countyscore
54.9
County Score
Soil Quality 77.1Safety 76.8Lawn Care 73.7

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Illinois

Marshall County Beats National Baseline

The county earns a composite score of 54.9, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it among the more desirable counties for livability in the country.

Outperforming the Illinois Average

Marshall County exceeds the Illinois state average score of 52.8. It distinguishes itself as a top-tier option for residents seeking high quality of life within the state.

Superior Safety and Environmental Stability

Safety is a major asset here with a score of 76.8, complemented by a strong environmental risk score of 72.8. These factors create a secure and resilient community for long-term residency.

Tax Costs and Water Infrastructure

A tax score of 3.2 indicates a significant local tax burden with an effective rate of 1.991%. Water infrastructure also lags behind, receiving a score of 30.4.

The Choice for Security-Focused Families

Marshall County is ideal for families who prioritize physical safety and low environmental hazard risk. Residents should be comfortable with higher property taxes in exchange for peace of mind.

204060801003.259.176.866.856.865.872.830.452.1Tax3.2Cost59.1Safety76.8Health66.8Schools56.8Income65.8Risk72.8Water30.4Weather52.154.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

How Marshall County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (72.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.2-48.8
Cost
59.1+11.100000000000001
Safety
76.8+21.799999999999997
Health
66.8+16.799999999999997
Schools
56.8
Income
65.8+14.799999999999997
Risk
72.8+25.799999999999997
Water
30.4-27.6
Weather
52.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$137,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$767/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,818/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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59.3
Woodford County
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Bureau County
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Stark County
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LaSalle County
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Peoria County
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Tazewell County
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Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County taxes exceed national median

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 1.991% surpasses the national median of 1.728%, ranking it in the 61st percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,743 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, even though homes here are substantially less expensive at $137,800 versus the national median of $281,900.

Marshall ranks well above Illinois average

At 1.991%, Marshall County's effective tax rate ranks among the highest in Illinois, exceeding the state average of 1.831% by 0.16 percentage points. The median property tax of $2,743 is 1.4% higher than the state median of $2,782.

Highest-taxed county in the region

Marshall County's 1.991% rate is the highest among its neighbors—notably above Madison County (1.925%) and significantly above Marion County (1.707%). This elevated rate reflects concentrated local service demands in this small central Illinois county.

Budget $2,743 for annual property tax

On Marshall County's median home value of $137,800 and effective rate of 1.991%, residents pay approximately $2,743 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related fees, this obligation can reach $2,791.

Challenge your assessment value

Marshall County's elevated tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important for homeowners seeking relief. Contact the Marshall County Assessor about requesting a reassessment or appeal—correcting even small overvaluations can yield meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall leads affordability in Illinois

Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% is the lowest among Illinois counties reviewed and well below the national norm of ~15%. Residents here spend just $767/month on rent while earning a median of $69,818, creating genuine housing affordability.

Illinois's most affordable county

At 13.2%, Marshall's rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the Illinois state average of 14.7%, making it one of the state's most affordable housing markets. The median rent of $767 is $70 below the state average, reinforcing this advantage.

Rent parity with Marion, better incomes

Marshall's $767 rent matches Marion County's ($771) almost exactly, but Marshall's median income ($69,818) is $9,000 higher than Marion's ($60,839). This income advantage gives Marshall households more breathing room in their budgets despite similar rent levels.

Lowest rent burden in the region

Marshall residents earning a median of $69,818 spend $767/month on rent (13.2%) or $858/month on homeownership (14.8%). This is the lowest rent-to-income ratio among peers, meaning housing consumes roughly one-quarter to one-third of income.

Marshall offers rare housing value

If Illinois affordability is your goal, Marshall County is the standout choice with the state's lowest rent burden and competitive home values ($137,800). Combine this with solid median income and you'll find genuine housing relief compared to most Illinois counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall earns slightly below national average

Marshall County's median household income of $69,818 sits $4,937 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 45% of U.S. counties. The gap is modest but meaningful—Marshall families earn roughly 7% less than typical American households.

