. It rewards those who prioritize peace of mind and financial predictability.

Score breakdown

Tax25.2Cost70.9Safety94.1Health50.4Schools32.4Income21.6Risk50.8Water58.3Weather54.3
🏛25.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64
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

Knox County
Indiana
52.4
Crawford County
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52.5
Wabash County
Illinois
55.3
Richland County
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Sullivan County
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Pike County
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Gibson County
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Edwards County
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Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence County taxes remain surprisingly low

Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 1.210% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 2.690%. Despite this favorable rate, the median annual tax of $1,156 is modest, reflecting both low rates and lower home values here.

Illinois's most tax-friendly county

Lawrence County's 1.210% effective rate significantly undercutting Illinois's state average of 1.831%. It stands as one of the most affordable counties for property taxes within the state.

Lawrence County taxes substantially lower

Lawrence County's 1.210% rate is dramatically lower than all regional peers, including Macoupin County (1.578%) and Logan County (1.839%). This represents a major advantage for homeowners in the area.

Lowest taxes in the region

On Lawrence County's median home value of $95,500, homeowners pay just $1,156 annually in property taxes. Even with a mortgage included, the total reaches only $1,537.

Still worth reviewing your assessment

Even in a low-tax county like Lawrence, overassessments happen. Reviewing your property's assessed value against recent comparable sales ensures you're not paying more than you should.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence County faces tight affordability

Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in the nation, despite modest absolute rents of $810 monthly. The challenge stems from a median household income of just $53,438—nearly 29% below the national median of $74,755—straining residents' housing budgets.

Illinois's least affordable county housing

Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the eight counties analyzed, far exceeding Illinois's 14.7% state average. This critical gap reflects both lower local incomes and the inability of rural Illinois wages to keep pace with housing costs.

Most affordable rents, lowest incomes

Lawrence County's $810 monthly rent is the lowest among comparable Illinois counties, yet residents struggle most with affordability because median incomes are the lowest in the region. Unlike wealthier Lake County, Lawrence residents cannot leverage higher earnings to offset housing costs.

Housing costs squeeze lower-wage households

Renters dedicate 18.2% of a $53,438 median income to $810 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $607 (13.6% of income) for mortgages on homes valued at just $95,500. The disparity reveals that owning remains far more affordable than renting in Lawrence County—a reversal of national trends.

Homeownership essential for affordability

Lawrence County offers the lowest absolute housing costs in Illinois, making it ideal for buyers seeking ultra-affordable homeownership—but renters face severe affordability pressures. If relocating here, prioritize homebuying or seek employment in neighboring counties with higher wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence County faces income challenges

Lawrence County's median household income of $53,438 trails the national median of $74,755 by 29%, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. The county's per capita income of $30,702 runs 42% below the national average, signaling economic headwinds.

Struggles against state average

Lawrence County ranks among Illinois' lowest-income counties, with a median household income 22% below the state average of $68,580. Its per capita income of $30,702 sits 15% below the state average, suggesting concentrated economic challenges.

Lowest earner in the regional group

Lawrence County's $53,438 median household income significantly lags neighboring LaSalle County ($72,281) and Lee County ($68,459). The $14,000+ gap with its nearest regional peer reflects distinct economic disadvantages requiring targeted community development.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

At 18.2% of income spent on rent, Lawrence County residents face higher housing burden ratios than most peers, leaving less for savings and emergencies. A median home value of $95,500 offers affordability, but limited household incomes create vulnerability in economic downturns.

Start small, build gradually

Even modest incomes can generate wealth through disciplined saving and smart financial choices. Lawrence County residents should prioritize establishing an emergency fund of $500–$1,000, then explore no-cost or low-cost resources like community development banks and non-profit credit counseling to plan for financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County sets a national safety standard

Lawrence County reports a remarkably low crime rate of 32.6 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly 98% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data results in a safety score of 99.9 out of 100, making it one of the most secure regions in the country.

A top-tier safety leader in Illinois

With a safety score of 99.9, Lawrence County significantly outperforms the Illinois state average score of 98.7. It consistently ranks in the top tier of Illinois' 102 counties for overall security and low incident volume.

Outperforming regional and statewide neighbors

The county's total crime rate of 32.6 per 100,000 residents sits far below the state average of 835.0. While neighboring rural counties also report low numbers, Lawrence County maintains an elite position with its five reporting agencies documenting minimal activity.

Rare incidents focus on property crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at just 6.5 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the remaining 26.1 incidents per 100,000, which still represents a negligible fraction of the national average.

Maintaining peace in Lawrence County

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but residents should remain proactive about home security. Basic measures like motion-activated lighting and updated locks help ensure these record-low numbers stay consistent for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence faces serious health challenges

At 74.9 years, Lawrence County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.5 years. Alarmingly, 22.2% of residents report poor or fair health—among the highest rates in Illinois and well above the national 21% benchmark.

Lowest life expectancy in state group

Lawrence County ranks near the bottom of Illinois counties with a life expectancy of 74.9 years, falling 1.1 years below the state average of 76.0. At 22.2% poor/fair health, it faces the steepest health burden of the counties analyzed here.

Severe provider shortage

Lawrence County has only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this comparison and far below neighboring Richland County's rates. Curiously, it has 594 mental health providers per 100K, an outlier suggesting concentrated behavioral health services with gaps in primary care.

Critical access gap for daily care

With 6.7% uninsured and a severe shortage of primary care providers (20 per 100K), Lawrence County residents struggle to access routine preventive care. The mismatch between mental health services and primary care suggests many residents travel outside the county for basic checkups and chronic disease management.

