countyscore
58.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.8Health 95.7Safety 93.2

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Illinois

Well Above the National Median

Monroe County posts a composite score of 58.5, indicating a high standard of living compared to the 50.0 national median. It offers a sophisticated mix of wealth and wellness.

A Premier Illinois Performer

The county's 58.5 score sits well above the Illinois average of 52.8. It remains one of the state's most desirable locations for those focused on health and prosperity.

Affluent Incomes and Peak Health

Monroe County excels with an income score of 95.8 and a health score of 95.7. The median household income reaches $101,635, supported by a very high safety score of 93.2.

Steep Housing Costs and Taxes

The cost score is low at 20.3, as median home values sit at a higher $265,600. Residents also face a tax score of 7.1, reflecting the typical Illinois challenge of high property levies.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals

This county is a perfect match for high-income earners who want elite health services and top-tier safety. You pay a premium to live here, but the data shows it delivers on quality.

Score breakdown

Tax7.1Cost20.3Safety93.2Health95.7Schools65.5Income95.8Risk58.2Water58.7Weather57.3
🏛7.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.4
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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St. Louis city
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County taxes run significantly higher nationally

Monroe County's 1.703% effective tax rate exceeds the national median, and its median tax of $4,523 is 68% higher than the national median of $2,690. On a $281,900 home—the national median—Monroe's rate would yield nearly $4,805 in annual taxes.

Monroe sits above Illinois's state average

Monroe County's 1.703% effective rate outpaces Illinois's 1.831% state average, though its median home value of $265,600 is notably higher than most counties statewide. The resulting median tax of $4,523 reflects the county's premium property values.

Monroe homeowners pay the highest taxes in the region

Monroe's $4,523 median tax dwarfs nearby counties like Menard ($2,936) and Montgomery ($1,758). On identical $200,000 homes, Monroe residents pay roughly $1,400–$1,700 more annually than their neighbors.

Monroe's median home tax reaches $4,523 annually

With a median home value of $265,600 and a 1.703% tax rate, Monroe County homeowners face a $4,523 annual bill—among the highest in the state. Adding mortgage-related charges pushes the total to $4,777.

High-value homeowners should verify their assessments

Monroe County's elevated tax bills make assessment accuracy especially critical for property owners. Requesting a reassessment or filing a formal appeal can reveal overvaluation and unlock significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe: wealth and housing costs aligned

Monroe County's median household income of $101,635 ranks 35.8% above the national median, while its 11.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the national norm of roughly 15%. This prosperous county sustains higher absolute housing costs while maintaining strong affordability ratios.

Monroe stands richest and most balanced

Monroe County's $101,635 median income is the highest among Illinois counties in this comparison, and its 11.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best despite median rents of $996. Wealth and affordability intersect favorably here.

Monroe commands region's highest costs

Monroe's median rent of $996 and median home value of $265,600 exceed all regional neighbors—Menard ($780 rent, $179,300 homes) and Mercer ($757 rent, $139,300 homes) significantly. Higher incomes justify Monroe's premium pricing.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Monroe households spend 11.8% of income on rent and 16.3% on owner costs, allocating roughly one-third of earnings to total housing—sustainable for the county's above-average earners. A $1,383/month mortgage on a $265,600 home reflects the county's upscale market.

Monroe for upwardly mobile families

Consider Monroe if your household income matches or exceeds the county's $101,635 median—you'll access the region's best schools and amenities without housing cost stress. Compare Monroe's premium to Mercer or Menard to weigh value against location appeal.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe far exceeds national benchmarks

Monroe County's median household income of $101,635 towers 35.9% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's highest-income counties. This $26,880 advantage reflects exceptionally strong earning power.

Illinois's top income county

Monroe County's $101,635 median household income dramatically outpaces Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $33,055, or 48.1%. The county ranks as one of Illinois's wealthiest regions by household income.

Monroe leads all regional counties

Monroe's $101,635 income far surpasses all peers: Menard County ($81,334), Ogle County ($79,244), Mercer County ($71,710), and Moultrie County ($71,676). No neighboring county comes within $20,000 of Monroe's median.

Exceptional affordability despite high home values

Monroe's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio remains favorable despite median home values of $265,600, the highest among the eight counties. Strong incomes easily support homeownership costs, leaving households substantial discretionary income.

Monroe's wealth demands strategic planning

Monroe County households earn well above regional and national averages, creating substantial capacity for investment, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and wealth diversification. Work with a financial advisor to optimize tax strategies and long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County ranks among the nation’s safest

Monroe County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 80.2 per 100,000 residents is a tiny fraction of the national average, which stands at 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Illinois safety average

Local law enforcement agencies report crime levels far below the state average of 835.0 per 100,000 people. This performance places Monroe County well ahead of the average Illinois safety score of 98.7.

Leading the region in public safety

Monroe County is significantly safer than nearby Montgomery County, where the crime rate reaches 1,604.8 per 100,000. It even edges out Perry County, despite both maintaining elite safety scores.

Minimal violent and property crime counts

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at 14.3 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime also remains remarkably low at 65.9, ensuring a high quality of life for residents.

Maintain your peace of mind

Even in high-safety areas, proactive measures like smart locks and outdoor lighting deter occasional property crimes. Staying vigilant helps Monroe County maintain its status as one of the safest places in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe leads in Illinois longevity

Monroe County's life expectancy of 79.6 years ranks among the highest in Illinois and significantly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 12.3% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate in this county set.

Healthiest county in Illinois group

Monroe outperforms Illinois' state average of 76.0 years by 3.6 years, placing it in the top tier statewide. The county's strong health metrics reflect above-average healthcare quality and population wellness.

Clear leader among regional peers

Monroe's 79.6-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Menard County (78.3 years) and all other neighboring counties in this analysis. With an uninsured rate of just 3.8%, Monroe provides the broadest coverage in the region.

