CountyScore

Lawrence County

Illinois · IL

#22 in Illinois
68
County Score

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Illinois

Lawrence County leads on cost and value

Lawrence County's composite score of 70.2 places it well above the national median of 50.0, in the 70th percentile nationally. This strong score primarily reflects exceptional affordability and low tax burden relative to national norms.

Top performer among Illinois counties

With a score of 70.2, Lawrence County ranks above the Illinois state average of 62.1 and stands among the highest-scoring counties in the state. This positions it as one of Illinois's most livable communities when measured by cost and tax factors.

Unmatched affordability and low taxes

Lawrence County shines with a cost score of 84.6 and tax score of 68.2, offering a median home value of $95,500, rent of $810/month, and the state's lowest effective tax rate at 1.210%. These metrics make it one of Illinois's most economically accessible counties.

Income levels significantly below average

Lawrence County's income score of just 18.3 and median household income of $53,438 reflect a lower-wage economy compared to state and national baselines. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, preventing a complete livability assessment.

For retirees and cost-minimizers

Lawrence County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and anyone seeking maximum purchasing power with minimal tax burden. The trade-off is lower local wages, so this county suits those whose income doesn't depend on local employment or who prioritize ultra-low cost of living above all else.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.2Cost84.6SafetyComing SoonHealth67.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.3Risk50.8WaterComing Soon
🏛68.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50.8
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 Lawrence County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Northwest Arctic Borough
Alaska
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Pitkin County
Colorado
68
Median income: $100,318
Jackson County
Florida
68
Median income: $47,327
Calhoun County
Georgia
68
Median income: $55,714
Early County
Georgia
68
Median income: $53,750

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.