countyscore
56.6
County Score
Safety 93.9Income & Jobs 84Health 83.2

County Report Card

About Menard County, Illinois

A High-Performing Heartland Community

Menard County earns a strong composite score of 59.2, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that outpaces most American counties.

Outperforming the Illinois Average

With its 59.2 composite score, Menard County comfortably exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8. It stands as a premier regional choice for residents seeking stability within the state.

Elite Safety and Strong Incomes

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 93.9 and a robust income score of 85.2. Residents enjoy a median household income of $81,334 and high marks for community health at 83.2.

Navigating High Taxes and Water Quality

The primary drawback is a low tax score of 8.8, driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.637%. Additionally, the water score of 28.3 suggests room for improvement in local infrastructure.

The Perfect Fit for Secure Families

Menard County is ideal for established families who prioritize safety and high earnings over low tax bills. The combination of security and health makes it a top-tier Illinois destination.

204060801005.837.293.983.249.48471.328.357.5Tax5.8Cost37.2Safety93.9Health83.2Schools49.4Income84Risk71.3Water28.3Weather57.556.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Menard County DNA

Foverall

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

Menard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (93.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (5.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
5.8-46.2
Cost
37.2-10.799999999999997
Safety
93.9+38.900000000000006
Health
83.2+33.2
Schools
49.4
Income
84+33
Risk
71.3+24.299999999999997
Water
28.3-29.7
Weather
57.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Menard County?

Many homeowners in Menard 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

$185,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$885/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,176/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

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
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Nearby counties

Mason County
Illinois
52.3
Sangamon County
Illinois
33.3
Logan County
Illinois
51.5
Cass County
Illinois
57.4
Tazewell County
Illinois
42.7
Fulton County
Illinois
54.9
Morgan County
Illinois
43.2
Christian County
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54.9

Deep Dives

Menard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Menard County

via TaxByCounty

Menard's tax rate beats the national average

At 1.637%, Menard County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.831%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. On a home valued at the national median of $281,900, you'd pay about $4,606—compared to the national median tax of $2,690, Menard homeowners enjoy a significant advantage.

Menard ranks among Illinois's lowest-taxed counties

Menard's 1.637% effective rate falls below Illinois's state average of 1.831%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. With a median tax of $2,936, Menard tracks slightly above the state median of $2,782, reflecting its moderate home values around $179,300.

Menard homeowners pay less than nearby Morgan County

Menard's 1.637% rate undercuts Morgan County's 1.880% by more than two percentage points. On similar-priced homes, Menard residents typically save $400–$500 annually compared to their neighbors across the county line.

Median Menard home costs $2,936 in annual taxes

The typical $179,300 home in Menard County generates $2,936 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd also owe an additional $391 annually in escrow and insurance charges, bringing the total to $3,327.

Many Menard homeowners could lower their bills

Across Illinois, thousands of homeowners discover they're overassessed—paying taxes on inflated property valuations. If you believe your home is worth less than the county assessor claims, filing a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Menard County

via IncomeByCounty

Menard outpaces national income average

Menard County's median household income of $81,334 sits nearly $6,600 above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper income tier nationally. This 8.8% advantage reflects strong earning power compared to the typical American household.

Well above Illinois average

At $81,334, Menard County's median household income exceeds Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $12,754, ranking the county among Illinois's stronger-performing regions. Residents here earn roughly 18.6% more than their typical Illinois peers.

Menard leads its peer group

Menard's $81,334 median income outperforms neighboring Ogle County ($79,244) and significantly exceeds Morgan County ($65,175) and Montgomery County ($61,863). Among the eight-county cluster, only Monroe County ($101,635) earns more.

Housing costs remain manageable

The 11.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates strong housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold that signals cost burden. With a median home value of $179,300 and healthy median income, Menard households have solid breathing room in their budgets.

Build on Menard's income strength

With above-average income and favorable housing ratios, Menard residents are well-positioned to invest in retirement accounts, build emergency savings, and explore wealth-building opportunities. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize the county's income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Menard County

via CrimeByCounty

Unrivaled safety in Menard County

Menard County holds a near-perfect safety score of 99.9. Its total crime rate of 40.7 per 100K is essentially negligible compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

One of the safest counties in Illinois

Menard County easily surpasses the state average safety score of 98.7 with its 99.9 rating. Its crime rate of 40.7 is a mere fraction of the 835.0 average for the state of Illinois.

