countyscore
58.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 82.4Lawn Care 74.4

County Report Card

About Moultrie County, Illinois

Outperforming Most of the Nation

Moultrie County scores a 58.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded and stable community environment.

Stronger Than the Illinois Average

The county's 58.4 score surpasses the Illinois state average of 52.8. It stands out as a reliable and high-quality location within the central Illinois region.

Excellent Water and Community Safety

Infrastructure is a major strength with a water score of 86.0 and a safety score of 82.4. Local schools also perform well, earning a respectable score of 74.3.

High Effective Tax Rates

The tax score is quite low at 4.1, as residents face a 1.906% effective property tax rate. While other costs are manageable, the tax burden remains the primary financial hurdle.

The Ideal Choice for Families

With high marks for safety, schools, and water quality, Moultrie County is built for raising a family. It offers a high-quality lifestyle for those who prioritize community services.

204060801004.158.582.45674.370.6558657.1Tax4.1Cost58.5Safety82.4Health56Schools74.3Income70.6Risk55Water86Weather57.158.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Moultrie County DNA

Foverall

How Moultrie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Moultrie County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Water Quality (86/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.1-47.9
Cost
58.5+10.5
Safety
82.4+27.400000000000006
Health
56
Schools
74.3+20.299999999999997
Income
70.6+19.599999999999994
Risk
55+8
Water
86+28
Weather
57.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$121,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$773/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$121,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,676/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.8

per 100K

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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Auglaize County
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Bedford County
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Nearby counties

Shelby County
Illinois
60.9
Macon County
Illinois
34.6
Coles County
Illinois
57.4
Douglas County
Illinois
55.6
Piatt County
Illinois
54.9
Cumberland County
Illinois
62
Christian County
Illinois
55.3
Effingham County
Illinois
49.7

Deep Dives

Moultrie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Moultrie County

via TaxByCounty

Moultrie County taxes exceed the national standard

Moultrie County's effective tax rate of 1.906% surpasses the national median of 1.831% by three-quarters of a point. On a home valued at $281,900, this rate would generate $5,378 in annual taxes—nearly double the national median.

Moultrie ranks above Illinois's state average

Moultrie County's 1.906% effective rate exceeds Illinois's state average of 1.831% by nearly one-tenth of a point. With a median home value of $121,500, Moultrie's median tax of $2,316 reflects its above-average tax burden.

Moultrie taxes exceed Menard and Montgomery significantly

Moultrie's 1.906% rate substantially outpaces Menard's 1.637% and Montgomery's 1.720%. On a $130,000 home, Moultrie residents pay roughly $300–$400 more annually than homeowners in neighboring counties.

Median Moultrie home costs $2,316 per year in taxes

The typical $121,500 home in Moultrie County carries a $2,316 annual property tax. With mortgage-related charges factored in, homeowners owe approximately $2,416 total.

Homeowners should challenge inflated assessments

Moultrie County residents paying higher-than-expected tax bills should request a property reassessment. Filing a formal appeal with documented market comparables can reduce your tax liability significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Moultrie County

via CostByCounty

Moultrie balances modest income and rents

Moultrie County's median household income of $71,676 falls 4.1% below the U.S. median, yet its 12.9% rent-to-income ratio runs ahead of the national norm of roughly 15%. The county demonstrates solid affordability despite below-average earning power.

Moultrie outperforms state averages

Moultrie's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio beats Illinois's 14.7% state average, with median rents of $773/month undercutting the state's $837 benchmark. This advantage positions Moultrie as a smart option for statewide renters watching budgets.

Moultrie splits the affordability range

Moultrie's $773 median rent sits between Mercer's $757 and Menard's $780, while the median home value of $121,500 falls between Montgomery ($102,200) and Mercer ($139,300). Moultrie offers balanced costs without extremes.

Housing remains manageable here

Moultrie residents dedicate 12.9% to rent and 14.3% to owner costs—among the most balanced allocations in the comparison group. An $853/month mortgage on a median home valued at $121,500 keeps homeownership attainable for typical county households.

