Ogle County scores 59.2, nearly 10 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of livability nationally. This reflects reasonable conditions across the county's core livability factors.
2 / 5
Below Illinois average
Ogle's score of 59.2 falls about 3 points below Illinois's statewide average of 62.1, positioning it in the lower-middle tier among state counties. It represents a somewhat less advantaged option compared to peer Illinois communities.
3 / 5
Moderate affordability and income
Ogle balances reasonable affordability with the highest income score in this cohort at 35.1 and median household earnings of $79,244. The cost score of 75.7 and median home value of $184,100 reflect moderate—though not exceptional—housing affordability.
4 / 5
Highest tax burden in cohort
Ogle's tax score of 45.2 reflects an effective tax rate of 2.030%—the highest among these eight counties—eating into household budgets more than peers. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.
5 / 5
For those balancing work and affordability
Ogle County suits workers and families earning middle incomes who want reasonable housing costs and access to rural living. Its higher tax burden means residents trade modestly more in taxes for a mid-range livability profile.
Ogle County scores 59.2, nearly 10 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of livability nationally. This reflects reasonable conditions across the county's core livability factors.
Below Illinois average
Ogle's score of 59.2 falls about 3 points below Illinois's statewide average of 62.1, positioning it in the lower-middle tier among state counties. It represents a somewhat less advantaged option compared to peer Illinois communities.
Moderate affordability and income
Ogle balances reasonable affordability with the highest income score in this cohort at 35.1 and median household earnings of $79,244. The cost score of 75.7 and median home value of $184,100 reflect moderate—though not exceptional—housing affordability.
Highest tax burden in cohort
Ogle's tax score of 45.2 reflects an effective tax rate of 2.030%—the highest among these eight counties—eating into household budgets more than peers. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.
For those balancing work and affordability
Ogle County suits workers and families earning middle incomes who want reasonable housing costs and access to rural living. Its higher tax burden means residents trade modestly more in taxes for a mid-range livability profile.
Score breakdown
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🏛45.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Ogle County taxes run well above the national average
Ogle County's effective tax rate of 2.030% substantially exceeds the national median of 1.831%, ranking it in the top quartile nationwide for property tax burden. On a nationally typical home valued at $281,900, this rate would generate $5,724 in annual taxes.
Ogle ranks among Illinois's highest-tax counties
Ogle County's 2.030% effective rate significantly exceeds Illinois's state average of 1.831%, placing it among the pricier counties statewide. With a median tax of $3,737 on homes valued at $184,100, Ogle residents face a notably heavy tax burden.
Ogle taxes run highest in the surrounding region
Ogle's 2.030% rate towers over nearby Menard (1.637%) and Montgomery (1.720%), making it one of the region's most expensive counties. A homeowner with a $180,000 property in Ogle pays roughly $700 more annually than the same home would cost in Menard.
Ogle homeowners pay $3,737 in median annual taxes
The median $184,100 home in Ogle County generates $3,737 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage-related costs, the full annual burden reaches $3,885.
High-tax county residents should verify assessments carefully
Ogle County's elevated rates make assessment accuracy crucial—overvaluation by even 10% costs hundreds annually. Filing a reassessment request or appeal is worthwhile for any homeowner uncertain about their property's fair market value.
Ogle County's median household income of $79,244 runs 5.9% above the national median, allowing residents to absorb a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio that edges below the national benchmark of roughly 15%. Stronger earning power cushions Ogle's higher absolute rents.
Ogle ranks solidly within state
Ogle County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio sits below Illinois's 14.7% state average, though median rents of $901 run above the state's $837 benchmark. Above-average incomes allow Ogle residents to sustain higher rents while maintaining favorable affordability ratios.
Ogle commands higher absolute costs
Ogle's $901 median rent exceeds all regional peers except Monroe County ($996), reflecting stronger local incomes and market demand. The median home value of $184,100 similarly positions Ogle between Menard ($179,300) and Monroe ($265,600).
Income sustains Ogle's premium pricing
Ogle residents spend 13.6% on rent and 16.4% on owner costs, proportions manageable for the county's above-average earners. A $1,084/month mortgage on a $184,100 home reflects Ogle's relatively robust housing market.
Ogle suits upper-middle-income families
If your household income approaches or exceeds Ogle's $79,244 median, the county offers above-average earnings with acceptable housing cost burdens. Weigh Ogle's premium against Menard or Moultrie to balance income potential with housing affordability.
Ogle County's median household income of $79,244 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $4,489, representing a 6.0% advantage. The county's earning power exceeds typical American households.
Well above Illinois state average
At $79,244, Ogle County outearns Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $10,664, or 15.5%. The county ranks among Illinois's stronger income performers.
Ogle ranks second regionally
Ogle's $79,244 trails only Monroe County's $101,635 and exceeds Menard County ($81,334)—actually ranking third, just behind Menard. The county significantly outpaces Mercer, Moultrie, Morgan, and Montgomery counties.
Tight housing ratio warrants attention
Ogle's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in the cluster, indicating moderate cost burden despite above-average income. Median home values of $184,100 consume a notable share of household budgets.
Ogle's above-average income fuels investing
With income exceeding both state and national averages, Ogle households should focus on systematic retirement savings and diversified investments. Even modest monthly contributions to tax-advantaged accounts compound meaningfully over time.
Ogle County's life expectancy of 77.8 years tops the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.4 years. Yet 19.6% of residents report poor or fair health, suggesting pockets of population health challenges despite overall longevity.
Solid performer above state median
At 77.8 years, Ogle exceeds Illinois' state average of 76.0 years, reflecting above-average population health. The county ranks in the upper tier statewide for life expectancy.
Strong longevity despite high illness rates
Ogle's 77.8-year life expectancy trails only Monroe (79.6) and Menard (78.3) regionally, but its 19.6% poor/fair health rate is the highest in this county set. This gap suggests improvements in health behaviors and chronic disease management could yield gains.
Excellent provider access, good coverage
Ogle leads the region with 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and offers 185 mental health providers per 100,000. The county's 6.1% uninsured rate is close to the state average, combining robust provider capacity with broad coverage access.
Leverage Ogle's strong care infrastructure
Your county has excellent doctor availability, but you need insurance to use it effectively. Check healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage is up to date and taking full advantage of local providers.
Ogle County's composite risk score of 71.09 substantially exceeds the national average, reflecting above-typical exposure to natural disasters. The relatively low risk rating masks significant hazard concerns compared to most U.S. counties.
Northern Illinois's highest-risk county
Ogle County's composite score of 71.09 substantially exceeds Illinois's 54.46 state average, ranking it among the state's highest-risk counties. Northern Illinois residents face particular vulnerability to natural disasters in this county.
Riskiest in northern Illinois region
Ogle County (71.09) carries significantly higher risk than nearby Mercer County (8.78) and substantially outpaces Menard County (28.69). Only Morgan County (71.12) matches Ogle's elevated hazard exposure in the broader region.
Tornadoes and floods are primary threats
Tornado risk (79.90) and flood risk (77.04) dominate Ogle County's hazard profile, both far exceeding state averages. Earthquake risk (63.80) is moderate, while wildfire (11.42) and hurricane (13.64) risks remain relatively low.
Flood and tornado coverage essential
Ogle County homeowners must prioritize flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage protecting against tornado and wind damage. Given the exceptional flood and tornado risks, flood insurance is not optional in this county.