countyscore
52.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.1Health 86.6Soil Quality 85.6

County Report Card

About McHenry County, Illinois

McHenry County Ranks Above Median

The county's composite score of 52.3 is slightly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high quality of life supported by strong local services.

Competitive with the State Average

McHenry County nearly matches the Illinois state average of 52.8. It maintains a strong position as a premier collar county in the Chicago metropolitan orbit.

High Earnings and Top-Tier Schools

The county excels in wealth and education, with an income score of 96.1 and a school score of 83.8. Median household income exceeds $102,836, driving local prosperity.

Extreme Taxes and High Costs

A very low tax score of 0.7 reflects a steep 2.493% effective tax rate. General affordability is also low at 7.5, with median home values reaching $286,900.

Best for High-Earning Families

This county is tailor-made for families with high incomes who want the best schools and safest neighborhoods. Residents must be prepared for some of the highest tax and housing costs in the nation.

Score breakdown

Tax0.7Cost7.5Safety82.3Health86.6Schools83.8Income96.1Risk9.2Water67.1Weather49.6
🏛0.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

McHenry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McHenry County

via TaxByCounty

McHenry County has highest tax burden

McHenry County's effective tax rate of 2.493% ranks in the 87th percentile nationally, far exceeding the national median of 1.728%. The median property tax of $7,153 is 2.7 times the national median of $2,690, reflecting both elevated rates and higher home values of $286,900—the only county in this cohort with values near the national median.

McHenry leads Illinois in tax burden

At 2.493%, McHenry County carries the highest effective tax rate in Illinois, exceeding the state average of 1.831% by 0.66 percentage points. The median property tax of $7,153 is 2.6 times the state median of $2,782—by far the heaviest tax load in the state.

Dramatically outpaces all regional peers

McHenry County's 2.493% rate towers above every comparison county—nearly 0.4 percentage points higher than Mason County (2.146%) and more than twice as high as Massac County (1.499%). This reflects the Chicago suburban market's concentrated service and infrastructure demands.

Homeowners pay $7,153 annually

On McHenry County's median home value of $286,900 and effective rate of 2.493%, residents pay approximately $7,153 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related fees, total obligations climb to $7,337.

Reassessment critical at this tax level

With property taxes exceeding $7,000 annually, even modest assessment corrections can yield substantial savings for McHenry County homeowners. File a reassessment appeal with the McHenry County Assessor—the process is free and could significantly reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McHenry County

via CostByCounty

McHenry's premium costs, premium incomes

McHenry County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% exceeds the national norm, with a median rent of $1,358/month that's the highest in this review. However, McHenry's median household income of $102,836 is 37% above the national average, enabling residents to absorb these premium costs.

Illinois's most expensive housing market

McHenry's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% ranks among Illinois's less affordable counties, and its median rent of $1,358 far exceeds the state average of $837. The median home value of $286,900 reinforces McHenry's position as the state's priciest housing market.

Premium market demands premium income

McHenry's $1,358 rent dramatically exceeds Madison ($969), McLean ($992), and all other regional peers by $300-600/month. McHenry's median income of $102,836 is equally exceptional—the highest reviewed—making these premium costs sustainable for its affluent resident base.

Luxury housing, luxury incomes

McHenry residents earning a median of $102,836 spend $1,358/month on rent (15.8%) or $1,724/month on homeownership (20.2%). While these represent significant outlays, they consume a proportionally manageable share of income due to the county's exceptional earning power.

McHenry rewards the well-compensated

Relocating to McHenry County is ideal if your income rivals the area's $102,836 median—otherwise, you'll face affordability stress. If you're moving to or from McHenry, expect the highest rents and home values in Illinois, offset only by the highest incomes in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McHenry County

via IncomeByCounty

McHenry leads region with premium incomes

McHenry County's median household income of $102,836 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $28,081, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties. McHenry families earn roughly 37% more than typical American households, reflecting a highly skilled workforce and affluent suburban economy.

McHenry dominates Illinois income rankings

At $102,836, McHenry County earns $34,256 more than Illinois's statewide median of $68,580, ranking it among the state's top 5 highest-income counties. This commanding lead reflects strong ties to Chicago-area professional services, technology, and corporate headquarters.