Moultrie offers stable middle ground

If you want neither the lowest costs nor premium locations, Moultrie County delivers reliable affordability with balanced housing-to-income ratios. Compare Moultrie's middle-of-road profile to counties at either extreme to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Moultrie County

via IncomeByCounty

Moultrie tracks near national average

Moultrie County's median household income of $71,676 falls just $3,079 short of the national median of $74,755, sitting almost exactly at the U.S. benchmark. The county's earning power aligns closely with America's middle class.

Modestly above Illinois average

At $71,676, Moultrie County exceeds Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $3,096, or 4.5%. The county ranks in the middle range among Illinois counties.

Moultrie holds middle ground regionally

Moultrie's $71,676 mirrors Mercer County ($71,710) closely and sits between Ogle County ($79,244) and Morgan County ($65,175). The county trails only Menard and Monroe among the eight-county cohort.

Solid housing affordability

Moultrie's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates comfortable housing affordability, well below the 30% cost-burden threshold. Median home values of $121,500 remain accessible to households earning near the national average.

Moultrie households can build steadily

With income tracking national norms and manageable housing costs, Moultrie residents have room to invest in retirement accounts and develop savings habits. Consistent contributions to employer plans and individual retirement accounts position households for long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Moultrie County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Moultrie County

Moultrie County earns a safety score of 99.3, placing it among the most secure areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 419.7 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the state in low crime

The county's crime rate is about half the Illinois average of 835.0 per 100,000. This low volume of incidents helps Moultrie County outperform the average state safety score of 98.7.

Comparing local safety metrics

Moultrie County is notably safer than neighboring Piatt County, which sees 580.9 crimes per 100,000. It also maintains a significant safety advantage over more populous areas like Montgomery County.

Low rates for all crime types

The violent crime rate is just 96.3 per 100,000, and property crime is only 323.4. These figures indicate that both personal safety and property security are very high for local residents.

Keep your community secure

Maintaining low crime rates requires continued community vigilance and simple home security habits. Even basic measures like keeping garages closed and well-lit can deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Moultrie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Efficient Schooling

Moultrie County operates a focused network of 6 public schools serving 1,687 total students. The infrastructure is divided into two primary districts, with three elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Leader in Graduation Success

Moultrie County boasts an exceptional 96.2% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 88.8%. It achieves these top-tier results with a highly efficient $7,638 per-pupil expenditure, well below the national average of $13,000.

Sullivan CUSD 300 Takes the Lead

Sullivan CUSD 300 is the largest district, educating 1,179 students across its three campus levels. Okaw Valley CUSD 302 serves the remaining 463 students, and the county currently has no charter school options.

A Perfect Balance of Town and Country

The county splits its schools evenly between three rural and three town locations, with an average school size of 281. Sullivan Elementary is the largest school with 484 students, providing a community-centered feel.

Top-Tier Results in a Quiet Setting

With a graduation rate near 96%, Moultrie County is an academic standout for home buyers. Explore the Sullivan area to find a residence that combines small-town charm with elite educational performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Moultrie County

via RiskByCounty

Moultrie County's risk approaches national average

Moultrie County's composite risk score of 45.04 falls below the national average, reflecting relatively moderate natural disaster exposure. The relatively low risk rating indicates managed but meaningful hazard concerns.

Safer than Illinois average, but moderate threats

Moultrie County's composite score of 45.04 falls below Illinois's 54.46 state average, placing it in the safer half of counties statewide. Several Illinois counties face higher risk, though some neighbors rank substantially lower.

Moderate risk for central Illinois

Moultrie County (45.04) sits between safer Mercer County (8.78) and higher-risk Ogle County (71.09) and Morgan County (71.12). Its risk profile represents the middle range for central Illinois counties.

Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes threaten region

Earthquake risk (75.16), flood risk (49.08), and tornado risk (45.90) represent Moultrie County's primary concerns. Hurricane risk (33.67) is also noteworthy, while wildfire risk remains low at 4.33.

Multi-hazard insurance approach recommended

Moultrie County residents should secure earthquake insurance and flood insurance in addition to comprehensive homeowners coverage. This layered approach protects against the county's multiple significant hazard threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Moultrie County

via WaterByCounty

Moultrie County Earns Perfect Grade for Water

Moultrie County achieved a grade of A with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. Its 0.0 violation rate stands as a model compared to the Illinois average of 48.7.

Mercury and Legacy Pesticides Affect Watershed

The 2022 assessment shows that 35.6% of the 73 assessed water bodies are impaired. The primary pollutants are mercury and legacy pesticides like endrin and aldrin, which persist in the environment.

