countyscore
55.6
County Score
Safety 76.6Cost of Living 75.5Lawn Care 72.9

County Report Card

About Pike County, Illinois

Above the National Baseline

Pike County scores 55.6 on the composite index, surpassing the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably against a majority of counties across the United States.

Leading the Illinois Average

Pike's score of 55.6 beats the state average of 52.8 by nearly three points. It offers a distinct advantage in affordability compared to more urban Illinois jurisdictions.

Security and Affordability

The county boasts a safety score of 76.6 and a cost score of 75.5. Median home values are accessible at $100,100, while rent is significantly low at $659 per month.

Income and Infrastructure Gaps

An income score of 32.9 reflects a median household income of $58,029. Additionally, a tax score of 10.6 highlights the challenges of an effective property tax rate of 1.555%.

The Verdict: Value-Focused Residents

Pike County is a strong match for those seeking a safe environment and very low housing costs. It suits retirees or remote workers who want their dollars to stretch further.

Score breakdown

Tax10.6Cost75.5Safety76.6Health53.9Schools50.9Income32.9Risk69.7Water60.4Weather53.5
🏛10.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.9
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

Pike County
Missouri
54.6
Scott County
Illinois
68.1
Brown County
Illinois
69.5
Ralls County
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Adams County
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Morgan County
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Greene County
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Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County: Among America's lowest tax rates

At 1.56%, Pike County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 2.10%. The median property tax of $1,557 is 42% below the national median of $2,690, making Pike one of the most tax-friendly counties in the nation.

Pike County: Illinois' lowest-taxing peer county

Pike County's 1.56% effective rate is the lowest among all comparable Illinois counties examined here and well below the state average of 1.83%. Its median property tax of $1,557 is 44% below the Illinois average, delivering exceptional tax relief for homeowners.

Pike County undercuts all regional neighbors

Pike County's 1.56% rate is the lowest in the entire region, beating Perry County (1.66%), Putnam County (1.59%), and all others by a significant margin. This makes Pike a standout for tax-conscious homebuyers seeking the region's most affordable property tax burden.

What a Pike County homeowner pays

On a median home value of $100,100, Pike County's 1.56% effective rate translates to just $1,557 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd pay $1,669; without one, approximately $1,460—among the lowest in the Midwest.

Verify your assessment stays fair

Even in low-tax Pike County, some homeowners' assessed values drift above market reality as properties age and neighborhoods change. A periodic appeal ensures your taxes stay proportional to your home's actual worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike County's bargain rents shine

Pike County offers some of the lowest rents in this group at just $659 monthly, yielding a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio comfortably below both state (14.7%) and national averages. Despite a median household income of $58,029—below the national figure—residents here get genuine affordability.

Pike ranks highly for Illinois affordability

Pike County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio positions it well within Illinois's more affordable counties, outperforming the state average by over one percentage point. The county's $659 median rent is the lowest among these eight, offering relief for budget-conscious renters.

Pike undercuts Perry and Pope

Pike County's $659 rent stands as the cheapest option here, beating Perry's $714 and Pope's $438 (though Pope's unusually low rent reflects its rural character). Pike homeowners pay $765 monthly, making ownership competitive with neighboring counties despite lower median incomes.

Bargain hunting pays off here

Pike County renters spend just $659 monthly while homeowners pay $765 for a $100,100 median home, among the least expensive in the region. Together, housing accounts for roughly 14% of the median $58,029 household income—manageable but leaving less cushion than higher-income counties.

Pike County for budget-conscious movers

Pike County delivers Illinois's lowest rents in this comparison, making it ideal for renters prioritizing cost control. If you earn a moderate income but need maximum affordability, Pike's $659 rents offer genuine relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike County lags the national median

Pike County's median household income of $58,029 falls 22% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower tier nationally. This gap reflects Pike's rural character and limited high-wage employment sectors.

Below Illinois state average

Pike County earns $10,551 less than the Illinois state median of $68,580, ranking among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $30,438 also trails the state average of $36,009 by roughly 15%.

Pike ranks among the county cluster's lowest

Pike County's $58,029 places it second-lowest among the eight surveyed counties, just above Pulaski ($43,227) and nearly tied with Perry ($59,286). Neighboring Randolph ($68,870) and Putnam ($77,526) both earn notably more.

