countyscore
38.7
County Score
Schools 83.3Income & Jobs 82.9Soil Quality 80.1

County Report Card

About Ogle County, Illinois

Struggling Against National Averages

Ogle County's composite score of 38.7 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. Improving safety and tax metrics would be key to rising in the rankings.

Falling Short of State Benchmarks

At 38.7, Ogle County is well below the Illinois average of 52.8. It faces unique challenges that distinguish it from the more livable parts of the state.

Quality Schools and Strong Incomes

Education is a major highlight with a school score of 83.3. The county also maintains high incomes, scoring 82.9 with a median household income of $79,244.

Severe Safety and Tax Issues

The safety score is critically low at 0.4, and the tax score is just 3.0 due to a 2.030% tax rate. These factors heavily weigh down the county's overall livability profile.

Best for High-Earning Home Schoolers

Ogle County appeals to people who prioritize local school quality and higher salaries. It requires a resident who is comfortable navigating a difficult safety and tax landscape.

20406080100333.30.468.883.382.928.960.851.8Tax3Cost33.3Safety0.4Health68.8Schools83.3Income82.9Risk28.9Water60.8Weather51.838.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Ogle County DNA

Foverall

How Ogle County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ogle County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (82.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (0.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3-49
Cost
33.3-14.700000000000003
Safety
0.4-54.6
Health
68.8+18.799999999999997
Schools
83.3+29.299999999999997
Income
82.9+31.900000000000006
Risk
28.9-18.1
Water
60.8
Weather
51.8
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Many homeowners in Ogle County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$184,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$901/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$184,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,244/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.0

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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Nearby counties

Lee County
Illinois
51.7
Winnebago County
Illinois
42.4
Stephenson County
Illinois
45.6
DeKalb County
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37
Boone County
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Carroll County
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Whiteside County
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Rock County
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38.9

Deep Dives

Ogle County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ogle County

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ogle County

via CostByCounty

Ogle incomes support higher rents

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ogle County

via IncomeByCounty

Ogle exceeds national income levels

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ogle County

via CrimeByCounty

Ogle County faces significant safety challenges

Ogle County reports a total crime rate of 11,760.7 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly five times the national average. This high frequency results in a safety score of 81.4 out of 100.

Far below the Illinois safety average

The county's crime rate of 11,760.7 per 100,000 is dramatically higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0. Consequently, Ogle County sits well below the state average safety score of 98.7.

A regional outlier in crime rates

Ogle County has the highest crime rate among its regional peers, including Peoria and Montgomery. These statistics suggest localized issues that are not present in neighboring Illinois counties.

High levels of violent and property crime

Violent crime is extremely high at 4,098.9 per 100,000, while property crime reaches 7,661.8. These numbers represent significant risks to both personal safety and personal property within the county.

Prioritize your home security

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents should invest in robust security systems and reinforced entry points. Frequent communication with local law enforcement is essential for staying informed about neighborhood risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ogle County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts and Comprehensive Schools

Ogle County supports 8,348 students across 26 public schools managed by 10 different districts. The system includes 12 elementary, 4 middle, and 8 high schools, along with specialized alternative and special education facilities.

Superior Scores and Graduation Rates

The county earns a strong 61.8 school score and a 93.9% graduation rate, both significantly higher than the state averages. Investment is robust, with per-pupil spending of $9,877 exceeding the Illinois average of $9,250.

Rochelle and Meridian District Leaders

Rochelle CCSD 231 and Meridian CUSD 223 are among the largest districts, serving 1,577 and 1,493 students respectively. Despite the large number of districts, there are no charter schools in the county.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

School locations are perfectly split between 13 rural and 13 town settings, with an average enrollment of 379. Facilities range from Rochelle Township High with 863 students to smaller, intimate rural elementary schools.

Academic Excellence in Every Corner

Ogle County's school score of 61.8 makes it a regional leader in education quality. Smart home buyers should look at the varied districts here for a combination of high investment and proven student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ogle County

via RiskByCounty

Ogle County faces notably elevated risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ogle County

via WaterByCounty

Ogle County Maintains Strong Water Compliance

The county holds a grade of C with only 2 health violations over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 5.9 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the state average of 48.7.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

Approximately 33.7% of the 282 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is lower than the 38% state average. Mercury, PCBs, and fecal coliform are the top causes of impairment cited in the 2022 report.