McHenry vastly outearns all peer counties

McHenry County ($102,836) outearns McLean ($78,329) by $24,507, Madison ($74,800) by $28,036, and all other featured peers by even larger margins. Its per capita income of $48,275—the highest among all counties examined—signals an economy dominated by high-earning professionals.

High incomes absorb premium home costs

McHenry's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% remains healthy despite median home values reaching $286,900—the highest among featured counties. High household incomes make expensive properties manageable, though mortgage qualification requires strong credit and significant down payment reserves.

Leverage McHenry wealth for long-term gains

McHenry households earning $102,836 have substantial capacity to build wealth through diversified investments; directing even 10% of income into a 401(k), taxable brokerage, or real estate sidelines annual savings of $10,283. Engaging a fee-only financial advisor to optimize tax-advantaged strategies can accelerate multi-million-dollar wealth accumulation over career spans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McHenry County

via CrimeByCounty

Consistently safe compared to the nation

McHenry County reports a total crime rate of 424.6 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low incidence rate results in an impressive safety score of 99.3.

Ranking high among Illinois counties

McHenry County outperforms the state average safety score of 98.7 with its own score of 99.3. Its total crime rate of 424.6 is roughly half the Illinois average of 835.0.

A safer option than nearby urban hubs

McHenry County's crime rate of 424.6 is significantly lower than McLean County's rate of 914.3. It offers a more tranquil alternative to many higher-density neighboring counties in the region.

Low violent crime across many agencies

With 23 reporting agencies, the data is comprehensive and shows a violent crime rate of only 61.4. Property crime is the main factor at 363.2, which is still remarkably low for a county of this size.

Stay safe in McHenry County

Security is already high here, but residents can bolster safety by ensuring garages are always closed. Simple deterrents like alarm systems help maintain the county's reputation as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McHenry County

via HealthByCounty

McHenry County leads national health rankings

At 79.5 years, McHenry County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.3 years by 1.2 years. With only 15% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average of 18%.

Illinois's healthiest county

McHenry County's 79.5-year life expectancy ranks among the state's highest, trailing only the absolute elite—nearly 3.5 years above the state average of 76.0. The 5.9% uninsured rate also beats the Illinois average of 6.3%.

Excellent healthcare infrastructure

McHenry County's 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 278 mental health providers per 100,000 represent strong healthcare capacity. These resources support the county's exceptional health outcomes compared to state peers.

Comprehensive coverage and access

McHenry County's 5.9% uninsured rate and 45 primary care providers per 100,000 create strong conditions for health maintenance. The county's 15% poor/fair health rate—among the state's best—reflects the benefits of robust healthcare infrastructure and coverage.

Keep McHenry's streak going

Even in Illinois's healthiest county, 5.9% of residents lack coverage—roughly 10,000 people without protection. Visit Healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage and help McHenry County maintain its position as a health leader.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McHenry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure Serving 50,000+ Students

McHenry County operates a vast network of 88 public schools across 21 districts, serving 50,616 students. This extensive system includes 50 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 16 high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Strong Investment

The county boasts an elite 93.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Illinois average of 88.8%. This success is backed by $10,347 in per-pupil spending and a high composite school score of 62.6.

Large-Scale Districts Driving Student Success

CUSD 300 is a regional powerhouse with 20,443 students and 29 schools, followed by Crystal Lake CCSD 47 and Woodstock CUSD 200. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional district excellence.

Dynamic Suburban Campuses and Large High Schools

With 58 schools in suburban areas, the county offers a modern, high-energy educational environment. Average school size is 610, but Huntley High School is a standout with 2,926 students enrolled.

Join a Community with Elite Academic Outcomes

McHenry County is one of the top choices in Illinois for families seeking high-performing suburban schools. Explore homes in the CUSD 300 or Crystal Lake areas to access some of the state's highest graduation rates.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McHenry County

via RiskByCounty

McHenry faces above-average risk

McHenry County's composite risk score of 90.78 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, well above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This elevated profile makes McHenry one of the state's higher-risk counties overall.