Housing costs remain manageable

Pike County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well within the healthy range, suggesting renters spend a modest share of earnings on shelter. The median home value of $100,100 aligns reasonably with local income levels.

Every dollar counts toward financial security

Pike County households can build wealth through disciplined budgeting and starting investment habits early, even with modest incomes. Low-cost index funds and automatic savings plans allow residents to participate in long-term market growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County remains significantly safer than the national average

Pike County reports a total crime rate of 561.7 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly 75% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. With a safety score of 99.1, the county stands out as a notably secure environment for its residents.

Outperforming the Illinois state average

The county's safety score of 99.1 exceeds the Illinois state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 561.7 is also considerably lower than the state average of 835.0 per 100,000 people.

A regional leader in public safety

Compared to nearby counties in Western Illinois, Pike maintains a low-risk profile through its three reporting agencies. Its total crime rate sits comfortably below the regional norms seen in more urbanized state corridors.

Property crimes dominate the local data

Property crime accounts for 500.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is very low at just 60.9. In practical terms, residents are much less likely to encounter violent incidents compared to the national average of 369.8.

Stay vigilant against property theft

Since property crimes make up the vast majority of local incidents, home security is a smart investment. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and locked entry points help maintain Pike County’s high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Pike County lags on life expectancy

Pike County's life expectancy of 74.6 years falls 6.5 years short of the U.S. average of 81.1 years. With 18.2% reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 18%—Pike County faces significant health challenges.

Below-average health outcomes for Illinois

Pike County's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks among Illinois's lowest, trailing the state average of 76.0 years. The county's 18.2% poor/fair health rate indicates more chronic disease burden than most Illinois counties.

Lower life expectancy than neighbors

Pike County's 74.6-year life expectancy is the lowest in the region, well below Piatt County (78.4 years) and Perry County (75.4 years). Its 18.2% poor/fair health rate also signals greater health challenges than surrounding counties.

Higher uninsured rate, moderate provider access

Pike County's 7.9% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 6.3%, leaving nearly 8 out of 100 residents without health insurance. With 62 primary care providers per 100,000 and 105 mental health providers per 100,000, access is moderate but coverage gaps remain a barrier.

Get insured and improve health outcomes

Nearly 8% of Pike County residents lack health insurance—above the state average—missing out on preventive care and treatment. Visit healthcare.gov today to explore Medicaid or marketplace plans; coverage is often more affordable than you think.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

Essential Education Across Pike County

Pike County supports 2,384 students through a network of 12 public schools managed by four distinct districts. The count includes four elementary, three middle, and five high schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage from PK through graduation. The average school size is modest at 217 students, emphasizing a personalized approach to learning.

Focusing on Improvement and Growth

The county's 84.7% graduation rate currently trails the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. Local districts spend $9,072 per pupil, which is close to the Illinois average of $9,250 but lower than the national $13,000 expenditure. Educators are working with a school score of 55.2 to bridge the gap toward the state average of 58.1.

Pikeland CUSD 10 Leads the Region

Pikeland CUSD 10 is the largest provider in the county, serving 1,164 students across three schools. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings, as there are no charter schools in the area. Other key districts include Western CUSD 12 and Griggsville-Perry CUSD 4, which manage smaller, specialized campuses.

A Blend of Rural and Town Locales

Eight schools are located in rural areas while four serve the county's town centers, providing a variety of campus environments. Pikeland Community School is the largest single facility with 489 students, offering a busier atmosphere than the smaller rural primaries. This distribution allows families to choose between central town schools and more secluded rural options.

Find Community and Tradition in Pike

Pike County offers a traditional educational environment where small school sizes allow for meaningful student-teacher interactions. For those looking to buy a home, the Pikeland district provides the widest range of extracurricular and academic resources. Consider the local school culture as a key factor when exploring your next move in this historic region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County ranks as one of Illinois's safest

Pike County's composite risk score of 30.34 is among the lowest in the nation and 44% below Illinois's state average of 54.46, earning a "Very Low" rating. This makes Pike County an exceptionally safe haven from natural disasters compared to typical U.S. counties, particularly regarding wildfire and earthquake threats.

