countyscore
43.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 60.9Cost of Living 60.6Lawn Care 58.4

County Report Card

About Massac County, Illinois

Massac County Trails National Norms

The composite score of 43.2 indicates that Massac County ranks below the national median of 50.0. It faces some headwinds in maintaining a competitive national ranking.

Below the Illinois State Average

Massac's score of 43.2 sits nearly 10 points behind the Illinois state average of 52.8. This reflects local challenges that differentiate it from the state's high-performing areas.

Strong Schools and Housing Value

Education is a bright spot with a school score of 58.1. The county also remains affordable, scoring 60.6 for cost with a median gross rent of $793.

Public Safety and Tax Pressures

Safety is a primary area for improvement with a score of 27.7. Despite being better than some neighbors, the tax score of 12.9 still indicates a relatively high local burden.

Suitable for Budget-Conscious Parents

Families who prioritize school performance and low housing costs will find value here. It suits those willing to trade higher safety rankings for more attainable homeownership.

2040608010012.960.627.752.858.146.938.441.860.9Tax12.9Cost60.6Safety27.7Health52.8Schools58.1Income46.9Risk38.4Water41.8Weather60.943.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Massac County DNA

Foverall

How Massac County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Massac County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (12.9/100), though Cost of Living (60.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.9-39.1
Cost
60.6+12.600000000000001
Safety
27.7-27.3
Health
52.8
Schools
58.1
Income
46.9
Risk
38.4-8.600000000000001
Water
41.8-16.200000000000003
Weather
60.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Massac County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$793/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,584/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.5

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
Compare Massac County with Gordon County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Gordon County
Georgia
Median income: $61,997
43.2
Paulding County
Georgia
Median income: $94,557
43.2
LaPorte County
Indiana
Median income: $70,452
43.2
St. John the Baptist Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $67,418
43.2
Warren County
Missouri
Median income: $77,989
43.2
Box Butte County
Nebraska
Median income: $68,778
43.2
Fulton County
New York
Median income: $62,615
43.2
Davie County
North Carolina
Median income: $73,234
43.2

Nearby counties

McCracken County
Kentucky
46.1
Pope County
Illinois
67.4
Johnson County
Illinois
67.7
Livingston County
Kentucky
59
Pulaski County
Illinois
62.9
Ballard County
Kentucky
56.1
Marshall County
Kentucky
56.8
Carlisle County
Kentucky
62.5

Deep Dives

Massac County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Massac County

via TaxByCounty

Massac County offers tax relief

Massac County's effective tax rate of 1.499% ranks in the 27th percentile nationally, significantly below the national median of 1.728%. The median property tax of $1,769 is 34% lower than the national median of $2,690, providing meaningful savings for homeowners on a per-dollar basis.

Massac ranks lowest in Illinois

At 1.499%, Massac County boasts Illinois's lowest effective tax rate, nearly 0.4 percentage points below the state average of 1.831%. The median property tax of $1,769 is the lowest among peer counties, offering southeastern Illinois residents a genuine tax advantage.

Lowest-taxed county in the region

Massac County's 1.499% rate beats every neighboring county—sitting well below Marion County (1.707%) and dramatically lower than Mason County (2.146%). For tax-conscious homebuyers, Massac offers the strongest regional value.

Annual tax bill averages just $1,769

On Massac County's median home value of $118,000 and effective rate of 1.499%, residents pay approximately $1,769 annually in property taxes. This is among the lowest in Illinois and reflects the county's commitment to affordability.

Verify your assessment for extra savings

Even in low-tax Massac County, assessment errors can inflate your bill unnecessarily. File a reassessment request with the Massac County Assessor—it's free and could uncover additional tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Massac County

via CostByCounty

Massac rents slightly above fair share

Massac County residents spend 15.2% of household income on rent, slightly above the national benchmark and matching Marion County's ratio. At a median of $793/month and median household income of $62,584, Massac offers modest affordability challenges offset by lower overall incomes.

Modestly above Illinois average

Massac's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, putting it in the less affordable tier of Illinois counties. The median rent of $793 is $44 above the state average, reflecting regional cost pressures.

Mid-range costs among regional peers

Massac's $793 rent falls between Marion ($771) and Madison ($969), occupying the middle ground regionally. Homeownership costs are competitive at $786/month, slightly below Marshall's $858 and well below Madison's $1,109.

Balanced but modest housing burden

With a median income of $62,584, Massac residents spend $793/month on rent (15.2%) or $786/month on homeownership (15.1%). Housing consumes roughly one-third of gross income, leaving moderate resources for utilities, food, transportation, and emergencies.

