countyscore
31
County Score
Soil Quality 78.1Lawn Care 76.5Water Quality 68.2

County Report Card

About Peoria County, Illinois

A Challenging National Ranking

Peoria County earns a composite score of 31.0, which is far below the national median of 50.0. The data reflects significant systemic hurdles in safety and taxation.

Well Below the State Average

The county's 31.0 score is nearly 22 points lower than the Illinois average of 52.8. It ranks as one of the more difficult environments for livability in the state.

Solid Infrastructure and Health Care

Water quality is a bright spot with a score of 68.2, alongside a decent health score of 64.6. These foundational services provide a baseline of support for residents.

High Taxes and Safety Concerns

Taxation is a major pain point with a score of 1.7 and an effective rate of 2.239%. Safety and risk scores also remain very low at 5.6 and 9.3 respectively.

A Choice for Urban Resilience

Peoria County suits those who need access to urban healthcare and reliable water infrastructure. It is best for residents who are prepared for high taxes and community safety challenges.

204060801001.730.95.664.647.254.29.368.253Tax1.7Cost30.9Safety5.6Health64.6Schools47.2Income54.2Risk9.3Water68.2Weather5331/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Peoria County DNA

Foverall

How Peoria County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Peoria County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (64.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (1.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.7-50.3
Cost
30.9-17.1
Safety
5.6-49.4
Health
64.6+14.599999999999994
Schools
47.2
Income
54.2
Risk
9.3-37.7
Water
68.2+10.200000000000003
Weather
53
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Peoria County?

Many homeowners in Peoria County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$946/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,938/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.5

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

Tazewell County
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42.5
Woodford County
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58.8
Stark County
Illinois
61.1
Marshall County
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54.9
Knox County
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Fulton County
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Putnam County
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Mason County
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52.8

Deep Dives

Peoria County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Peoria County

via TaxByCounty

Peoria County taxes rank among the nation's highest

Peoria County's effective tax rate of 2.239% substantially exceeds the national median of 1.831%, placing it well above the 75th percentile nationwide. On a home valued at $281,900, this rate would yield $6,318 in annual taxes—more than double the national median.

Peoria ranks as one of Illinois's costliest counties

Peoria County's 2.239% effective rate stands well above Illinois's state average of 1.831%, making it among the highest-taxed counties in the state. With a median tax of $3,416 on homes valued at $152,600, Peoria residents carry a substantial burden.

Peoria taxes far exceed all surrounding counties

Peoria's 2.239% rate dwarfs every nearby county—Menard (1.637%), Montgomery (1.720%), and Ogle (2.030%). On a $160,000 home, Peoria residents pay roughly $900–$1,000 annually more than homeowners in neighboring jurisdictions.

Peoria homeowners pay the region's highest taxes

The median $152,600 home in Peoria County generates $3,416 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related charges, homeowners face a total annual liability of approximately $3,721.

Peoria residents should prioritize assessment appeals

Given Peoria County's highest-in-region tax rates, homeowners should verify their assessments are defensible. Challenging an overvaluation through a formal appeal offers the greatest potential savings for residents in this high-tax county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Peoria County

via CostByCounty

Peoria struggles with affordability

Peoria County's median household income of $64,938 trails the U.S. median by $9,817, while its 17.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national benchmark of roughly 15%. This combination—lower incomes paired with above-average rents—creates affordability strain.

Peoria's affordability crisis ranks statewide

Peoria County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio badly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, even as median rents of $946 run above the state's $837 standard. Peoria renters face the steepest housing cost burden in this comparison.

Peoria rents spike despite lower incomes

Peoria's $946 median rent matches or exceeds wealthier neighbors like Ogle ($901) and Menard ($780), yet Peoria households earn substantially less ($64,938 vs. $79,244 and $81,334 respectively). This mismatch between rents and incomes creates acute affordability challenges.

Housing consumes Peoria paychecks

Peoria residents dedicate 17.5% of income to rent and 19.5% to owner costs—the highest allocations in this comparison, totaling over one-third of household income. A $1,057/month mortgage on a $152,600 home strains county earners significantly.

Peoria demands financial care

Peoria County presents real affordability challenges—research thoroughly before relocating here unless employment opportunity justifies the housing cost burden. Compare Peoria's stretched ratios to more balanced counties like Moultrie or Mercer to assess the trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Peoria County

via IncomeByCounty

Peoria trails national income benchmarks

Peoria County's median household income of $64,938 falls $9,817 short of the national median of $74,755, a 13.1% disadvantage. The county lags the typical American household's earning power.

