countyscore
52.3
County Score
Soil Quality 83.8Lawn Care 76.2Safety 69.7

County Report Card

About Mason County, Illinois

Mason County Exceeds National Median

Mason County posts a composite score of 52.8, slightly outperforming the 50.0 national median. It provides a reliable standard of living that matches broader regional trends.

A Perfect State Average Match

The county's score of 52.8 perfectly mirrors the Illinois state average. It serves as a representative benchmark for what life looks like in a typical Illinois county.

Affordable Living and Local Safety

Housing affordability is a key driver with a cost score of 67.0 and a median home value of $106,100. A safety score of 69.7 further enhances its appeal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.

Fiscal Burdens and Water Scores

The tax score of 2.1 is among the lowest in the region, driven by a 2.146% effective rate. Water quality and infrastructure also present room for improvement with a score of 44.4.

Ideal for Value-Seeking Retirees

The county is best suited for retirees or remote workers who want to maximize their housing budget in a safe environment. It offers a predictable, average Illinois experience with significant real estate value.

20406080100265.569.760.957.542.25744.449.1Tax2Cost65.5Safety69.7Health60.9Schools57.5Income42.2Risk57Water44.4Weather49.152.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Mason County DNA

Foverall

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

Mason County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (65.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2-50
Cost
65.5+17.5
Safety
69.7+14.700000000000003
Health
60.9+10.899999999999999
Schools
57.5
Income
42.2-8.799999999999997
Risk
57+10
Water
44.4-13.600000000000001
Weather
49.1
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Many homeowners in Mason 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

$103,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$802/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,845/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Menard County
Illinois
56.6
Fulton County
Illinois
54.9
Cass County
Illinois
57.4
Tazewell County
Illinois
42.7
Schuyler County
Illinois
58
Logan County
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51.5
Sangamon County
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33.3
Morgan County
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43.2

Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mason County

via TaxByCounty

Mason County levies top-tier tax rates

Mason County's effective tax rate of 2.146% ranks in the 71st percentile nationally, well above the national median of 1.728%. The median property tax of $2,277 approaches the national median of $2,690, despite homes valued at only $106,100—less than 38% of the national median home value.

Mason County highest-taxed in Illinois

At 2.146%, Mason County carries Illinois's highest effective tax rate, exceeding the state average of 1.831% by over 0.3 percentage points. The median property tax of $2,277 is 18% below the state median, reflecting lower home values but elevated tax pressure on residents.

Significantly outpaces all regional peers

Mason County's 2.146% rate far exceeds every neighboring county in the state—nearly 0.2 percentage points above McDonough County (2.162%) and Marshall County (1.991%). This makes Mason one of the most tax-intensive places to own property in central Illinois.

Expect $2,277 in annual property tax

On Mason County's median home value of $106,100 and effective rate of 2.146%, homeowners pay approximately $2,277 in annual property taxes. With mortgage add-ons, total obligations can reach $2,397.

Reassessment appeal strongly encouraged

Given Mason County's exceptionally high tax rates, thorough assessment verification is critical for homeowners seeking relief. The Mason County Assessor's office accepts reassessment requests at no charge—a simple filing could substantially reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mason County

via IncomeByCounty

Mason households earn below the national mark

Mason County's median household income of $62,127 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,628, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. Mason families earn roughly 17% less than the typical American household, reflecting limited high-wage job opportunities.

Mason falls short of Illinois's state average

At $62,127, Mason County lags Illinois's statewide median of $68,580 by $6,453, ranking it in the lower half of the state's 102 counties. The gap signals an economy with fewer middle- and high-income employment options than state peers.

Mason competes with similarly challenged peers

Mason County ($62,127) earns slightly more than Marion ($60,839) and Massac ($62,584) but significantly trails Marshall ($69,818) and Madison ($74,800). Its per capita income of $34,783 falls below the state average of $36,009, indicating weaker individual earning capacity across the county.

Housing affordability provides vital relief

Mason's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% means renters spend roughly $760 monthly on housing, staying well below the 30% affordability threshold and creating breathing room in tight budgets. Median home values of $106,100 make homeownership viable for median-income families, though lower overall income limits savings potential.

Build wealth despite modest Mason earnings

Mason households earning $62,127 should prioritize emergency savings and employer benefits first, as these provide the most return on limited resources. Automating even $75 monthly into a dedicated savings account or retirement plan sidesteps the temptation to spend and builds $9,000+ in a decade.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mason County

via CrimeByCounty

Mason County remains well below national averages

With a total crime rate of 711.3 per 100K, Mason County is far safer than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county carries a strong safety score of 98.9, indicating it is one of the more secure regions in the country.

