countyscore
59.2
County Score
Safety 93.9Income & Jobs 85.2Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax8.8Cost47.6Safety93.9Health83.2Schools49.4Income85.2Risk71.3Water28.3Weather57.5
🏛8.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76
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

Mason County
Illinois
52.8
Sangamon County
Illinois
33.4
Logan County
Illinois
51.6
Cass County
Illinois
57.4
Tazewell County
Illinois
42.5
Fulton County
Illinois
53.9
Morgan County
Illinois
43.1
Christian County
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55.3

Deep Dives

Menard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Menard County

via CostByCounty

Menard's housing costs rank well nationally

Menard County renters spend just 11.5% of their income on rent, beating the national average of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $81,334—8.7% above the U.S. median—residents here enjoy stronger affordability than most Americans.

Best rental affordability in Illinois

Menard County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Illinois's most affordable, well below the state average of 14.7%. At $780/month median rent compared to the state's $837, Menard renters consistently pay less while earning more.

Menard leads a competitive region

Menard's median rent of $780 undercuts neighboring Mercer County ($757) narrowly but offers significantly higher household income ($81,334 vs. $71,710). Monroe County, the region's wealthiest neighbor at $101,635 median income, commands premium rents of $996/month.

Rent doesn't strain Menard budgets

Menard households allocate 11.5% of income to rent and 15.5% to owner costs, leaving substantial breathing room for other expenses. That mortgage of $1,053/month on a median home valued at $179,300 remains highly manageable for the county's above-average earners.

Consider Menard for balance

If you're weighing Illinois locations, Menard offers the rare combination of solid income levels and restrained housing costs. Compare this county's efficiency to pricier neighbors—you may find the value proposition compelling.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Menard County

via HealthByCounty

Menard residents live longer than average

At 78.3 years, Menard County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly two years. Just 16.2% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 17%, suggesting a generally healthy population.

Among Illinois' healthiest counties

Menard outpaces Illinois' state average life expectancy of 76.0 years, ranking the county in the upper tier statewide. With below-average rates of poor health, Menard consistently performs above most Illinois peers.

Stronger than surrounding counties

Menard's 78.3-year life expectancy beats neighboring Mercer County (77.3 years) and Morgan County (76.1 years). The county also maintains lower uninsured rates at 4.8% compared to the state average of 6.3%.

Strong doctor access, low uninsured rates

Only 4.8% of Menard residents lack health insurance, well below both state and national averages. With 33 primary care providers per 100,000 people and 50 mental health providers per 100,000, the county provides reasonable access to routine and behavioral care.

Keep coverage strong in Menard

With an already low uninsured rate, now is the time to review your plan and ensure it meets your needs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore options that work best for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Menard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots and Strong School Infrastructure

Menard County manages 7 public schools across 3 districts, serving a total of 1,743 students. The educational landscape consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools focused on the local community.

Efficient Spending and Competitive Outcomes

The county maintains an 87.3% graduation rate, which aligns with the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,959 is below the state average of $9,250, the 54.2 school score remains competitive with the national median.

Porta and Athens Lead Local Districts

Porta CUSD 202 is the largest district with 1,054 students, followed closely by Athens CUSD 213 which serves 1,017 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with traditional public districts managing 100% of enrollment.

Intimate Learning in a Rural Setting

Education here feels personal with an average school size of just 249 students. The environment is predominantly rural, ranging from the 428 students at Porta High School down to smaller classes in the five rural-designated campuses.

Plant Your Roots Near Quality Schools

Families seeking a close-knit community will find Menard County's small school sizes an attractive factor for home buying. Explore local real estate to find a house within these dedicated, community-focused school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Menard County

via RiskByCounty

Menard County's disaster risk well below average

With a composite risk score of 28.69, Menard County faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This very low risk rating means residents can expect fewer severe weather events and geological hazards compared to most of the nation.

Among Illinois's safest counties

Menard County ranks among the lower-risk counties statewide, with a composite score nearly 50% below Illinois's average of 54.46. Only a handful of Illinois counties experience less overall disaster risk than Menard.

Safer than most central Illinois neighbors

Menard County's risk profile compares favorably to nearby Mercer County (8.78) and substantially outperforms Montgomery County (65.39) and Morgan County (71.12). Residents here enjoy more protection from natural hazards than those in surrounding central Illinois communities.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose highest threats

Earthquake risk (68.03) and tornado risk (53.18) represent Menard County's primary natural hazard concerns, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is moderate at 29.36, while wildfire risk is minimal at 3.59.

Smart coverage for real risks

While Menard County faces lower overall disaster risk, homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and a comprehensive homeowners policy that covers tornado damage. Standard policies often exclude earthquake coverage, making a separate policy worth exploring for this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 59.2 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 Menard County rank among counties in Illinois?
Menard County ranks #26 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 $2,936, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Menard County a tax score of 8.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Menard County?
The median household income in Menard County, Illinois is $81,334 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Menard County earns an income score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Menard County, Illinois a good place to live?
Menard County scores 59.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 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.

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.