CountyScore

McLean County

Illinois · IL

#89 in Illinois
56.9
County Score

County Report Card

About McLean County, Illinois

McLean scores modestly above national median

McLean County's composite score of 54.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 9%, placing it slightly ahead of typical American counties. However, it falls below the Illinois state average of 62.1, indicating McLean underperforms relative to its state peers.

Below-average performance within Illinois

McLean County trails the state average by 7.7 points, ranking among the lower performers in this eight-county group. The county's composite score is held back by significant tax and cost challenges despite decent income levels.

Solid middle-class income provides foundation

McLean's income score of 34.5 is above-average for this group, with median household income of $78,329 supporting comfortable middle-class lifestyles. This income advantage provides purchasing power that moderate-income counties lack.

High costs and taxes significantly burden households

McLean's cost score of 71.4 reflects median home values of $198,300 and monthly rent at $992, creating affordability pressure despite solid incomes. The tax score of 38.4 with an effective rate of 2.271% adds further burden, ranking second-highest in tax burden among this group.

Suits middle-to-upper income urban professionals

McLean County appeals to professionals earning solid middle-class to upper-middle incomes who accept higher housing costs and taxes for urban amenities and services. It works best for those prioritizing community features and opportunity over housing affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax38.4Cost71.4SafetyComing SoonHealth78.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.5Risk13.1WaterComing Soon
🏛38.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.1
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 McLean County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Essex County
Massachusetts
56.9
Median income: $99,431
Queens County
New York
56.9
Median income: $84,961
San Bernardino County
California
57
Median income: $82,184
Champaign County
Illinois
56.8
Median income: $63,091
Rock Island County
Illinois
57
Median income: $66,768

Deep Dives

McLean County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McLean County

via TaxByCounty

McLean County taxes run above national

McLean County's effective tax rate of 2.271% ranks in the 74th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 1.728%. The median property tax of $4,503 is 67% higher than the national median of $2,690, driven by both elevated rates and a median home value of $198,300, which exceeds most regional peers.

McLean ranks third-highest in Illinois

At 2.271%, McLean County's effective tax rate ranks third in Illinois, exceeded only by McHenry County (2.493%) and Mason/McDonough Counties (2.146%–2.162%). The median property tax of $4,503 is 62% above the state median of $2,782.

Highest-taxed central Illinois county

McLean County's 2.271% rate exceeds all regional peers except McHenry County in the northeast, dramatically outpacing Marshall County (1.991%) and Marion County (1.707%). This reflects central Illinois's largest single municipality—Bloomington—and its concentrated service infrastructure.

Expect $4,503 in annual property tax

On McLean County's median home value of $198,300 and effective rate of 2.271%, homeowners pay approximately $4,503 in annual property taxes. With mortgage add-ons, obligations can reach $4,722.

Review your assessment for relief

Given McLean County's substantial tax burden, verifying your property assessment is essential—especially if your home value has declined or been overestimated. Contact the McLean County Assessor about requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McLean County

via CostByCounty

McLean rents are above national average

McLean County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% slightly exceeds the national norm, with a median rent of $992/month that represents solid value for a Midwest county. The median household income of $78,329 is 5% above the national average, providing reasonable cushion against housing costs.

Above-average Illinois housing costs

McLean's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds the Illinois state average of 14.7%, and its median rent of $992 is $155 above the state median. This positions McLean among Illinois's pricier counties, though far below the premium markets of McHenry.

Expensive but income-supported

McLean's $992 rent is the second-highest in the region after McHenry ($1,358), exceeding Madison ($969), Massac ($793), and others. McLean's median income of $78,329 is the second-highest regionally, suggesting residents can support these higher costs with relative stability.

Modest housing burden on solid incomes

McLean residents earning a median of $78,329 spend $992/month on rent (15.2%) or $1,251/month on homeownership (19.2%). These ratios mean housing consumes roughly one-third of gross income, leaving moderate room for other essential expenses and modest savings.