Massac offers southern Illinois balance

If you're considering relocation in southern Illinois, Massac County provides middle-tier affordability with home values around $118,000. Compare this to nearby Marion (most affordable) and you'll find Massac slightly pricier but with more developed amenities and services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Massac County

via IncomeByCounty

Massac falls short on national income scale

Massac County's median household income of $62,584 sits $12,171 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. Massac families earn roughly 16% less than typical American households, reflecting economic constraints common to rural Southern Illinois.

Massac ranks below Illinois state median

At $62,584, Massac County trails Illinois's statewide median of $68,580 by $5,996, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 102 counties. The gap reflects limited job diversity and lower-wage employment dominance in the regional economy.

Massac matches struggling peer counties

Massac County ($62,584) nearly matches Marion ($60,839) and Mason ($62,127) but trails Marshall ($69,818) and Madison ($74,800) by $7,000–$12,000 per household. Its per capita income of $31,578 ranks below the state average of $36,009, indicating weaker earning power across individual residents.

Affordable housing eases financial pressure

Massac's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% means renters spend roughly $790 monthly on housing, maintaining good affordability margins despite modest incomes. With median home values at $118,000, homeownership is accessible to median-income families, providing an affordable path to wealth building.

Invest in Massac's affordable housing market

Massac households earning $62,584 should prioritize homeownership as a wealth-building strategy, since median home values of $118,000 remain achievable and build equity over time. Starting with a financial literacy course or meeting with a credit counselor can unlock better mortgage terms and accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Massac County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher rates but still below national average

Massac County reports a total crime rate of 1747.4 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. However, its safety score of 97.2 is lower than many of its Illinois peers.

Trailing the Illinois safety average

The county's crime rate of 1747.4 is more than double the Illinois state average of 835.0. This places Massac County significantly below the state safety score average of 98.7.

Massac faces more challenges than neighbors

Compared to nearby Mason County at 711.3, Massac's crime rate is considerably higher. It also contrasts sharply with McHenry County, which maintains a much lower rate of 424.6 per 100K.

Property crime is the primary concern

Violent crime sits at 191.0 per 100K, while property crime is the main driver at 1556.4. Three reporting agencies track these figures, showing that theft and burglary are the most common public safety issues.

Boost your home's defense

With property crime rates exceeding 1500 per 100K, home security is essential for Massac residents. Secure your perimeter with fencing and ensure all entry points are well-lit and locked.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Massac County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Network of Nine Public Schools

Massac County's 2,105 students are served by nine public schools across just two districts. This infrastructure includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

High Per-Pupil Investment Yields Results

The county spends $10,263 per pupil, significantly outspending the $9,250 Illinois state average. This commitment is reflected in a school score of 58.5, which is higher than both the state and national averages.

Massac Unit District 1 Serves the Majority

Massac UD 1 is the primary district, educating 1,879 students across seven schools. Joppa-Maple Grove UD 38 serves the remaining population, and there are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

A Quiet, Rural Education Environment

With seven schools in rural areas and two in town, the county offers a peaceful learning environment. Schools are intimate with an average of 234 students, though Massac County High School is larger with 583 students.

Find Your Place in a Top-Scoring District

Massac County's high school scores and strong per-pupil funding make it a standout for families in Southern Illinois. Look for homes in the Massac Unit District 1 area to secure access to the county's largest and best-funded schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Massac County

via RiskByCounty

Massac County ranks above state average

Massac County's composite risk score of 61.61 places it in the Relatively Low category, above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This moderate risk level reflects notable exposure to several natural hazards across the county.

Mid-tier risk among Illinois counties

Massac County ranks in the middle range of Illinois counties, with particularly high earthquake risk (93.58) and tornado risk (66.51). Its flood risk of 43.03 is moderate, while wildfire exposure remains minimal at 7.63.

Riskier than most neighboring counties

Massac County's composite score of 61.61 exceeds nearby Marshall County (27.23), Mason County (43.03), and McDonough County (37.53), but falls well below Madison County (93.42) to the north. Massac occupies a middle ground in regional risk.

Earthquakes and tornadoes drive risk

Massac County faces an exceptional earthquake risk of 93.58, making seismic activity its primary concern alongside tornadoes (66.51). Flooding presents moderate risk with a score of 43.03, particularly near the Ohio River.

Earthquake coverage deserves serious consideration

Massac County's extremely high earthquake risk of 93.58 makes standalone earthquake insurance a worthwhile investment, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Combine this with comprehensive flood coverage for the most complete protection in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Massac County

via WaterByCounty

Massac County Navigates Drinking Water Challenges

Massac County holds a D water quality grade with four health violations logged over five years. The local violation rate of 29.0 per 100,000 people is better than the state average but remains a point of concern.