Active Monitoring Covers Essential Chemical Groups

With 6 monitoring sites and 420 measurements, the county maintains a steady pulse on its water quality. Data collection focuses mostly on inorganic compounds and metals across local tributaries.

West Okaw River Maintains Healthy Flow

The West Okaw River near Lovington shows a current discharge of 82 cfs, which is 76% of its long-term mean. While slightly below average, this level supports the 112 square mile drainage basin effectively.

Maintain Vigilance Over Legacy Contaminants

Even with perfect drinking water compliance, residents should be aware of mercury and pesticide impairments in 35.6% of local waterways. Proper disposal of household chemicals helps keep the county's clean record intact.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Moultrie County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Midwestern Climate Consistency

Moultrie County averages 53.0°F annually, landing it squarely in the middle of national climate norms. The 40.9 inches of precipitation ensures a productive growing season for the local landscape.

Aligning With Illinois Averages

The county’s 53.0°F average is nearly identical to the Illinois statewide average of 52.8°F. Precipitation levels of 40.9 inches also mirror the state norm of 41.7 inches.

More Moderate Than Southern Peers

Moultrie records only 22 extreme heat days, which is roughly half of what Montgomery County faces to the southwest. This makes it one of the more temperate options in central Illinois.

Warm Summers and Snowy Intervals

Summer temperatures peak at 75.6°F in July, while the county sees 22 days above 90°F. Winter brings a steady 14 inches of snow and a January average of 26.9°F.

Equip for Both Snow and Heat

A standard snow shovel handles the 14 inches of annual snowfall, while HVAC systems should be tuned for 22 days of 90°F weather. The climate is predictable and rarely hits extreme record-breaking peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Moultrie County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH Balance in Moultrie

Moultrie County soil reaches a pH of 6.50, hitting the national median exactly and sitting slightly above the state average. This ideal balance supports a thriving ecosystem of soil microbes and efficient nutrient cycling for crops.

Sturdy Structure and High Clay

The composition is defined by 62.3% silt and 24.6% clay, with sand making up 13.1% of the profile. This high clay and silt mix provides a sturdy structure that anchors roots firmly and resists the leaching of nutrients.

Fast-Drying Summer Soil

The soil contains 2.61% organic matter, outperforming the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, meaning the soil may dry out faster during the peak of the summer heat.

Check for Surface Runoff

Dominant drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county’s soil records. Residents should monitor their land for runoff patterns, as the high clay content can sometimes lead to slower surface water infiltration.

Perfect for Midwestern Staples

Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Moultrie County is excellent for growing corn, beans, and summer squash. With a solid soil score of 72.4, this land is ready for you to plant a vibrant and productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Moultrie County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Central Illinois

Moultrie County’s lawn difficulty score of 74.4 makes it a great spot for turf enthusiasts. It comfortably exceeds the Illinois average of 69.8, providing a stable environment for Zone 6a gardening projects.

Balanced Growth Conditions

Lawns here benefit from 40.9 inches of rain, which is very close to the state average. With 22 extreme heat days, the summer stress is lower than the state benchmark of 27, allowing for more consistent green color through July.

High Clay Requires Attention

A clay content of 24.6% is among the highest in the region, meaning the soil can become easily compacted. Keep your pH in check—currently a healthy 6.50—and consider aerating every fall to keep the soil loose.

Persistent Drought Constraints

The county has spent 32 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently in a severe drought (D2+) state. Watering deeply once or twice a week is far more effective than daily light mists in these conditions.

April to October Growing Window

Your planting window opens wide on April 15 after the last frost. Because of the high clay content and severe drought risk, perennial ryegrass mixed with fescue offers the best balance of fast establishment and durability.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moultrie County's county score?
Moultrie County, Illinois has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Moultrie County rank among counties in Illinois?
Moultrie County ranks #31 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 Moultrie County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Moultrie County is $2,316, with an effective tax rate of 1.91%. This earns Moultrie County a tax score of 4.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moultrie County?
The median household income in Moultrie County, Illinois is $71,676 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moultrie County earns an income score of 70.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moultrie County, Illinois a good place to live?
Moultrie County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Moultrie 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 Moultrie County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.