Exceeding the Illinois safety benchmark

Mason County's total crime rate of 711.3 is lower than the Illinois average of 835.0. Its safety score of 98.9 also surpasses the state average of 98.7, suggesting a safer environment than many other Illinois counties.

Mason vs its neighboring regions

While Mason's rate of 711.3 is slightly higher than Marshall County's 553.7, it is much lower than Massac County's 1747.4. Mason remains a middle-ground safe haven compared to its regional counterparts.

Violent crime is remarkably low

Property crime accounts for 657.8 per 100K residents, but violent crime is almost non-existent at only 53.5. Six reporting agencies contribute to this data, highlighting a community where personal safety risks are minimal.

Stay vigilant against property theft

Since property crimes make up the bulk of Mason's reports, home security is a smart investment. Simple steps like locking all windows and installing doorbell cameras can prevent opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mason County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the Heart of Illinois

Mason County averages 52.1°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for the interior United States. This climate produces standard seasonal transitions and a balanced weather profile.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Average

At 52.1°F, Mason County is just a fraction cooler than the 52.8°F Illinois average. Its 40.1 inches of annual rainfall also trails the state benchmark of 41.7 inches slightly.

Higher Heat Frequency Than Nearby Counties

Mason experiences 31 extreme heat days annually, more than neighbors like Marshall or Menard. However, its 20.4 inches of snow is fairly consistent with other central Illinois regions.

A Cycle of Heat and Frost

July brings a warm average of 75.8°F, while January dips to a chilly 24.8°F. The county sees a full month of days exceeding 90°F, making for a long summer season.

Manage High Heat and Winter Chill

Plan for 31 days of temperatures over 90°F by optimizing your home's cooling efficiency. Salt and winter tires are essential for navigating the 20.4 inches of average annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mason County

via SoilByCounty

The Near-Perfect pH Anchor

Mason County boasts an average pH of 6.54, sitting almost exactly at the national median of 6.5. This neutral chemical balance is a primary driver behind the county's exceptional soil health and productivity.

Higher Sand Content for Drainage

With 29.7% sand, this soil is much grittier than neighboring counties, which usually improves drainage and aeration. This is balanced by 47.8% silt and 19.0% clay, creating a unique mix that warms up quickly in the spring.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is a staggering 5.88%, nearly double the Illinois state average of 2.94%. This incredible richness leads to a soil score of 83.8, identifying Mason as a premier agricultural hub.

Exceptional Internal Soil Flow

Detailed hydrologic and taxonomic data is currently limited for this county. However, the high sand percentage and top-tier soil score suggest very efficient drainage that prevents most waterlogging issues for builders and farmers.

Bumper Crops in Zone 6a

Mason County's Zone 6a climate is perfectly suited for the county's nutrient-dense soils. Whether you are growing professional-grade corn or a residential vegetable patch, the earth here is ready to perform.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mason County

via LawnByCounty

Exceptional Lawn Ease in Mason County

Mason County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 76.2, ranking it as one of the easiest places in the state for lawn care. This high rating surpasses the state average of 69.8, offering ideal conditions for Zone 6a gardeners.

Consistent Precipitation and High Growth

The county receives 40.1 inches of precipitation per year, closely matching the state average. While 31 extreme heat days present a challenge, the 3574 growing degree days support a robust and active growing season for turf.

Sandy Soil Improves Natural Drainage

With nearly 30% sand content, Mason County soils offer better-than-average natural drainage compared to heavier clay regions. The 6.54 pH level ensures that your lawn can easily access nutrients, even though specific drainage classifications are unavailable.

Managing Widespread Severe Drought

Despite its high score, 100% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions. Residents should maintain a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during this critical period.

Spring Seeding Success in Zone 6a

Aim to seed your lawn after April 17th to avoid late-season frost damage. Kentucky bluegrass is a top performer in this climate, as long as it is established well before the first fall frost on October 19th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mason County's county score?
Mason County, Illinois has a composite county score of 52.3 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 Mason County rank among counties in Illinois?
Mason County ranks #59 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 Mason County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Mason County is $2,162, with an effective tax rate of 2.09%. This earns Mason County a tax score of 2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mason County?
The median household income in Mason County, Illinois is $62,845 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mason County earns an income score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mason County, Illinois a good place to live?
Mason County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Mason 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 Mason 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.