countyscore
48.1
County Score
Health 84.4Income & Jobs 81.9Schools 76

County Report Card

About McLean County, Illinois

McLean County Nears National Median

McLean County's composite score of 48.1 is just shy of the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid mix of urban amenities and Midwestern stability.

Trailing the Illinois State Average

While competitive, the county's score of 48.1 falls below the Illinois state average of 52.8. It faces significant pressure from state-level tax and risk trends.

Exceptional Health and Income Profile

The county performs very well in health with a score of 84.4 and income with a score of 81.9. A median household income of $78,329 supports a high standard of living.

Low Tax Scores and High Risk

Taxation is a significant drawback with a score of 1.6 and a 2.271% rate. Additionally, a low risk score of 13.1 points toward vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Ideal for Corporate and Health Professionals

McLean County suits professionals who prioritize career growth and access to excellent medical care. It is a great fit for those who can trade higher tax bills for strong community assets.

Score breakdown

Tax1.6Cost22.7Safety60.4Health84.4Schools76Income81.9Risk13.1Water37.2Weather47.8
🏛1.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.9
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

De Witt County
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47.8
Woodford County
Illinois
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Livingston County
Illinois
51.6
Ford County
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Tazewell County
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Logan County
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Piatt County
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Deep Dives

McLean County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in McLean County

via CrimeByCounty

McLean County is safer than the U.S. average

McLean County's total crime rate of 914.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a high safety score of 98.6, indicating a generally secure community.

Nearly matching Illinois state averages

McLean's safety score of 98.6 is just a hair below the state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 914.3 is slightly higher than the Illinois average of 835.0, reflecting its status as a more populated hub.

Higher crime rates than rural neighbors

Compared to nearby Marshall County's 553.7, McLean reports a higher crime rate of 914.3. However, it is still much safer than Massac County, which reports a rate of 1747.4.

Property crime leads local reports

The county records 152.4 violent crimes and 761.9 property crimes per 100K residents. Data from 14 reporting agencies suggests that while violent crime is low, property-related incidents are more common.

Prioritize property protection

Since property crime is the most frequent issue in McLean, modern security tools like cameras and motion sensors are recommended. Keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles is another easy way to reduce risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in McLean County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System of 60 Public Schools

McLean County supports 24,046 students across 60 public schools and nine districts. The infrastructure features a wide range of levels, including 30 elementary schools and 17 high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Superior Scores

McLean County achieves a 91.9% graduation rate, well above the national 87.0% average. The county spends $10,294 per pupil, contributing to an excellent composite school score of 61.6.

McLean County USD 5 Leads Central Illinois

McLean County USD 5 is the largest district, serving 12,409 students across 26 schools. The county also hosts one charter school, which accounts for 1.7% of the total public schools in the region.

Diverse School Settings from City to Rural

The locale mix is highly diverse, with 15 city schools, 17 suburban, and 21 rural campuses. While Normal Community High School serves 2,131 students, the average school size across the county remains 437.

Choose Your Lifestyle Near Top-Tier Schools

Whether you prefer city living or rural landscapes, McLean County offers exceptional schools for every family. Proximity to the USD 5 or Bloomington SD 87 campuses provides residents with some of the best academic results in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in McLean County

via WeatherByCounty

Standardized Central Illinois Weather Patterns

McLean County's 50.6°F average annual temperature is slightly below the national median for temperate climates. It features reliable seasonal patterns common to the American breadbasket.

Just Below the State Average

At 50.6°F, McLean is over two degrees cooler than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. Its 38.7 inches of annual precipitation is also lower than the state's 41.7-inch average.

Similar to Western Peers Like Mercer

McLean's average temperature of 50.6°F exactly matches Mercer County, though McLean sees less snow. It experiences 25 extreme heat days, placing it in the middle of the regional spectrum.

A Mix of Humidity and Frost

July averages reach 73.9°F, accompanied by 25 days where the mercury hits at least 90°F. Winter brings a January average of 23.7°F and about 15.5 inches of total snowfall.

Prepare for Moderate Snow and Heat

Expect roughly 15.5 inches of snow each winter, requiring basic removal tools. Check your insulation to keep the home efficient during the 25 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McLean County

via SoilByCounty

The Heart of the Corn Belt

McLean County soil maintains a pH of 6.56, standing slightly above both the state and national averages. This near-perfect balance creates a chemically ideal environment for maximizing crop yields.

Silty and Clay-Rich Earth

The soil is comprised of 63.6% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-dense medium. The low 12.4% sand content means the soil is excellent at holding its shape and supporting large plant root systems.

Top-Tier Organic Matter

Organic matter is strong at 3.02%, exceeding the state average of 2.94%. While the water capacity of 0.196 in/in is slightly below the state mean, the high organic content ensures the soil remains fertile and resilient.

Sturdy Land for Building and Farming

Classification data for drainage and taxonomy is currently not available for the dominant soil types. However, a soil score of 75.4 suggests a high-quality landscape that is well-suited for heavy agricultural use.

Planting Pride in Zone 6a

McLean County's Zone 6a climate and rich prairie heritage make it a gardener's dream. From prize-winning pumpkins to high-yield corn, this soil is built to produce year after year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McLean County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in McLean County

McLean County's 70.9 lawn difficulty score indicates a relatively easy maintenance environment that slightly exceeds the state average. Property owners in Zone 6a benefit from conditions that are much more forgiving than the national median.

Predictable Weather for Regular Mowing

The local climate features 38.7 inches of rain and 25 days of extreme heat, which is slightly cooler than the Illinois average. These factors create a steady growing environment, though 3264 growing degree days will keep your mower busy.

Near-Perfect Soil pH for Turf

A soil pH of 6.56 is nearly perfect for most lawn types, ensuring high nutrient availability for the grass. With clay making up nearly 24% of the soil, periodic core aeration is recommended to improve oxygen flow to the roots.

Severe Drought Coverage Across the County

Drought resilience is currently being tested, as 100% of the county is in severe drought after 35 dry weeks this year. Focus on evening irrigation and avoid heavy foot traffic to protect stressed turf during this difficult period.

Early Spring Seeding Recommended

The growing season starts in earnest after the April 23rd frost, giving you a solid window for spring planting. Kentucky bluegrass is a reliable choice for these conditions, maturing well before the first fall frost on October 16th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McLean County's county score?
McLean County, Illinois has a composite county score of 48.1 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 McLean County rank among counties in Illinois?
McLean County ranks #73 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 McLean County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in McLean County is $4,503, with an effective tax rate of 2.27%. This earns McLean County a tax score of 1.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McLean County?
The median household income in McLean County, Illinois is $78,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McLean County earns an income score of 81.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is McLean County, Illinois a good place to live?
McLean County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate McLean 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 McLean 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.