countyscore
55.6
County Score
Safety 76.6Cost of Living 76Lawn 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.

204060801009.87676.653.950.933.169.760.453.5Tax9.8Cost76Safety76.6Health53.9Schools50.9Income33.1Risk69.7Water60.4Weather53.555.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Pike County DNA

Foverall

How Pike County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Pike County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (76/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.8-42.2
Cost
76+28
Safety
76.6+21.599999999999994
Health
53.9
Schools
50.9
Income
33.1-17.9
Risk
69.7+22.700000000000003
Water
60.4
Weather
53.5
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Many homeowners in Pike 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

$101,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$676/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,777/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

41.0

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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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Pike County
Missouri
54.9
Scott County
Illinois
66.4
Brown County
Illinois
69.1
Ralls County
Missouri
63.2
Adams County
Illinois
54.9
Marion County
Missouri
42.8
Morgan County
Illinois
43.2
Greene County
Illinois
61.4

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 #41 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 $1,556, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 9.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Illinois is $59,777 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 33.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Illinois a good place to live?
Pike County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.