Marshall slightly exceeds Illinois state average

At $69,818, Marshall County earns $1,238 more than Illinois's statewide median of $68,580, ranking it just above the state midpoint among 102 counties. This position reflects a working-class economy holding steady with regional peers.

Marshall balances between stronger and weaker peers

Marshall County ($69,818) sits comfortably above Marion ($60,839) and Mason ($62,127) but trails Madison ($74,800) and McLean ($78,329) by $5,000–$8,500 per household. Its per capita income of $36,065 matches the state average exactly, reflecting middle-of-the-pack earning power.

Marshall offers strong housing affordability

Marshall's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2%—the lowest among featured counties—means renters spend roughly $725 monthly on housing, providing exceptional affordability cushion. With median home values of $137,800, homeownership remains accessible to median-income families while leaving room for savings.

Capitalize on Marshall's housing advantage

Marshall households earning $69,818 benefit from low housing costs; redirecting the money saved on rent (versus the national 30% standard) into investments can build wealth quickly. Setting aside just $150 monthly in a retirement or education savings account totals $18,000+ over a decade, substantially boosting long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County is significantly safer than national norms

Marshall County reports a total crime rate of 553.7 per 100K residents, which is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county a stellar safety score of 99.1 out of 100.

Beating the Illinois safety average

The county's total crime rate of 553.7 remains well below the state average of 835.0. Marshall's safety score of 99.1 also edges out the Illinois state average of 98.7, marking it as a secure regional choice.

Safer than many central Illinois neighbors

Marshall County maintains a more favorable safety profile than Mason County, where the crime rate is 711.3 per 100K. It also proves significantly quieter than McLean County, which reports a crime rate nearly double Marshall's at 914.3.

Property crimes dominate the few reported incidents

Property crime accounts for 468.5 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains rare at just 85.2. With only three reporting agencies, the data shows that the vast majority of local interactions involve non-violent offenses.

Maintaining security in Marshall County

While crime rates are exceptionally low, most incidents involve property. Local residents can maintain this safe environment by using motion-activated lighting and basic home security measures.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Success Across Three Key Districts

Marshall County serves 1,755 students through a concentrated network of 10 public schools. These schools are managed by three districts and include a mix of elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Graduation Rates Outpace State and National Averages

Academic performance is a highlight, with an 88.9% graduation rate that exceeds both state and national benchmarks. This success is achieved with a $8,384 per-pupil expenditure and a composite school score of 55.9.

Midland and Henry-Senachwine Lead the Way

Midland CUSD 7 is the largest district with 665 students, while Henry-Senachwine CUSD 5 educates 539 students. No charter schools are present, ensuring a focused investment in the county's traditional public districts.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every single school in Marshall County is located in a rural setting, offering students a quiet and focused environment. The average school size is just 219 students, with Henry-Senachwine Grade School being the largest at 397.

Discover Rural Living with High Academic Results

For families who value high graduation rates in a rural setting, Marshall County is an ideal choice. Consider homes within the Midland or Henry-Senachwine districts for a personalized, high-quality education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County ranks very low nationally

Marshall County's composite risk score of 27.23 places it firmly in the Very Low risk category, well below Illinois's state average of 54.46. This makes Marshall one of the safer counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Among Illinois's safest counties

Marshall County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Illinois across most hazard categories, with particularly minimal wildfire (4.39) and earthquake (54.52) exposure. Its risk profile is substantially better than the state average across all major disaster types.

Far safer than surrounding counties

Marshall County's composite score of 27.23 is significantly lower than neighboring Mason County (43.03), McDonough County (37.53), and especially Madison County (93.42) to the southwest. This makes Marshall a notable safe zone in central Illinois.

Tornado risk is the primary concern

Marshall County's tornado risk of 40.39 is its highest exposure among natural hazards, though still well below state averages. Flooding and earthquake risks remain minimal, with scores of 35.11 and 54.52 respectively.

Standard coverage is usually sufficient

Marshall County's low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. However, ensuring a safe shelter room or reinforced interior space for tornado season remains a practical precaution worth considering.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marshall County

via WaterByCounty

Low Compliance Grade for Marshall County

Marshall County receives an F water quality grade due to six health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 65.5 per 100,000 people exceeds the Illinois average of 48.7.