Below Illinois state average

At $64,938, Peoria County trails Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $3,642, or 5.3%. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Illinois counties.

Peoria ranks at the lower end

Peoria's $64,938 trails all peer counties except Montgomery ($61,863), making it among the cluster's lower earners. The county falls significantly behind Ogle ($79,244), Menard ($81,334), and substantially below Monroe ($101,635).

Housing costs burden Peoria households

Peoria's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all eight counties, signaling substantial housing cost burden. Median home values of $152,600 consume a significant portion of below-average incomes.

Peoria needs targeted financial support

With lower-than-average incomes and the highest housing cost burden, Peoria households must prioritize housing stability and emergency savings. Explore first-time homebuyer programs, credit counseling, and employer retirement benefits to begin building financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Peoria County

via CrimeByCounty

Peoria County exceeds national crime averages

Peoria County has a safety score of 94.7, with a total crime rate of 3,385.0 per 100,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a more active environment for law enforcement.

Crime levels above the Illinois average

With 3,385.0 crimes per 100,000 people, Peoria County reports four times the Illinois average of 835.0. This places the county below the average Illinois safety score of 98.7.

Comparing Peoria to nearby counties

Peoria County faces a higher crime burden than Morgan County, which reports a rate of 1,462.8 per 100,000. It serves as a regional hub where crime statistics are more pronounced than in surrounding rural areas.

A focus on violent and property crime

The violent crime rate is 868.2 per 100,000, more than double the national average. Property crime is also significant at 2,516.8, meaning theft and burglary are frequent concerns for residents.

Enhance your household security

High property crime rates make alarm systems and secure lighting essential for Peoria residents. Staying involved in community safety initiatives can help reduce crime and increase local security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Peoria County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban and Suburban Network

Peoria County operates a massive system of 80 public schools serving 27,374 students across 20 districts. This diverse infrastructure includes 35 elementary, 16 middle, and 23 high schools to meet the needs of a large population.

Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Student Body

The county spends $9,475 per pupil, which is above the state average of $9,250. While the graduation rate of 80.8% faces urban challenges, the school score of 54.0 remains near the national median.

Peoria SD 150 and Dunlap CUSD 323

Peoria SD 150 is the largest district by far, managing 32 schools and 12,674 students. The county also features Dunlap CUSD 323 with 4,736 students and one charter school representing 1.3% of the school landscape.

City Energy to Rural Quiet

The locale mix is broad, featuring 35 city, 23 suburb, and 22 rural schools with an average size of 421 students. Large campuses like Richwoods High School serve 1,580 students, offering extensive extracurricular and academic programs.

Endless Educational Choices

From urban charters to prestigious suburban districts like Dunlap, Peoria County offers the widest variety of school options in the region. Evaluate home listings based on the specific district character that best fits your family’s goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Peoria County

via RiskByCounty

Peoria County faces elevated national risk

Peoria County's composite risk score of 90.68 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. This represents the highest hazard exposure among the surveyed counties and indicates substantial natural disaster threats.

Illinois's riskiest county by far

Peoria County's composite score of 90.68 far exceeds Illinois's 54.46 state average, ranking it as the state's most at-risk county. Illinois residents face no greater concentration of natural disaster hazards than in Peoria County.

Dramatically riskier than any nearby county

Peoria County (90.68) carries substantially higher risk than all neighboring counties, including Morgan County (71.12), Ogle County (71.09), and Moultrie County (45.04). No adjacent county approaches Peoria's hazard exposure.

Tornadoes dominate an already hazardous profile

Tornado risk (95.80) reaches exceptional levels in Peoria County, combined with elevated flood risk (88.74) and earthquake risk (79.93). Hurricane risk (30.70) and wildfire risk (9.80) add to the overall hazard burden.

Comprehensive insurance strategy is critical

Peoria County homeowners must secure flood insurance, earthquake insurance, and robust homeowners coverage protecting against tornadoes and wind damage. Regular policy reviews and maintaining adequate coverage limits are essential given the exceptional hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Peoria County

via WaterByCounty

Peoria County Achieves High Drinking Water Grade

Peoria County earned a B grade with only 3 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 1.8 per 100,000 residents is exceptionally low compared to the Illinois average of 48.7.

