countyscore
54.7
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.

204060801003.358.376.866.856.865.772.830.452.1Tax3.3Cost58.3Safety76.8Health66.8Schools56.8Income65.7Risk72.8Water30.4Weather52.154.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

How Marshall County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (72.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.3-48.7
Cost
58.3+10.299999999999997
Safety
76.8+21.799999999999997
Health
66.8+16.799999999999997
Schools
56.8
Income
65.7+14.700000000000003
Risk
72.8+25.799999999999997
Water
30.4-27.6
Weather
52.1
Sponsored

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Many homeowners in Marshall County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$782/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,585/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

Putnam County
Illinois
58.4
Woodford County
Illinois
59.3
Bureau County
Illinois
46.8
Stark County
Illinois
61.8
LaSalle County
Illinois
40.5
Peoria County
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30.6
Tazewell County
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42.7
Livingston County
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52

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 54.7 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Illinois?
Marshall County ranks #50 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 $2,766, with an effective tax rate of 1.94%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 3.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Illinois is $71,585 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Illinois a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.