CountyScore

Marshall County

Illinois · IL

#41 in Illinois
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Illinois

Marshall exceeds national livability standards

Marshall County's composite score of 61.8 sits 24% above the national median of 50.0, confirming its status as a solid performer in the national livability landscape. The score reflects balanced strengths across multiple dimensions, though slightly below the Illinois state average of 62.1.

Just below the Illinois state average

Marshall County scores 0.3 points below the Illinois state average of 62.1, placing it essentially at parity with the state's typical county profile. This near-average ranking reflects a county that performs competently but lacks distinctive advantages.

Strong housing affordability and moderate incomes

Marshall County's cost score of 81.6 places it among the most affordable in the group, with median homes at $137,800 and rent at $767 monthly. Median household income of $69,818 provides respectable middle-class purchasing power for a rural Illinois county.

Tax burden ranks among the highest locally

Marshall's tax score of 46.3 is the lowest among this group, with an effective tax rate of 1.991% that significantly impacts household budgets. The income score of 29.0 also suggests limited economic opportunity for higher-earning households.

Suits stable families seeking small-town life

Marshall County appeals to families comfortable in rural settings seeking affordable housing and modest tax obligations. It's best suited for those with stable, modest incomes who value community stability over economic growth potential or urban amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax46.3Cost81.6SafetyComing SoonHealth72.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome29Risk72.8WaterComing Soon
🏛46.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72.8
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 Marshall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
65.5
Median income: $77,722
La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Randolph County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $68,870

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall matches national life expectancy

At 76.3 years, Marshall County residents live slightly below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The county's 18.9% poor or fair health rate sits just above the national average of 18%, indicating relatively typical health outcomes.

Healthy life expectancy, at or above state

Marshall County's 76.3-year life expectancy slightly exceeds the Illinois average of 76.0 years, placing it among healthier state counties. With a 5.7% uninsured rate, the county beats the state average of 6.3%, showing strong coverage.

Severe primary care provider shortage

Marshall County's 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent one of the lowest densities in its peer group—less than half of neighboring Madison County's 48. The county's 17 mental health providers per 100,000 is similarly sparse, suggesting significant barriers to specialized care.

Good coverage, limited provider access

Marshall County's 5.7% uninsured rate is among Illinois's best, but only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 means long wait times and travel are common. This provider shortage likely explains the county's 18.9% poor/fair health rate despite solid insurance coverage.

Ensure your coverage is solid

While Marshall County boasts strong insurance rates, 5.7% of residents remain uninsured—roughly 500 people. With limited local providers, having comprehensive coverage is essential; verify your plan at Healthcare.gov or contact your employer.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.