countyscore
51.6
County Score
Schools 88.5Soil Quality 77.2Lawn Care 73.4

County Report Card

About Livingston County, Illinois

A Stable Midwestern Anchor

Livingston County scores 51.6, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It provides a consistent quality of life that holds its own against national benchmarks.

Consistent with State Trends

At 51.6, the county aligns closely with the Illinois state average of 52.8. High marks in education help it maintain a competitive edge over several neighboring rural counties.

Exceptional Local Schools

The county shines in education with a school score of 88.5, one of the highest in the region. Housing is also accessible, with median home values sitting at $131,500.

Tax and Risk Factors

A tax score of 1.9 reflects the pressure of a 2.180% effective tax rate. Residents also face moderate environmental challenges, indicated by a risk score of 28.2.

Built for Young Families

With its standout school system and affordable housing, this county is a prime choice for young parents. It offers a high-value education environment for a fraction of the cost found in Chicago suburbs.

Score breakdown

Tax1.9Cost42.9Safety63.3Health64.6Schools88.5Income68.3Risk28.2Water34.4Weather50.9
🏛1.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.4
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

Grundy County
Illinois
44.8
Ford County
Illinois
53.8
McLean County
Illinois
48.1
LaSalle County
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Woodford County
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Kankakee County
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Marshall County
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Putnam County
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Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Livingston County

via TaxByCounty

Livingston County taxes modestly above median

Livingston County's effective tax rate of 2.180% exceeds the national median of 2.690%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. The median tax of $2,867 surpasses the national median of $2,690 despite lower home values.

Above-average Illinois tax burden

Livingston County's effective rate of 2.180% outpaces Illinois's state average of 1.831% by about 19%. Its median tax of $2,867 exceeds the state average of $2,782.

Livingston among higher-tax neighbors

Livingston County's 2.180% rate rivals LaSalle County (2.154%) as some of the highest in central Illinois. Only Lake County's 2.677% significantly exceeds Livingston's burden in the region.

Expect $2,867 on median home

On Livingston County's median home value of $131,500, homeowners pay approximately $2,867 annually in property taxes. This climbs to $3,075 when including mortgage-related escrow.

Appeal overassessments for tax relief

Livingston County homeowners should verify that their assessed values align with current market sales. Filing an assessment appeal could substantially lower your annual tax bill if your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Livingston County

via CostByCounty

Livingston County leads affordability rankings

Livingston County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the nation, with modest rents relative to household earning power. At $70,796 median household income, Livingston residents outpace many lower-income Illinois counties while enjoying housing costs below national norms.

Illinois's most affordable county housing

Livingston County achieves Illinois's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.5%—the only county in this analysis below the state average of 14.7%. Monthly rents of $855 are competitively priced, creating an affordability advantage across the state.

Best value among central Illinois counties

Livingston County's $855 monthly rent rivals Lee County ($853) and beats Logan County ($804) and Macon County ($797) on affordability ratios, despite higher absolute rents. Its median home value of $131,500 offers comparable value to peer counties with better income stability.

Housing costs stay well below stress levels

Renters spend $855 monthly (14.5% of income), while homeowners allocate $950 (16.1% of income) from a median household income of $70,796. Both housing cost ratios fall comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, ensuring households retain substantial income for savings and living expenses.

Top-tier affordability for Midwest movers

Livingston County delivers the best housing affordability ratio in this Illinois cohort, combining modest costs with solid local incomes. If cost of living ranks high in your relocation criteria, Livingston rivals all peer counties analyzed here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Livingston County

via IncomeByCounty

Livingston County near national median

Livingston County's median household income of $70,796 sits within 5% of the national median of $74,755, reflecting a solid middle-income profile. The county's per capita income of $36,002 matches the national average almost exactly, indicating balanced earning distribution.

Slightly above Illinois average

Livingston County's $70,796 median household income ranks 3% above the Illinois state average of $68,580, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Its per capita income of $36,002 practically matches the state average of $36,009, showing typical Illinois employment patterns.

Steady earner among peers

Livingston County's $70,796 income ranks ahead of Lee County ($68,459) and Logan County ($64,188), but trails LaSalle County ($72,281). The county represents stable, middle-class economic ground within the regional eight-county group.

