countyscore
43.1
County Score
Lawn Care 73.5Soil Quality 69.1Health 66.4

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Illinois

Trailing the National Median Score

Morgan County earns a 43.1 composite score, falling below the national median of 50.0. The data suggests a need for improvement in infrastructure and tax competitiveness.

Below the Illinois State Average

Morgan County's score of 43.1 sits nearly 10 points below the Illinois average of 52.8. It faces significant headwinds compared to more prosperous counties in the state.

Strong Health and Housing Affordability

Health is a bright spot with a score of 66.4, supported by a solid cost score of 62.9. Median gross rent is an affordable $710 per month, easing the burden on residents.

Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

Water quality and environmental risk are major concerns, with scores of 25.0 and 28.9 respectively. The tax score of 4.3 also reflects a high property tax rate of 1.880%.

A Balanced Option for Renters

Morgan County is a viable choice for people who value affordable rent and decent healthcare access. It works best for those who can navigate the local infrastructure challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax4.3Cost62.9Safety36.9Health66.4Schools42.5Income55.2Risk28.9Water25Weather50.6
🏛4.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.5
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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Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County taxes slightly exceed the national average

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 1.880% exceeds the national median of 1.831% by half a percentage point. On a nationally typical home valued at $281,900, this rate would generate $5,302 in annual taxes—nearly double the national median tax.

Morgan ranks above Illinois's state average

Morgan County's 1.880% effective rate tops Illinois's state average of 1.831%, placing it in the higher-tax portion of the state. Despite modest median home values of $128,700, Morgan's median tax of $2,420 reflects its above-average rate.

Morgan's rate exceeds Menard but trails Peoria County

Morgan County's 1.880% rate sits between Menard's 1.637% and Peoria's 2.239%. On a $150,000 home, Morgan residents pay roughly $250 more annually than Menard homeowners but $540 less than Peoria County residents.

Morgan homeowners pay $2,420 in median annual taxes

The typical $128,700 home in Morgan County generates $2,420 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related escrow and insurance, the total liability reaches $2,613 per year.

Appeal if your assessment exceeds market value

Morgan County residents paying above-market rates should request a reassessment or file a formal appeal. Many homeowners discover their properties are overvalued, leading to meaningful tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan rents run lean on lower incomes

Morgan County's median household income of $65,175 sits 12.9% below the national median, while its 13.1% rent-to-income ratio runs just below the national benchmark of roughly 15%. Residents here manage tight housing-to-income balances.

Morgan tracks close to Illinois average

Morgan County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio edges below Illinois's 14.7% state average, with median rents of $710/month significantly undercutting the state's $837. This modest advantage helps offset the county's below-average household incomes.

Morgan keeps costs lean like peers

Morgan's $710 median rent ranks among the region's cheapest, comparable to Montgomery County ($715) and Mercer County ($757). The median home value of $128,700 similarly positions Morgan as an affordable option for buyers on limited budgets.

Housing claims one-third of income

Morgan residents allocate 13.1% to rent and 16.5% to owner costs, totaling nearly one-third of household income for housing. An $897/month mortgage on a $128,700 home stretches county earners, requiring disciplined household budgeting.

Morgan suits value-first relocators

Morgan County attracts households prioritizing lowest possible housing costs over income growth prospects. Compare Morgan's tight affordability margin to wealthier counties to assess whether the savings justify lifestyle trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan lags national income averages

Morgan County's median household income of $65,175 falls $9,580 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 12.8% disadvantage. The county earns notably less than the typical American household.

Below Illinois average but stable

Morgan County's $65,175 median income trails Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $3,405, or 5.0%. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Illinois counties.

Morgan outpaces only Montgomery

Morgan's $65,175 exceeds only Montgomery County ($61,863) but falls well behind Mercer ($71,710), Moultrie ($71,676), Ogle ($79,244), Menard ($81,334), and Monroe ($101,635). Peer comparison shows limited economic momentum.