Watershed Impairment Exceeds State Levels

Of the 641 assessed water bodies, 40.7% are impaired, surpassing the state average of 38.0%. Major stressors include phosphorus, mercury, and total suspended solids identified in the 2022 cycle.

Dense Monitoring Network Tracks Local Quality

Nine monitoring sites have recorded 2,969 measurements over the last five years. The data provides a comprehensive look at inorganics, pesticides, and physical water conditions.

Illinois River Experience High Water Volume

The Illinois River at Kingston Mines is currently flowing at 23,500 cfs, which is 144% of its long-term typical flow. This high discharge reflects significant upstream drainage across nearly 16,000 square miles.

High Flow Requires Increased Watershed Awareness

While drinking water is well-managed, 40.7% of local waterways are impaired by pollutants like phosphorus. The current high flow of 144% can wash more sediments and mercury into the river system.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Peoria County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Heartland Weather Patterns

Peoria County’s 51.8°F average annual temperature is typical for the Midwest. It receives 38.1 inches of precipitation, which is slightly drier than the national average for humid continental zones.

Cooler and Drier Than the State

Peoria is one degree cooler than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. Its 38.1 inches of precipitation also falls below the state average of 41.7 inches.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Peoria receives a significant 22.2 inches of snow annually, which is much higher than Moultrie’s 14 inches. It balances this with 23 days of extreme heat, reflecting a highly variable climate.

Vivid Seasons and Significant Snow

Winters feature a January average of 24.6°F and 22.2 inches of snow. Summers are warm and humid, with 23 days per year hitting or exceeding 90°F.

Invest in Robust Snow Equipment

The 22.2 inches of annual snowfall requires a reliable snow blower or professional removal service. Homeowners should also check their cooling systems ahead of the 23 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Peoria County

via SoilByCounty

Nutrient-Rich Alkaline Profile

Peoria County soil has an average pH of 6.58, which is more alkaline than the state average and slightly above the national median. This pH level is excellent for the availability of phosphorus and other key nutrients necessary for plant growth.

A Highly Valued Silty Medium

The texture is comprised of 62.3% silt, 21.9% clay, and 14.9% sand. This silty profile provides a smooth, fertile medium that is highly valued for both large-scale farming and successful home gardening.

Above-Average Organic Fertility

The organic matter content is a robust 3.13%, outperforming the Illinois state average of 2.94%. While the water capacity of 0.202 in/in is just below the state average, the high organic content helps maintain a resilient soil structure.

High-Quality Ground for Development

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not available for Peoria County in this dataset. Given its strong soil score of 78.1, the land generally offers high-quality conditions for a wide range of gardening and land uses.

Prime Zone 6a Growing Conditions

As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Peoria County is a prime location for everything from tomatoes to fruit trees. The above-average organic matter makes this some of the best soil in the region, so start planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Peoria County

via LawnByCounty

Peoria's High-Performing Lawns

Peoria County earns an impressive lawn difficulty score of 76.5, making it a premier location for Illinois turf. The Zone 6a climate here is significantly more forgiving than the national average score of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall for Turf

The county receives 38.1 inches of annual precipitation, staying within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. With 23 heat days, the summer is more temperate than the state average, reducing the risk of heat-induced dormancy.

Rich Soil, Perfect pH

The soil pH of 6.58 is nearly perfect for a lush, green carpet. The mix of 21.9% clay and 14.9% sand provides a stable foundation that holds nutrients well while allowing for adequate root penetration.

Navigating Severe Dry Spells

While the score is high, 100% of the county is currently under severe drought (D2+). Having faced 27 weeks of drought in the last year, it's essential to use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for ornamental borders to save water for the turf.

Spring Start for Peoria Lawns

The last frost typically hits on April 22, signaling the start of the primary growing season. Kentucky bluegrass thrives here, but be sure to get your seeds in the ground well before the first fall frost on October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peoria County's county score?
Peoria County, Illinois has a composite county score of 31 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 Peoria County rank among counties in Illinois?
Peoria County ranks #101 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 Peoria County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Peoria County is $3,416, with an effective tax rate of 2.24%. This earns Peoria County a tax score of 1.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Peoria County?
The median household income in Peoria County, Illinois is $64,938 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Peoria County earns an income score of 54.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Peoria County, Illinois a good place to live?
Peoria County scores 31/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #101 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Peoria 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 Peoria 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.