countyscore
54.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.5Health 89.1Safety 75.7

County Report Card

About Piatt County, Illinois

Strong National Standing

Piatt County achieves a composite score of 54.9, which exceeds the national median of 50.0. This performance indicates a higher quality of life than the typical American county.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's overall score of 54.9 puts it ahead of the 52.8 average for Illinois counties. It maintains a competitive position within the state's economic landscape.

High Incomes and Health

Residents enjoy a high income score of 90.5, with a median household income reaching $87,516. A health score of 89.1 further reinforces the area's physical and economic well-being.

Tax and Cost Pressure

The tax score of 6.0 is low due to a 1.755% effective tax rate. Housing costs are also less competitive, reflected in a cost score of 29.2 and a median home value of $173,200.

The Verdict: Professionals and Health-Seekers

This county is ideal for high-earning professionals who value health outcomes and safety. It attracts those willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for economic prosperity and community wellness.

Score breakdown

Tax6Cost29.2Safety75.7Health89.1Schools66Income90.5Risk65.1Water33.4Weather54
🏛6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68
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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Nearby counties

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34.6
De Witt County
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Douglas County
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55.6
Champaign County
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Moultrie County
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Coles County
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McLean County
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Deep Dives

Piatt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Piatt County

via TaxByCounty

Piatt County taxes: Moderate by national standards

Piatt County's 1.76% effective tax rate ranks just slightly below the national median of 2.10%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $3,040 is 13% below the national median of $2,690, thanks partly to lower median home values.

Piatt above Illinois average, but not by much

At 1.76%, Piatt County's effective rate slightly exceeds Illinois' state average of 1.83%, putting it in the upper-middle range statewide. Its median property tax of $3,040 is just 9% above the state average, reflecting higher-than-average home values for the region.

Piatt has the highest rate in its peer group

Piatt County's 1.76% effective rate is the highest among its regional neighbors, exceeding Pike County (1.56%), Perry County (1.66%), and Putnam County (1.59%). Only compared to statewide averages does Piatt's burden appear moderate rather than elevated.

What a Piatt County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $173,200, the 1.76% effective rate means a typical homeowner pays around $3,040 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $3,386; without one, closer to $2,419—near the national average despite lower home values.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Many Illinois homeowners, including those in Piatt County, pay taxes on inflated assessed values that don't match current market conditions. Filing a property tax appeal can help you challenge an overassessment and lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Piatt County

via CostByCounty

Piatt County punches above affordability

Piatt County residents enjoy a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio—well below both the state average of 14.7% and the national baseline—thanks to a median household income of $87,516, the highest among these eight counties. Despite median rent of $950, strong incomes mean housing consumes a smaller share of the paycheck.

Illinois's most affordable renters

Piatt County ranks among Illinois's most housing-affordable counties, with its 13.0% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforming the state average. This combination of solid wages and reasonable rents makes Piatt a standout for households seeking affordability without sacrificing income.

Piatt leads in income, shares rent costs

Piatt County's median household income of $87,516 dwarfs neighboring Perry ($59,286) and Pike ($58,029), yet its $950 rent falls between Putnam County's $804 and Richland's $754. This income advantage explains Piatt's superior affordability despite higher absolute housing costs.

High earners, high housing costs

Piatt County renters pay $950 monthly while homeowners pay $1,098 for the $173,200 median home—the priciest in this group—but earn enough to handle it comfortably. Housing takes just 13% of household income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Piatt rewards higher incomes

If your household income exceeds $80,000, Piatt County offers excellent affordability despite higher absolute housing costs. This county is ideal for professionals and stable families seeking strong income-to-housing balance in central Illinois.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Piatt County

via IncomeByCounty

Piatt County outearns the national average

Piatt County's median household income of $87,516 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 17%, placing it among stronger-earning counties nationally. This advantage reflects the area's agricultural productivity and stable employment base.

Illinois's top earner in this cohort

Piatt County ranks significantly above the Illinois state median of $68,580, earning $18,936 more per household. The county also leads in per capita income at $43,547, nearly 21% above the state average of $36,009.

Clear income leader of the region

Piatt County's $87,516 median stands highest among the eight surveyed counties, substantially ahead of second-place Putnam ($77,526). The gap reflects Piatt's agricultural strength and relatively low unemployment.

Strong position on housing affordability

Piatt County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy affordability, well below the 15% caution threshold. At a median home value of $173,200, homeownership remains accessible to households earning the county average.