Excellent access to all care types

Monroe offers 40 primary care providers and an exceptional 163 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—more than three times the mental health capacity of neighboring counties. Combined with a 3.8% uninsured rate, the county delivers comprehensive coverage and provider availability.

Maintain Monroe's coverage advantage

Your county is doing exceptionally well, but staying informed about your coverage options keeps you protected. Review your plan yearly at healthcare.gov to ensure it continues meeting your family's health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Suburban School Network

Monroe County hosts 14 public schools serving 5,113 students through 4 distinct districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with six elementary, three middle, and five high schools, including one alternative education site.

High Performance on a Lean Budget

The county achieves an impressive 92.3% graduation rate despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,825. This efficiency demonstrates strong community results compared to the state average spending of $9,250.

Waterloo and Columbia Districts Lead

Waterloo CUSD 5 is the largest provider with 2,768 students, while Columbia CUSD 4 serves 1,990 students. All 14 schools are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

A Mix of Suburb and Town Life

The county offers a diverse locale mix of six rural, four suburb, and four town settings. Waterloo High School is the largest facility with 895 students, reflecting the area's larger average school size of 426 compared to neighboring rural counties.

Invest in a High-Achieving Community

Monroe County’s high graduation rates and diverse school settings make it a magnet for families. Focus your home search in the Waterloo or Columbia districts to secure a spot in these sought-after public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County's risk sits below national average

Monroe County's composite risk score of 41.86 places it meaningfully below the national average, though not as low as some Illinois peers. The very low risk rating reflects relatively limited exposure to major natural disasters.

Middle ground among Illinois counties

Monroe County's composite score of 41.86 falls noticeably below Illinois's 54.46 state average, putting it in the safer half statewide. Several Illinois counties face higher risk, though some neighbors rank lower.

Moderate risk compared to nearby areas

Monroe County (41.86) sits between safer Mercer County (8.78) and riskier Montgomery County (65.39) and Morgan County (71.12). Its risk profile places it closer to the safer end of the southwestern Illinois spectrum.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate the picture

Earthquake risk (84.54) and tornado risk (58.33) are Monroe County's primary concerns, with earthquake risk notably elevated compared to state averages. Flood risk reaches 32.28, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain low.

Earthquake insurance becomes important here

Monroe County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance plus a separate earthquake policy, given the elevated seismic risk. A strong policy covering tornado, wind, and hail damage is equally essential in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Damp and Temperate Climate Profile

While specific annual temperature averages are limited for Monroe, its 45.1 inches of rain exceeds the national median. This reflects a humid continental climate common in the Mississippi River valley.

Wetter Conditions Than the State Average

Monroe receives 45.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the Illinois average of 41.7 inches. This extra moisture defines the local environment compared to drier northern counties.

Less Snow Than Northern Neighbors

With only 8.8 inches of annual snowfall, Monroe experiences a much milder winter than counties in central and northern Illinois. It remains one of the drier spots in the state for snow accumulation.

Rainy Springs and Mild Winters

The county averages 45.1 inches of precipitation annually, distributed mostly as rain rather than snow. Residents enjoy a light winter snow load of 8.8 inches compared to the state's heavier northern tallies.

Focus on Moisture Management

Homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing to handle the high annual rainfall of 45.1 inches. Reliable drainage is more critical here than heavy snow removal gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral pH Levels in Monroe

Monroe County soil shows a pH of 6.49, nearly matching the national median of 6.5 and exceeding the state average of 6.39. This near-neutral acidity supports a broad range of biological activity and nutrient availability in the root zone.

Dense Mix with Low Sand

The soil is dominated by silt at 66.3%, with a notable clay content of 23.7% and a very low sand percentage of 10.0%. This mix creates a dense, moisture-retentive environment that holds onto fertilizers effectively but may drain slowly after heavy storms.

Superior Water Storage Potential

The organic matter content stands at 2.03%, hovering just above the national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.208 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a significant reservoir for plants during dry spells.

Managing High Moisture Retention

Formal drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not specified in the current dataset. Given the high silt and clay levels, residents should check for standing water to ensure their garden beds do not stay overly saturated.

A Long Growing Season Awaits

Enjoying the warmth of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Monroe County offers a longer growing season than much of the state. These conditions are perfect for heat-loving crops like melons and peppers, so grab your tools and start planting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Comfort for Zone 7a Lawns

Monroe County earns a lawn difficulty score of 75.4, placing it well above the national median for ease of maintenance. Situated in Zone 7a, it offers a longer potential growing window than much of the rest of Illinois.

Abundant Rain Supports Growth

The county receives 45.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is over three inches more than the Illinois average of 41.8. While specific heat day data is limited, this high rainfall total helps buffer the lawn against the typical humidity of southern Illinois.

Steady Soil for Diverse Grasses

The local soil pH of 6.49 is nearly perfect for most lawn types, requiring very little lime or sulfur adjustment. With a clay content of 23.7% and sand at 10.0%, homeowners should watch for compaction and consider annual aeration to improve root oxygen.

Consistent Hydration is Key

Although the county is 100% abnormally dry, it currently lacks the severe drought designations found in neighboring regions. Having faced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, using mulch-mowing techniques can help your lawn retain its 45-inch rainfall advantage.

Flexible Options for Warmer Zones

Being in Zone 7a allows for a mix of cool-season grasses and even some transition-zone varieties like zoysia. While local frost dates are not specified, the warm climate suggests a generous window for autumn seeding once the summer humidity breaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Illinois has a composite county score of 58.5 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Illinois?
Monroe County ranks #30 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 Monroe County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $4,523, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 7.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Illinois is $101,635 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 95.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Illinois a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.