Moderate housing cost pressure

Morgan's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio suggests reasonable housing affordability, though the lower income base limits flexibility. Median home values of $128,700 remain modest, supporting relatively accessible homeownership.

Morgan residents must prioritize basics

Below-average incomes require Morgan households to focus first on steady employment and skill development. Start small with savings goals, leverage any employer benefits, and explore community financial literacy resources to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County remains safer than average

With a safety score of 97.7, Morgan County provides a secure environment compared to much of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,462.8 per 100,000 is nearly 1,000 points lower than the national average.

Tracking crime against state benchmarks

Morgan County's crime rate of 1,462.8 per 100,000 is higher than the Illinois average of 835.0. Despite this, the county maintains a strong safety score that aligns closely with the state average of 98.7.

A regional look at safety levels

Morgan County is safer than Peoria County, where crime rates reach 3,385.0 per 100,000. It also shows a slightly lower crime frequency than its peer, Montgomery County.

Analyzing violent and property incidents

The violent crime rate stands at 173.3 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime makes up the majority of reports at 1,289.5, highlighting a need for residential awareness.

Practical steps for home safety

Residents can mitigate property crime risks by participating in neighborhood watch programs and installing doorbell cameras. Active community engagement helps keep Morgan County’s crime rates on a downward trend.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morgan County

via HealthByCounty

Morgan life expectancy nearly matches nation

Morgan County's life expectancy of 76.1 years is nearly identical to the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it solidly in the middle. About 18.4% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate.

Just above Illinois state average

At 76.1 years, Morgan edges slightly above Illinois' state average of 76.0 years. However, the county's poor/fair health rate of 18.4% suggests underlying health challenges despite modest life expectancy.

Middling performance among peers

Morgan's 76.1-year life expectancy ranks below Menard (78.3) and Monroe (79.6), but ahead of Montgomery (74.1). The county occupies the middle ground regionally on coverage and provider access.

Adequate providers, modest uninsured rates

Morgan's uninsured rate of 6.0% is close to the state average of 6.3%, suggesting reasonable coverage access. The county offers 46 primary care providers and a strong 131 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting both routine and behavioral health needs.

Lock in your health insurance now

With adequate but not exceptional care access, having solid coverage is essential in Morgan County. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and ensure your family is protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Specialized Educational Network

Morgan County features a high density of 28 public schools serving 4,491 students across 8 districts. This unique landscape includes 11 elementary schools and 8 specialized 'other' schools, including three alternative and five special education sites.

Focusing on Student Graduation Rates

The county records a 76.5% graduation rate and a school score of 50.9, while spending $9,063 per pupil. These figures reflect a system heavily invested in diverse learning needs and specialized student support services.

Jacksonville SD 117 at the Center

Jacksonville SD 117 is the primary district, serving 3,253 students across 11 different schools. The county also hosts the Four Rivers Special Education District, emphasizing the area's commitment to specialized learning pathways.

Small Schools in a Town Setting

While 16 schools are located in town locales, the average school size remains small at 236 students. Jacksonville High School is the largest at 893 students, but many specialized facilities offer much smaller, tailored environments.

Diverse Learning Options for Families

Morgan County offers an unmatched variety of specialized and alternative school settings. For families needing diverse educational pathways, the Jacksonville area provides a wide range of home options near these essential services.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan County's disaster risk above national norm

Morgan County's composite risk score of 71.12 exceeds the national average, reflecting above-typical exposure to natural hazards. The relatively low risk rating indicates moderate concern, though residents face more disaster threats than most U.S. counties.

Among Illinois's highest-risk counties

Morgan County's composite score of 71.12 substantially exceeds Illinois's 54.46 average, placing it firmly in the higher-risk tier statewide. Only a handful of Illinois counties face comparable or greater natural disaster exposure.