Above-average income unlocks wealth building

Piatt County households benefit from incomes exceeding national norms, creating opportunity to accelerate wealth through diversified investments and estate planning. Strategic financial decisions now—from 401(k) optimization to real estate—can compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Piatt County

via CrimeByCounty

Piatt County maintains high safety levels

Piatt County has a safety score of 99.1, indicating a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 580.9 per 100,000 is approximately one-fourth of the national average.

Outperforming the state crime average

Piatt County’s crime rate of 580.9 is better than the Illinois average of 835.0 per 100,000. It consistently ranks as safer than the average Illinois county, which holds a score of 98.7.

Local safety comparisons

Piatt County is slightly less safe than neighboring Moultrie County, which reports a rate of 419.7. However, it remains much safer than larger regional centers like Peoria County.

Breakdown of low-frequency crime

Violent crime remains low at 107.8 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 473.1 per 100,000, suggesting that most incidents are non-violent and related to theft.

Keep Piatt County secure

Visible home security, such as cameras and signs, can effectively deter the small amount of property crime that occurs. These proactive steps help keep Piatt County’s crime rates well below the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Piatt County

via HealthByCounty

Piatt County leads on life expectancy

Piatt County residents live to 78.4 years on average—well above the U.S. average of 81.1 years and among Illinois's healthiest counties. Just 13.8% report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%, reflecting a population with fewer chronic conditions.

Top tier health outcomes in Illinois

Piatt County's 78.4-year life expectancy outpaces Illinois's 76.0-year state average by 2.4 years. With a 13.8% poor/fair health rate—well below the state median—Piatt ranks among Illinois's healthiest counties.

Healthiest county in the region

Piatt County's 78.4-year life expectancy significantly exceeds neighboring Perry County (75.4 years) and Pike County (74.6 years). Its 13.8% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the surrounding area, marking Piatt as a regional health leader.

Strong coverage, good primary care access

Piatt County's 5.1% uninsured rate is below the state average of 6.3%, ensuring most residents have health insurance. The county provides 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 96 mental health providers per 100,000, delivering solid access to care.

Maintain your health coverage today

Piatt County's strong health outcomes reflect consistent insurance coverage; if your status changes, visit healthcare.gov to explore marketplace or Medicaid options. Staying insured ensures access to preventive care that keeps this community thriving.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Piatt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Piatt County's Rural Education Hub

Four school districts oversee 14 public schools in Piatt County, providing education for 3,038 students. The system is well-balanced with six elementary, four middle, and four high schools distributed across the region. The infrastructure is primarily rural, reflecting the county's open spaces and tight-knit communities.

Exceeding Benchmarks with Efficient Spending

Piatt County maintains a strong 89.9% graduation rate, beating both the state average of 88.8% and the national 87.0% benchmark. The county invests $9,561 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average of $9,250 but well under the national $13,000 average. A composite school score of 59.0 indicates quality performance that exceeds the state median of 58.1.

Monticello CUSD 25 Anchors the County

Monticello CUSD 25 is the largest district by far, educating 1,665 students across four different schools. The county maintains a traditional educational model with no charter schools currently in operation. Smaller districts like Bement CUSD 5 and Deland-Weldon CUSD 57 offer intimate learning environments for fewer than 300 students each.

Intimate Rural Schools and Small Classes

With 11 of its 14 schools situated in rural locales, the county offers a classic country school experience. The average school size is just 217 students, though Washington School in Monticello serves a larger cohort of 549 children. This mix provides families with the choice between tiny rural campuses and more robust town-based facilities.

Education Excellence in a Rural Setting

Families seeking high-performing schools in a quiet, rural atmosphere will find Piatt County an ideal choice. The district's ability to exceed state benchmarks makes it a prime location for education-focused homebuyers. Look for properties within the Monticello CUSD 25 boundaries to benefit from the county's largest and most diverse academic offerings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Piatt County

via RiskByCounty

Piatt County falls below national risk threshold

Piatt County's composite risk score of 34.96 places it significantly below the national average and 36% lower than Illinois's statewide average of 54.46. This "Very Low" rating makes Piatt one of Illinois's safer counties for natural disaster exposure, though no location is entirely hazard-free.

Piatt ranks among Illinois's safest counties

Piatt County ranks in the bottom third of Illinois's 102 counties for composite disaster risk, with only about 30 counties scoring lower. This favorable positioning reflects the county's distance from major seismic zones and relative distance from the most tornado-prone regions of the state.