Significant Impairment Found in Local Waters

A staggering 73.4% of assessed water bodies in Massac County are impaired, far exceeding the Illinois average of 38%. Major contamination causes include mercury, PCBs, and E. coli.

Monitoring Focused on Organics and Pesticides

The federal Water Quality Portal contains 1,667 measurements from five monitoring sites over the last five years. The data primarily tracks organic compounds and pesticides rather than inorganic nutrients.

No Live Streamflow Gauges in County

There is currently no active USGS streamgage providing live data for Massac County. Public water systems must rely on groundwater and compliance monitoring to ensure safety in the absence of real-time river data.

Practice Safety Near Impaired Surface Waters

With high levels of E. coli and PCBs in the watershed, residents should exercise caution during recreational water activities. Secondary filtration systems at home can help mitigate risk from recorded drinking water violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Massac County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Illinois Climate Profile

Massac County is significantly warmer than the national median with an annual average of 57.3°F. It experiences a humid subtropical influence that is rare for the rest of the state.

One of Illinois' Warmest and Wettest

Massac's 57.3°F average far exceeds the state average of 52.8°F, placing it among the warmest Illinois counties. It also receives 50.2 inches of rain, well above the state's 41.7-inch norm.

Vastly Different Weather Than Northern Peers

Compared to northern counties like McHenry, Massac sees almost no snow, averaging just 3.1 inches annually. It also endures 42 days of extreme heat, the highest in this regional set.

Mild Winters and Intense Summer Heat

The county sees a sweltering 42 days above 90°F, with July averages reaching 78.4°F. Winters are much milder than the rest of Illinois, staying well above freezing with a 36.6°F average.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Preparedness

High-capacity air conditioning is vital to handle the six weeks of extreme heat days. Because the county receives over 50 inches of rain, ensure your property has excellent drainage and gutter systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Massac County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles of the Far South

Massac County features a more acidic average pH of 5.92, well below the national median of 6.5. This lower pH suggests that lime applications may be necessary for gardeners looking to grow traditional vegetable crops.

High Silt and Low Sand

The soil composition is 61.9% silt and 21.7% clay, with just 16.5% sand. This fine-grained profile can become very slick when wet and hard-packed when dry, requiring careful timing for tilling or digging.

Opportunities for Soil Improvement

Organic matter is lower than average at 1.78%, trailing the state average of 2.94%. With an available water capacity of 0.197 in/in, the soil is slightly less efficient at holding moisture than the typical Illinois acre.

Awaiting Specific Hydrologic Details

Official classifications for drainage and taxonomic orders are currently not provided in the central dataset. Given the 56.1 soil score, landowners should prioritize adding organic amendments to boost overall performance and structure.

Year-Round Potential in Zone 7a

Being in Zone 7a gives Massac County one of the longest growing seasons in the state. While the soil score is lower than average, the mild climate allows for early spring planting and late fall harvesting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Massac County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Illinois Lawn Care Hurdles

Massac County faces significant challenges with a 58.4 lawn difficulty score, well below the Illinois average of 69.8. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 7a environment requires more effort than the national median of 50.0 suggests.

Heat Intensity Defines the Climate

Extreme heat is the primary hurdle here, as the county averages a staggering 42 days above 90°F annually. While 50.2 inches of annual rain is plentiful, the 4362 growing degree days accelerate moisture loss from the soil.

Acidic Soil Needs Potential Liming

The soil pH of 5.92 is slightly acidic and sits just below the ideal 6.0 range for healthy turf. Adding lime may be necessary to balance the soil and improve the productivity of the 21.7% clay-based foundation.

Limited Drought but High Heat

Massac County shows resilience with zero severe drought coverage and only 10 weeks of drought in the past year. However, 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, making consistent irrigation vital during the peak heat season.

Tough Grasses for Intense Summers

Start your planting after April 6th to take advantage of the warming spring temperatures. Bermuda grass or heat-tolerant tall fescues are excellent choices to survive the intense southern Illinois summers before frost arrives in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massac County's county score?
Massac County, Illinois has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Massac County rank among counties in Illinois?
Massac County ranks #85 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 Massac County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Massac County is $1,769, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Massac County a tax score of 12.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Massac County?
The median household income in Massac County, Illinois is $62,584 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Massac County earns an income score of 46.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Massac County, Illinois a good place to live?
Massac County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Massac 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 Massac 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.