Best affordability ratio in sample

Livingston County residents enjoy the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.5%, providing exceptional financial breathing room for savings and investment. A median home value of $131,500 remains well within reach for households earning the county median, supporting homeownership accessibility.

Maximize Livingston's affordability advantage

With the lowest rent burden among peer counties, Livingston residents have extra capacity to invest in their futures. Put that affordability advantage to work by increasing retirement contributions, opening a high-yield savings account, or consulting a financial planner about building a diversified investment portfolio.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Livingston County

via CrimeByCounty

Livingston County sits safely below national trends

Livingston County reports a total crime rate of 849.8 per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These figures earn the county a safety score of 98.7, indicating a reliable environment for families.

Matching the Illinois safety benchmark

The county's safety score of 98.7 aligns perfectly with the Illinois state average. Its total crime rate of 849.8 is only slightly higher than the state average of 835.0, placing it right in the middle of state rankings.

Central Illinois regional comparison

Livingston County maintains a higher safety profile than many larger urban counties, though its crime rate is slightly higher than very rural neighbors. The four reporting agencies in the county manage a volume of crime that is manageable and far below national peaks.

Property incidents outpace violent crime

The local property crime rate stands at 676.5 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is reported at 173.3. Both metrics remain lower than national figures, specifically the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Enhance your home security

Since property crime is the most frequent issue in Livingston County, residents should focus on securing entry points and garages. Simple deterrents like alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs effectively reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Livingston County

via HealthByCounty

Livingston slightly trails national health

Livingston County's life expectancy of 75.4 years falls one year short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 18.3% poor/fair health, residents report similar health challenges as the national average of 21%, suggesting manageable but not exceptional health outcomes.

Slightly below Illinois average

At 75.4 years, Livingston County's life expectancy trails the Illinois state average of 76.0 years by 0.6 years. The county ranks in the middle tier of state health outcomes, neither leading nor lagging significantly behind peers.

Moderate provider access

Livingston County offers 48 primary care providers and 224 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid numbers that exceed rural neighbors but fall short of larger urban centers like Lake County. This moderate access means most residents can find care locally, though wait times may vary seasonally.

Fair insurance coverage, adequate care access

With 5.8% uninsured, Livingston beats the state average slightly, and 48 primary care providers per 100K offers reasonable access to routine health services. For daily healthcare needs, residents typically find providers within reasonable distance, though specialty care may require travel to nearby larger cities.

Lock in coverage this season

Livingston County's moderate healthcare access makes continuous insurance essential for managing unexpected costs and planned care. Explore plans at healthcare.gov or contact your employer to ensure uninterrupted coverage year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Livingston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Reach Across Many Local Districts

Livingston County oversees 5,322 students across 24 public schools and 12 distinct districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 12 elementary schools and 7 high schools to serve a widely dispersed population.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county excels with a 94.7% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88.8%. This success is supported by per-pupil spending of $11,239, which helps drive an impressive composite school score of 65.2.

Prairie Central and Pontiac Anchor Education

Prairie Central CUSD 8 is the largest district with 1,725 students, followed by Pontiac CCSD 429 with 1,108 students. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with no charter schools currently in operation.

Small, High-Performing Rural Schools

The educational experience is primarily rural, with an average school size of only 253 students. Pontiac High School is the largest campus at 693 students, while many elementary schools offer even more intimate classroom settings.

Choose Excellence in Rural Illinois

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Livingston County is a premier choice for families prioritizing academic results. Your home search here connects you to districts that consistently turn high investment into student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Livingston County

via RiskByCounty

Livingston County faces moderate risk

With a composite risk score of 71.8 and a relatively low rating, Livingston County sits somewhat above the national average. Elevated flood risk and moderate tornado exposure drive this score, though the overall profile remains manageable.

Above state average but not extreme

Livingston County's score of 71.8 exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.5, placing it in the upper-middle range of county risk statewide. The county experiences above-average disaster exposure without reaching high-risk status.

Moderate risk within the region

Livingston County's score of 71.8 sits between Lee County (54.4) and LaSalle County (86.1). Its flood risk of 81.1 is notably elevated compared to immediate neighbors, reflecting the county's vulnerability to water hazards.