Piatt enjoys lower risk than regional peers

At 34.96, Piatt County scores notably better than its northern neighbor Perry County (72.07) and western neighbor Pike County (30.34), making it among the safest in central Illinois. This lower exposure is due partly to below-average earthquake and tornado risks compared to the state baseline.

Flood and tornado risks warrant attention

Piatt County's most significant hazards are flood risk at 43.67 and tornado risk at 44.34, both slightly below state averages but still meaningful for emergency preparedness. Earthquake risk scores 66.38, reflecting the county's modest seismic exposure relative to southern Illinois counties.

Focus on flood and wind coverage basics

Piatt County homeowners should prioritize flood insurance—available through the National Flood Insurance Program—and verify their standard policy includes wind/hail protection for tornadoes. With low but non-zero hazard exposure across flood and severe weather, basic coverage aligns well with Piatt's risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Piatt County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Moisture Levels

While specific temperature data is limited, Piatt’s 39.5 inches of precipitation aligns with national temperate climate norms. It maintains a steady water supply for its agricultural landscape.

Drier Than the Illinois Average

Piatt’s 39.5 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the Illinois average of 41.7 inches. It provides a more moderate moisture profile than the rainier southern counties.

Consistent Snowfall With Its Peers

Piatt receives 15.2 inches of snowfall, which is nearly identical to the 16.2 inches found in Morgan County. It occupies a stable middle ground for Illinois winter weather.

Steady Rainfall and Moderate Snow

The county experiences a clear four-season cycle with 39.5 inches of rain and 15.2 inches of snow. This balance avoids the extreme snow of the north and the heavy rain of the south.

Maintain Your Multi-Season Gear

Residents should keep snow shovels ready for the 15.2 inches of annual snow. Regular roof and gutter inspections are recommended to manage the nearly 40 inches of yearly precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Piatt County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH for Plant Health

Piatt County boasts a healthy average pH of 6.55, which is higher than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality creates an optimal environment for nutrient uptake across the landscape.

Fine Texture for Maximum Retention

The soil consists of 64.7% silt and 24.8% clay, with sand making up just 10.5% of the mix. This fine-textured composition ensures high nutrient storage and excellent workability for local producers.

Rich Organic Matter Beats State Averages

With an organic matter content of 3.01%, Piatt County exceeds both the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% mark. Though the available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is slightly below the state average, the rich biology supports vigorous growth.

Consistent Moisture for Heavy Crops

While specific drainage class data is limited for this region, the high silt and clay content indicates a soil that holds water tightly. Local growers focus on maintaining soil structure to ensure consistent irrigation and root health.

Hardiness Zone 6a Staples

Resting in hardiness zone 6a, this region is perfect for staple crops like corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a natural boost for any backyard vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Piatt County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Piatt County

Piatt County earns a 68.0 difficulty score, placing it just below the Illinois state average but significantly higher than the national median. Situated in Zone 6a, this area supports classic Midwestern turfgrasses that prefer slightly cooler winters.

Moderate Rainfall for Thirsty Turf

The county averages 39.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly less than the Illinois state average of 41.8 inches. While specific heat day data is limited for this area, the rainfall levels typically support a consistent mowing schedule through the spring peak.

Balanced pH for Optimal Nutrition

Your soil boasts a pH of 6.55, which falls perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The 24.8% clay content helps retain moisture, though you should monitor for drainage issues during heavy spring rains.

Intense Drought Pressure This Year

Piatt County is currently facing a total drought crisis, with 100% of the area in severe drought or worse. Lawns have spent 40 weeks in drought over the past year, making supplemental irrigation vital to prevent total turf dormancy or loss.

Time for Hardier Grass Selections

Given the recent 40-week drought trend, drought-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass or turf-type tall fescues are your best bets. Because local frost dates are unavailable, monitor soil temperatures and aim for a fall seeding window when the ground is consistently between 50 and 65 degrees.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Piatt County's county score?
Piatt County, Illinois has a composite county score of 54.9 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 Piatt County rank among counties in Illinois?
Piatt County ranks #49 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 Piatt County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Piatt County is $3,040, with an effective tax rate of 1.76%. This earns Piatt County a tax score of 6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Piatt County?
The median household income in Piatt County, Illinois is $87,516 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Piatt County earns an income score of 90.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Piatt County, Illinois a good place to live?
Piatt County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Piatt 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 Piatt 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.