Riskiest in central Illinois cluster

Morgan County (71.12) carries higher risk than Montgomery County (65.39), Ogle County (71.09), and significantly outpaces Monroe County (41.86) and Mercer County (8.78). Residents face the most hazard exposure among nearby counties.

Earthquakes and floods top the threat list

Earthquake risk (81.68) and flood risk (61.23) represent Morgan County's primary hazards, both well above state averages. Tornado risk (49.59) adds to the concern, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 1.84.

Comprehensive protection is crucial

Morgan County homeowners must prioritize earthquake insurance and flood insurance alongside standard homeowners coverage. Given the elevated earthquake and flood risks, reviewing and updating policies annually is essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

The Perfect National Temperature Benchmark

Morgan County’s 52.8°F average annual temperature aligns almost perfectly with the national median for continental climates. Its 40.3 inches of annual rain provides a standard temperate moisture profile.

Mirroring the Illinois State Average

The county perfectly matches the Illinois state average temperature of 52.8°F. Its precipitation of 40.3 inches is slightly lower than the statewide average of 41.7 inches.

Drier and Cooler Than Montgomery

Morgan sees 10 fewer extreme heat days than Montgomery County to the south. It also receives about 2 inches less annual precipitation, making it a slightly more moderate neighbor.

Defined Winters and Hot Summers

January temperatures average 26.8°F, supporting 16.2 inches of annual snowfall across the winter months. Summers are warm, featuring a July average of 75.7°F and 32 days of extreme heat.

Ready Your Snow and Cooling Gear

Residents need both a reliable snow blower for the 16.2 inches of snow and efficient cooling for the 32 days of extreme heat. Multi-season wardrobe planning is essential in this balanced climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Optimal Mineral Availability in Morgan

Morgan County reports an average soil pH of 6.55, placing it just above both the national median and the state average. This balanced acidity level facilitates the availability of essential minerals for both field crops and garden plants.

Increased Aeration with Sandy Mix

The soil contains a higher sand content than many neighbors at 22.7%, combined with 56.9% silt and 20.5% clay. This mix allows for better aeration and easier root penetration compared to the heavier clay soils found elsewhere.

Managing Moderate Moisture Levels

Organic matter sits at 2.25%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the Illinois average. The available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is also slightly below the state average, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation during summer.

Better Natural Drainage Expected

There is no specific data available for the drainage class or hydrologic group in this county. However, the higher sand percentage likely improves natural drainage and reduces the risk of root rot compared to denser regional soils.

Ideal for Root Vegetables

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Morgan County is well-suited for traditional Midwestern gardening. The balanced pH and sandy texture make it a particularly rewarding place to grow root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Foundation in Morgan County

Morgan County holds a lawn difficulty score of 73.5, indicating it is generally easier to manage a lawn here than in the average American county. This Zone 6a rating reflects a climate that is slightly more favorable than the overall Illinois average.

Frequent Heat Days Require Care

The county experiences 32 extreme heat days per year, surpassing the state average of 27. With 40.3 inches of annual rainfall, you have a good water supply, but you must time your watering to help the grass survive the month-long stretch of 90°F+ days.

Sandy Loam Advantages

The soil contains 22.7% sand, which is higher than many neighboring counties and aids in drainage. Combined with a nearly ideal pH of 6.55, your grass will have an easy time establishing a deep and healthy root architecture.

Fighting Through Severe Dryness

Currently, 100% of the county suffers from severe drought (D2+), following 30 weeks of drought over the past year. Use a smart irrigation controller to maximize the efficiency of your water use during these extended dry spells.

Seed Early for Best Results

The growing season begins after the last frost on April 19 and concludes around October 21. For a resilient lawn, choose a sun-and-shade mix that can handle the 32 days of intense summer heat while thriving in the cool spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Illinois has a composite county score of 43.1 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Illinois?
Morgan County ranks #86 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 Morgan County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $2,420, with an effective tax rate of 1.88%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 4.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Illinois is $65,175 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 55.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Illinois a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 43.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan 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.