Leading the region in peace and quiet

Menard's rate of 40.7 is dramatically lower than Mason County's 711.3. It also significantly outperforms McDonough County, which is considered very safe itself at 179.0.

Violent crime is completely absent

Four reporting agencies confirmed zero violent crimes in 2022. The only reported crimes were property-related, occurring at a tiny rate of just 40.7 incidents per 100K residents.

Maintain the peace in Menard

With such low crime figures, the goal is prevention. Keep this elite safety rating intact by staying connected with neighbors and reporting any unusual activity to local authorities immediately.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Menard County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures and Lower Precipitation

Menard County averages 52.1°F annually, falling just under the national median for temperate zones. It is notably drier than many other parts of the country, with only 37.5 inches of rain.

Drier and Cooler Than State Norms

The county's 37.5 inches of annual rain is well below the Illinois average of 41.7 inches. Its annual temperature of 52.1°F also sits slightly below the state average of 52.8°F.

Surprisingly Few Extreme Heat Days

Despite its central location, Menard sees only 18 extreme heat days, far fewer than neighbor Mason's 31 days. Its 16.8 inches of snow is typical for the central Illinois plains.

Comfortable Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer averages stay around 73.3°F, with July hitting a peak of 75.0°F. Winter is cold but manageable, with a December-February average of 29.1°F.

Focus on Water Conservation and Winterize

With lower-than-average precipitation, consider drought-resistant landscaping for your property. Ensure your home is sealed against the 25.9°F January average to save on heating costs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Menard County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced Soil in Menard

Menard County’s soil features an average pH of 6.61, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.39 and sits just above the national median. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, this neutral pH provides a stable foundation for a wide variety of Midwestern crops.

A Smooth, Silt-Dominant Texture

The ground consists of 61.9% silt and 22.4% clay, balanced by 15.7% sand. This high silt content ensures a smooth, workable texture that retains nutrients effectively while allowing for moderate aeration.

Reliable Moisture and Moderate Organic Matter

With 2.42% organic matter, these fields remain more fertile than the national average of 2.0% despite trailing the state benchmark. An available water capacity (AWC) of 0.205 in/in matches the state average, signaling reliable moisture access for growing plants.

Local Drainage Monitoring Recommended

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this county’s profile. Local gardeners should monitor soil moisture manually to determine if their specific plot requires additional drainage solutions or supplemental irrigation.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Menard County supports staples like corn and soybeans alongside diverse vegetable gardens. The soil’s balanced moisture capacity makes it an ideal spot to start a high-yield backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Menard County

via LawnByCounty

Menard County Leads in Lawn Ease

Menard County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 76.0, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 6a region also outperforms the Illinois state average score of 69.8, offering a hospitable environment for homeowners.

Mild Heat Protects Grass Health

The county sees just 18 extreme heat days per year, nearly 10 days fewer than the Illinois average of 27. With 37.5 inches of annual precipitation and 3,486 growing degree days, lawns enjoy a steady pace of development without the stress of frequent scorching temperatures.

Perfectly Balanced Soil Chemistry

The local soil pH of 6.61 sits comfortably within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the 22.4% clay content suggests the soil retains moisture well while the 15.7% sand provides essential structural support.

Severe Drought Demands Vigilance

Despite the high ease score, 100% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought conditions (D2+). With 28 weeks spent in drought over the last year, residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to keep roots resilient.

Prime Planting After April Frosts

Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue thrive in this Zone 6a climate, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on April 19. Aim to establish new growth before the first fall frost hits around October 21 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Menard County's county score?
Menard County, Illinois has a composite county score of 56.6 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 Menard County rank among counties in Illinois?
Menard County ranks #35 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 Menard County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Menard County is $3,190, with an effective tax rate of 1.72%. This earns Menard County a tax score of 5.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Menard County?
The median household income in Menard County, Illinois is $82,176 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Menard County earns an income score of 84/100 on CountyScore.
Is Menard County, Illinois a good place to live?
Menard County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Menard 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 Menard 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.