McLean balances cost and income

If you're relocating to central Illinois, McLean County offers above-average amenities, solid incomes ($78,329 median), and reasonable affordability given the region. Compare this to nearby Madison ($74,800 income, $969 rent) to decide which county best fits your household budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McLean County

via IncomeByCounty

McLean exceeds national income average

McLean County's median household income of $78,329 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $3,574, placing it in the top 50% of U.S. counties. McLean families earn roughly 5% more than typical American households, reflecting a diverse economic base anchored by education and healthcare.

McLean leads among Illinois peer counties

At $78,329, McLean County earns $9,749 more than Illinois's statewide median of $68,580, ranking it in the state's top tier of 102 counties. This strong position reflects economic strength from major employers and a highly educated workforce centered in Bloomington-Normal.

McLean outearns all featured peers except McHenry

McLean County ($78,329) trails only McHenry ($102,836) among the featured counties and exceeds Madison ($74,800), Marshall ($69,818), and all lower-income peers by $5,000–$28,000 per household. Its per capita income of $42,362 ranks second-highest, indicating strong individual earning power driven by professional and service sectors.

Strong incomes balance rising home costs

McLean's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% means renters spend roughly $990 monthly on housing—affordable even though median home values reach $198,300. High household incomes make homeownership achievable for median-income families without excessive financial strain or mortgage burden.

Build wealth through McLean's education economy

McLean households earning $78,329 benefit from education and healthcare sector stability; investing 8% of income annually ($6,266) into tax-advantaged retirement accounts builds $125,000+ over 20 years. Exploring employer pension benefits and tuition reimbursement programs can further accelerate wealth accumulation in this knowledge-based economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McLean County

via HealthByCounty

McLean County exceeds national health metrics

At 78.5 years, McLean County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.3 years by 0.2 years, matching the national benchmark. With 16% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average of 18%.

Among Illinois's healthiest counties

McLean County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks among the state's best, exceeding the Illinois average of 76.0 by 2.5 years. The 4.8% uninsured rate is the lowest in the state, indicating exceptional coverage reach.

Strongest provider capacity in region

McLean County's 61 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent the highest density among its peer counties. Its 387 mental health providers per 100,000 also lead the region, supporting comprehensive health and behavioral care.

Best-in-class coverage and access

McLean County's 4.8% uninsured rate is the state's lowest, and its 61 primary care providers per 100,000 lead the region. These advantages directly support the county's 78.5-year life expectancy and 16% poor/fair health rate—both state-leading outcomes.

Maintain McLean's excellence

Even in Illinois's best-performing county, 4.8% of residents—roughly 5,700 people—lack health coverage. Verify your insurance at Healthcare.gov and help McLean County sustain its position as a national health leader.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McLean County

via RiskByCounty

McLean faces elevated risk statewide

McLean County's composite risk score of 86.90 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, significantly above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This positions McLean among the state's higher-risk counties for natural disasters.

High-risk county in central Illinois

McLean County ranks among Illinois's most at-risk counties, with particularly high tornado (89.57), flood (85.18), and earthquake (82.25) scores. Only its wildfire risk of 8.87 remains low, making it vulnerable across most hazard types.

Significantly riskier than peers

McLean County's composite score of 86.90 is comparable to McHenry County (90.78) and substantially higher than neighboring Mason County (43.03) and Marshall County (27.23). This makes McLean a notable hot spot in central Illinois.

Tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes threaten

McLean County residents face exceptional tornado risk (89.57) and significant flood risk (85.18), coupled with moderate-to-high earthquake exposure (82.25). These three hazards collectively create a complex risk landscape requiring multi-layered preparedness.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

McLean County's high composite risk score demands robust insurance protection including flood coverage and separate earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude both. Ensure your home has adequate shelter infrastructure and that your family has a detailed emergency action plan.

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.