Among Illinois's riskiest counties

McHenry County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Illinois, with exceptionally high tornado (96.34) and flood (93.10) risks. Its wildfire risk of 31.62 is notably elevated compared to most Illinois counties.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

McHenry County's composite score of 90.78 is comparable to Madison County (93.42) and McLean County (86.90), placing it among the state's most vulnerable regions. It significantly exceeds the risk profiles of most other northern Illinois counties.

Flooding and tornadoes are paramount

McHenry County faces a flood risk of 93.10 and tornado risk of 96.34—both extraordinarily high and among the state's worst. These dual threats make comprehensive preparedness and proper insurance coverage essential for all residents.

Flood and wind coverage are critical

McHenry County's extreme flood (93.10) and tornado (96.34) risks mean flood insurance and wind damage coverage are not optional. Consider reinforcing your home's structural integrity and maintaining a well-supplied emergency shelter space.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McHenry County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly Northern Climate and High Snow

McHenry County is notably cooler than the national average, with a mean temperature of 48.6°F. It serves as a classic example of a cold-winter humid continental climate.

One of the Coldest Illinois Counties

The average of 48.6°F is significantly lower than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. McHenry ranks as one of the state's most northern and coldest regions.

The Snow Capital of the Region

With 33.1 inches of snow annually, McHenry receives over ten times more snowfall than southern Massac County. It also has the fewest extreme heat days in the group at just 16.

Long Winters and Mild Summers

Winter dominates here with a frigid December-February average of 24.8°F and heavy snow accumulation. Summers are pleasant and mild, with July averages peaking at only 72.9°F.

Invest in Heavy Winter Equipment

A high-quality snow blower is essential to manage the 33.1 inches of annual snowfall. Homeowners should also prioritize high-efficiency heating systems for the long, 21.8°F January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McHenry County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Illinois Soil Excellence

McHenry County features a pH of 6.29, which is slightly more acidic than the state average. Despite this, the county earns an elite soil score of 85.6, indicating world-class potential for plant growth.

Diverse Mix with High Sand

The soil contains 22.6% sand, 52.2% silt, and 20.3% clay, providing a diverse mix that balances drainage with nutrient storage. This higher sand content compared to southern neighbors often leads to easier spring tilling.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

With a massive 6.34% organic matter content, McHenry County more than doubles the state average of 2.94%. This richness is paired with a high water capacity of 0.220 in/in, making it some of the most productive earth in the nation.

Natural Efficiency and Flow

While specific drainage and taxonomic data are not currently available, the high sand and organic matter levels suggest very healthy water movement. This soil is likely to stay aerated even after significant rainfall.

Abundance in Zone 5b

In Zone 5b, McHenry County is ideal for hearty vegetables and premium landscaping. The extraordinary organic content means you may need less fertilizer than almost anywhere else in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McHenry County

via LawnByCounty

High Ease Score in Northern Illinois

McHenry County earns a 72.2 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the more manageable regions for home landscapes in Illinois. Its location in Zone 5b offers a cooler climate that favors many popular northern grass varieties.

Cooler Summers Benefit Cool-Season Turf

A short heat window of only 16 days above 90°F is a major advantage, significantly lower than the state average of 27. This cooler weather, combined with 38.4 inches of rain, reduces the risk of grass scorching during the summer months.

Well-Balanced Soil for Easy Growth

The soil's 6.29 pH is well-suited for lawn growth, and a 22.6% sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming too dense. These balanced factors mean your lawn likely requires fewer extreme interventions to remain healthy.

Abnormally Dry Conditions but No Severe Drought

While 94.8% of the county is abnormally dry, it has avoided the severe drought conditions seen elsewhere in the state. Continue monitoring your lawn's moisture levels, especially after the 25 weeks of drought experienced this past year.

Late Spring Starts in Zone 5b

Because of the later spring frost on April 28th, wait until May to start major sodding or seeding projects. Fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are ideal for this northern climate and will survive the early October frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McHenry County's county score?
McHenry 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 McHenry County rank among counties in Illinois?
McHenry County ranks #61 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 McHenry County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in McHenry County is $7,153, with an effective tax rate of 2.49%. This earns McHenry County a tax score of 0.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McHenry County?
The median household income in McHenry County, Illinois is $102,836 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McHenry County earns an income score of 96.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is McHenry County, Illinois a good place to live?
McHenry County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate McHenry 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 McHenry County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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