Pike ranks in Illinois's bottom 10% for risk

With a score of 30.34, Pike County falls well below the state median, placing it among roughly the bottom 15 counties of Illinois's 102 for disaster risk. This favorable standing reflects the county's low seismic activity, minimal wildfire exposure, and moderate tornado susceptibility.

Pike outperforms nearly all regional counties

Pike County's 30.34 score is better than surrounding Perry County (72.07) and Randolph County (78.63), making it a relative safe zone in southwestern Illinois. Only nearby Pope County (14.89) and Putnam County (9.16) score lower among nearby jurisdictions, marking Pike as part of central Illinois's lower-risk cluster.

Flood and tornado are minor concerns

Pike County's top hazards are flood risk at 33.65 and tornado risk at 33.02—both well below state averages—with wildfire risk nearly negligible at just 0.95. Earthquake exposure, at 47.71, is Pike's highest individual risk score but remains moderate in absolute terms.

Standard homeowners insurance is typically adequate

Pike County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance usually provides sufficient coverage for most residents, though flood-prone properties should verify coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. Verify that wind and hail protection is included to address Pike's modest tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Temperature Profile

Pike County averages 53.5°F annually, placing it near the national median for temperate climates. Its humid continental weather pattern features a clear transition between all four seasons throughout the year.

Warmer Than the Illinois Average

The county stays slightly warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. While its 39.8 inches of annual precipitation is significant, it falls below the state average of 41.7 inches.

Central Illinois Climate Comparison

Pike maintains a 53.5°F average that is notably warmer than northern neighbors like Rock Island at 50.6°F. It experiences 31 days of extreme heat annually, a frequent occurrence for this region of the state.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

July brings an average high of 76.5°F, while January temperatures dip to a chilly 27.3°F. Residents manage 18.3 inches of annual snowfall alongside 31 days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Preparing for pike's Variable Weather

Homeowners should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to handle the month's worth of 90-degree days. Keeping snow removal tools ready is essential for the 18 inches of winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Pike County's Stable Chemical Profile

Pike County features a 6.49 average pH, landing nearly exactly on the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity level supports a wide variety of plant life and exceeds the Illinois state average of 6.39.

Silt and Clay Driven Soils

The soil contains 64.1% silt and 21.7% clay, rounded out by 14.2% sand. This mix provides a steady internal structure that stores nutrients while allowing for better drainage than pure clay soils.

Reliable Water Access for Crops

Organic matter levels sit at 1.97%, which is just below the national 2.0% average and the state benchmark of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in aligns with the state average, providing reliable moisture for the growing season.

Steady Hydrology Supports Growth

Specific drainage records for the county are limited, but the soil composition suggests a steady ability to hold water. Gardeners should watch for surface crusting after heavy rains due to the high silt concentration.

Diverse Options in Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a allows Pike County residents to grow a broad range of fruits and vegetables, from apples to leafy greens. The consistent water capacity and neutral pH make it an inviting environment for new gardeners to succeed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Pike County Leads in Lawn Ease

At 72.9, Pike County’s lawn difficulty score is one of the best in the state, surpassing the Illinois average of 69.8. This Zone 6a county provides a reliable environment for homeowners looking for a lush, manageable lawn with fewer climate hurdles.

Reliable Growth in Moderate Heat

Pike County experiences 31 extreme heat days annually, just slightly above the state average of 27 days. With 39.8 inches of annual rain and 3,787 growing degree days, your grass enjoys a long, productive season without the excessive humidity found further south.

Ideal pH Levels for Pike Turf

The soil pH here averages 6.49, landing it right in the sweet spot for most common turfgrasses. While local drainage classes are not recorded, the 21.7% clay and 14.2% sand mixture suggests a soil that holds nutrients well but may require aeration to improve air flow to the roots.

Managing Moderate Drought Stress

While 100% of Pike County is abnormally dry, only 20.5% currently faces severe drought levels. Lawns have weathered 30 weeks of drought in the past year, so prioritize watering higher-traffic areas to help the turf recover from summer stress.

Seeding for Success in Pike

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are excellent choices for the local climate and Zone 6a hardiness. With the first fall frost arriving around October 21, you should complete any overseeding projects by early September to ensure strong root establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Pike County rank among counties in Illinois?
Pike County ranks #43 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 Pike County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $1,557, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 10.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Illinois is $58,029 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 32.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Illinois a good place to live?
Pike County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike 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.