Prioritize health insurance today

In a county with limited primary care access, comprehensive health coverage is essential to manage referrals and coordinate care. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to enroll in a plan that covers both local and regional providers you can reach.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education Across Two Key Districts

Lawrence County operates a lean educational system with just 6 public schools serving nearly 2,000 students. The infrastructure is split evenly between two districts, providing two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

Educational Challenges in a Rural Setting

With a per-pupil expenditure of $7,529, spending remains below both state and national averages. This is reflected in an 81% graduation rate and a composite school score of 49.9, pointing to a need for continued investment in local student outcomes.

Two Districts Serving a Unified Community

Lawrence County CUD 20 is the largest provider with 1,054 students, followed closely by Red Hill CUSD 10 with 928 students. The county features no charter schools, emphasizing a traditional district-led educational model.

Small Classes and Rural Roots

The learning environment is split evenly between town and rural settings, where the average school size is 330 students. Parkside Elementary is the largest school with 513 students, while Parkview Jr High offers a more intimate setting for 235 students.

Invest in a Close-Knit Educational Community

Lawrence County provides a quiet, focused environment where students aren't just faces in a crowd. For families seeking a community where everyone knows your name, this area offers a deeply connected lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence County enjoys low national risk

With a composite risk score of 49.2 and a relatively low rating, Lawrence County ranks below the national average for disaster risk. This more favorable position reflects lower exposure to most common hazard types, though some risks remain.

Below-average risk within Illinois

Lawrence County's score of 49.2 falls slightly below Illinois' state average of 54.5, placing it among the lower-risk counties in the state. This relative safety makes Lawrence County one of the more resilient areas statewide.

Similar risk to nearby counties

Lawrence County's risk profile aligns closely with Logan County (58.1) and sits well below LaSalle County (86.1). The county benefits from lower exposure to most natural hazards compared to higher-risk neighbors to the north and west.

Earthquakes and floods pose concern

Lawrence County's earthquake risk of 85.5 and flood risk of 58.2 represent the county's highest hazard exposures. While wildfire risk is negligible at 0.5, residents should focus preparedness efforts on earthquake and flood readiness.

Don't skip flood and earthquake coverage

Lawrence County homeowners should secure flood insurance, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Earthquake insurance is also worth evaluating, as it's typically sold separately and can provide critical protection during seismic events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Profile in the Heartland

Lawrence County maintains an average annual temperature of 55.3°F, placing it well above the national median for continental climates. Its position in southeastern Illinois results in a humid profile with 44.1 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding typical interior averages.

Warmth Exceeding the Illinois Average

The county's 55.3°F annual average temperature is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This makes Lawrence one of the warmer spots in the state, benefitting from its southern latitude.

Southeastern Illinois Comparison

While neighbors to the north experience harsher winters, Lawrence sees a milder December through February average of 33.5°F. It receives more annual rainfall than central neighbors like Logan or Macon, totaling 44.1 inches compared to their sub-40-inch averages.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 41 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, reflecting a humid and intense summer peak of 77.2°F in July. Winter brings a manageable 15.5 inches of snowfall, which is much lower than the northern regions of the state.

Planning for High Heat and Humidity

High-efficiency cooling systems are essential here given the 41 annual extreme heat days. Homeowners should also maintain clear gutters and drainage systems to handle the significant 44.1 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols of the Southern Plains

Lawrence County is dominated by Alfisols, which are forest-derived soils with a slightly acidic pH of 6.25. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, reflecting a unique regional chemistry.

A Classic Silt Loam

The county features a silt loam texture composed of 54.4% silt and 26.1% sand. This relatively high sand content compared to northern neighbors improves drainage and makes the soil easier to work with garden tools.

Modest Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter stands at 1.81%, which is below both the state average of 2.94% and the national average of 2.0%. Gardeners may want to supplement the soil to improve its water capacity, which currently sits at 0.192 in/in.

Well Drained for Stability

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile at a moderate rate, making it an excellent choice for building sites and orchards.

Longer Seasons in Zone 6b

Sitting in Hardiness Zone 6b, Lawrence County offers a longer growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and melons. The well-drained silt loam is particularly well-suited for fruit trees and deep-rooted perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Challenge in Lawrence County

Lawrence County poses a unique challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 64.0, which falls below the state average of 69.8. This Zone 6b area requires more intensive management than many of its northern Illinois neighbors.

High Heat Demands Diligent Watering

High heat is a primary hurdle as the county swelters through 41 extreme heat days compared to the state average of 27. While 44.1 inches of rain provides plenty of water, the 4,051 growing degree days mean your mower stays busy.

Well-Drained Silt Loam Advantage

The silt loam soil is well-drained and has a healthy pH of 6.25, offering a strong foundation for root growth. A balance of 19.5% clay and 26.1% sand helps prevent the soil from becoming overly compacted during the summer.

Coping with Persistent Dry Spells

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry and has endured 25 weeks of drought conditions over the last year. During these periods, allow your grass to grow slightly taller to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf Varieties

Tall Fescue is the champion for this hotter Zone 6b climate because of its deep root system and heat tolerance. Aim to seed your lawn between the April 12 spring frost and the October 26 fall frost for best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.7 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Illinois?
Lawrence County ranks #41 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 Lawrence County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $1,156, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 25.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Illinois is $53,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Illinois a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 55.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.