Over Half of Evaluated Waters Are Impaired

Roughly 54.6% of the county's water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards as of the 2022 cycle. Excess phosphorus, mercury, and total suspended solids are the primary drivers of these impairments.

Sparse Monitoring Data From Limited Sites

Monitoring data is relatively limited, with only two sites recording 1,591 measurements over the last five years. Most of these readings focus on physical parameters and organic pesticides.

Illinois River Maintains Steady Flow Levels

The Illinois River at Henry flows at 13,200 cfs, which is 86% of its long-term average. This major waterway drains over 13,000 square miles and currently maintains relatively stable volume.

Test Your Water for Common Pollutants

Given the F compliance grade and high impairment rate, residents should seek annual water quality reports from their providers. High-quality carbon filtration can help address potential contaminants like mercury and phosphorus.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Midwestern Climate in Marshall County

With an annual average temperature of 52.6°F, Marshall County sits right near the national median for temperate zones. This humid continental climate experiences distinct shifts between all four seasons throughout the year.

Matching the Illinois State Average

The county's average temperature of 52.6°F is nearly identical to the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It ranks in the middle of the pack for state warmth, avoiding the extreme cold of the north and the heat of the south.

Drier Conditions Than Southern Neighbors

Marshall receives 37.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the state average of 41.7 inches. It remains slightly warmer than northern neighbor McHenry but sees more snowfall than central Illinois peers.

Cold Winters and Steamy Summer Days

Residents navigate 29 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F, concentrated during the 76.0°F July peak. Winter brings a significant 21.8 inches of snow and a January average of 25.9°F.

Prepare for Snow and Summer Humidity

Ensure your HVAC system can handle the 29 days of extreme heat each summer. With over 20 inches of snow annually, keep a reliable shovel or blower ready for winter clearing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Illinois Mollisols

Marshall County is characterized by Mollisols, the dark and fertile prairie soils that define the Midwest. With an average pH of 6.58, the soil is slightly more alkaline than the state average but remains ideal for high-yield farming.

Perfect Silt Loam Texture

The dominant texture is silt loam, consisting of 60.5% silt and 22.6% clay. This balanced composition offers excellent workability while the 16.9% sand content ensures some natural grit and structure.

High Soil Score and Stability

The county earns a high soil score of 77.1, bolstered by 2.66% organic matter. While this is slightly below the state average of 2.94%, it far exceeds the national average of 2.0%, signaling deep natural fertility.

Managing Poorly Drained Prairies

The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group B/D. This means while the soil is naturally rich, it may require tiling or careful water management to prevent root rot in wet years.

Diverse Options in Zone 5b

Residing in Zone 5b, Marshall County is perfect for corn, soybeans, and hearty cool-weather crops like brassicas. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the state's most iconic agricultural land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Zone 5b

Marshall County boasts a 73.7 lawn difficulty score, outperforming both the state average and the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that maintaining a lush green space in Zone 5b is easier here than in many other Illinois regions.

Steady Moisture and Moderate Growing Days

Annual precipitation of 37.9 inches is slightly below the state average but remains within the healthy 30-50 inch window. The climate includes 29 days above 90°F, requiring strategic irrigation to keep grass from entering summer dormancy.

Silt Loam Provides an Excellent Base

Silt loam soil with a 6.58 pH provides an excellent, nutrient-rich foundation for most turfgrass species. Because the soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained, homeowners should focus on aeration to prevent standing water.

100% Severe Drought Coverage

The entire county currently faces severe drought conditions, following 27 weeks of dry spells over the past year. Lawns need deep-root watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and mitigate the current high stress levels.

Kentucky Bluegrass Thrives Here

Wait until the final spring frost on April 20th before beginning your lawn projects. Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue thrive in these conditions, provided you establish them before the October 17th fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Illinois has a composite county score of 54.9 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Illinois?
Marshall County ranks #48 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 Marshall County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $2,743, with an effective tax rate of 1.99%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Illinois is $69,818 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 65.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Illinois a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.