Targeted Monitoring at Three Strategic Sites

Three monitoring sites have captured 924 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical parameters and inorganic metals to ensure industrial and agricultural runoff is tracked.

Rock River Flows Above Typical Average

The Rock River at Byron is currently discharging 9,000 cfs, representing 120% of its long-term mean. This high flow moves through a large drainage area of 7,990 square miles.

Watch for Runoff Impacts During High Flow

With the Rock River flowing at 120% of its typical volume, be aware of increased turbidity and fecal coliform levels. Watershed impairments from PCBs and mercury suggest following local fish consumption advisories.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ogle County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Than the National Median

Ogle County’s 48.6°F annual average makes it significantly cooler than the national median temperature. It experiences a shorter growing season with 38.4 inches of annual precipitation.

Among the State's Cooler Counties

At 48.6°F, Ogle is 4.2 degrees cooler than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This reflects the harsher winters and cooler summers typical of northern Illinois.

Milder Heat Than Central Illinois

The county experiences only 14 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 23 seen in Peoria County. This makes Ogle a refuge for those seeking to avoid intense summer humidity.

Cold Winters and Pleasant Summers

January is cold with an average of 20.9°F, while summer highs stay moderate with a July average of 72.4°F. The county only reaches 90°F about 14 days per year.

Winterize for Significant Cold

Superior home insulation and heavy winter gear are vital for the 24.1°F winter average. Air conditioning is less of a priority here than in the southern parts of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ogle County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soil Quality in Ogle

Ogle County boasts an average soil pH of 6.39, matching the Illinois state average. The county’s impressive soil score of 80.1 is one of the highest in the region, indicating superior agricultural potential and health.

Balanced Texture and Easy Workability

The soil is 56.4% silt and 19.5% clay, with a relatively high sand content of 22.9%. This combination offers a great balance of workability and drainage, making it less prone to heavy compaction than other Illinois soils.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

This county excels in fertility with 3.67% organic matter, far exceeding both the state average and the national average. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in ensures that these nutrient-rich soils also manage moisture effectively for plants.

Healthy Soil Structure

Information on the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not included in the current dataset. However, the higher sand percentage and exceptional organic matter typically suggest healthy natural drainage and resilient soil structure.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 5b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Ogle County is perfect for cold-hardy crops and high-yield vegetable production. With such high organic matter, your soil is already ahead of the game, so start your gardening journey with confidence.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ogle County

via LawnByCounty

Ogle County's Northern Challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 68.2, Ogle County is slightly more challenging than the Illinois average of 69.8. This Zone 5b region requires specific attention to its shorter growing season and colder winter temperatures.

Cool Summers, Short Seasons

Residents enjoy only 14 extreme heat days, nearly half the state average, which protects cool-season grasses from wilting. However, with only 2,950 growing degree days, the grass grows more slowly and takes longer to recover from damage.

Sandy Soil Promotes Drainage

The soil features a relatively high sand content of 22.9% and a pH of 6.39. This combination ensures excellent drainage but may require more frequent fertilization, as nutrients can wash through sandy soil more quickly.

Exceptional Drought Duration

Ogle County has endured a staggering 44 weeks of drought in the past year. While it currently avoids 'severe' D2+ classification, the 100% abnormally dry rating means you must monitor soil moisture closely given the sandy composition.

Beat the Early Frost

The growing season is tight, starting April 29 and ending early on October 13. Focus on cold-hardy Kentucky bluegrass, and ensure any fall seeding is completed by early September so it can mature before the freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ogle County's county score?
Ogle County, Illinois has a composite county score of 38.7 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 Ogle County rank among counties in Illinois?
Ogle County ranks #91 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 Ogle County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Ogle County is $3,737, with an effective tax rate of 2.03%. This earns Ogle County a tax score of 3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ogle County?
The median household income in Ogle County, Illinois is $79,244 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ogle County earns an income score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ogle County, Illinois a good place to live?
Ogle County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Ogle 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 Ogle 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.