Flooding is your dominant hazard

Livingston County's flood risk score of 81.1 is the county's primary concern, significantly exceeding its tornado risk of 52.5. Major precipitation events and river flooding pose the greatest threats to property and safety in this county.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

Livingston County's 81.1 flood risk makes flood insurance a critical investment for all homeowners, not just those in mapped flood zones. Secure coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier to protect against what statistically is your county's largest natural disaster threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Livingston County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Midwestern Temperature Patterns

Livingston County averages 50.9°F annually, aligning closely with the typical climate profile of the American corn belt. It experiences moderate precipitation at 37.4 inches, slightly below the national median for the eastern half of the country.

Slightly Below the State Mean

The county's 50.9°F annual average is roughly two degrees cooler than the Illinois statewide average of 52.8°F. This difference is largely due to its northern-central location, which experiences cooler winters than the southern half of the state.

Drier than Southern Neighbors

Livingston receives 37.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is notably less than the 44.1 inches seen in southeastern Illinois. Its 22.2 inches of annual snowfall is typical for the region, balancing between the snowy north and milder south.

Consistent Snow and Moderate Heat

The county sees 22 days of extreme heat over 90°F, while January temperatures dip to an average of 23.7°F. Snowfall is frequent, totaling 22.2 inches throughout the winter season.

Seasonal Transitions Require Versatility

Property owners should prepare for both snow management and summer cooling, as temperature swings are significant. HVAC systems must handle a wide range from the 23.7°F January average to the 74.8°F July peak.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Livingston County

via SoilByCounty

Livingston’s Neutral pH Profile

Livingston County has a pH of 6.55, making it slightly more alkaline than the national median and the Illinois state average. This neutral chemistry supports a robust soil score of 77.2.

Clay-Rich Soil Texture

The soil contains 26.3% clay, which is higher than many neighboring counties, paired with 55.1% silt. This composition provides excellent nutrient retention but can lead to heavy, sticky conditions when the ground is wet.

Rich in Organic Matter

At 4.11%, the organic matter content is significantly higher than the state average of 2.94%. Although the water capacity of 0.191 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark, the high organic levels boost overall fertility.

Slow and Steady Hydrology

Though specific drainage data is unavailable, the high clay content suggests the soil retains water and nutrients very effectively. This trait is beneficial during mid-summer dry spells but may require raised beds for certain garden plants.

Thriving in Zone 5b

In Hardiness Zone 5b, Livingston County is ideal for growing hearty root vegetables and grains. The neutral pH and high organic matter offer a versatile foundation for any agricultural or gardening endeavor.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Livingston County

via LawnByCounty

Livingston County's Favorable Lawn Score

Livingston County matches the state's high-performing regions with a lawn difficulty score of 73.4. This score suggests that maintaining a lawn in this Zone 5b area is significantly easier than the national median.

Managing High Growth Potential

The county sees 22 extreme heat days, staying just under the Illinois average of 27. With 37.4 inches of rain and 3,353 growing degree days, the environment supports robust growth if you keep up with your mowing schedule.

Clay-Rich Soil Holds Nutrients Well

The soil has a stable pH of 6.55, which is well within the ideal range for grass. A higher clay content of 26.3% means the soil can hold onto nutrients effectively, but it may require aeration to prevent runoff during storms.

Facing Severe Regional Drought

Current conditions are tough, with 70.2% of the county in severe drought and 100% abnormally dry. Having faced 30 weeks of drought recently, homeowners should prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation.

Best Grasses for Livingston's Climate

Hardy cool-season grasses are the standard for Zone 5b, with seeding best performed after the April 16 frost. Ensure your lawn is established before the first fall frost arrives around October 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Livingston County's county score?
Livingston County, Illinois has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Livingston County rank among counties in Illinois?
Livingston County ranks #65 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 Livingston County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Livingston County is $2,867, with an effective tax rate of 2.18%. This earns Livingston County a tax score of 1.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Livingston County?
The median household income in Livingston County, Illinois is $70,796 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Livingston County earns an income score of 68.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Livingston County, Illinois a good place to live?
Livingston County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Livingston 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 Livingston 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.