countyscore
66.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 89.7Disaster Risk 85.1

County Report Card

About Pope County, Illinois

Elite National Performance

With a composite score of 67.4, Pope County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a remarkably high standard of living relative to the rest of the country.

A Top Illinois Destination

Pope County dominates the state average score of 52.8 with its 67.4 ranking. It stands as one of the most livable rural counties in all of Illinois.

Exceptional Safety and Value

A safety score of 97.5 is nearly perfect, while a cost score of 86.8 reflects ultra-low median rents of $438. The county also features a strong risk score of 85.1.

Water and Education Needs

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 12.9. Additionally, the school score of 46.5 suggests opportunities for improving local educational outcomes.

The Verdict: Peace and Privacy

Pope County is perfect for those seeking ultimate safety and rock-bottom living costs. It is an ideal haven for individuals who value security and financial freedom over urban amenities.

2040608010033.589.797.568.346.533.985.112.958.2Tax33.5Cost89.7Safety97.5Health68.3Schools46.5Income33.9Risk85.1Water12.9Weather58.266.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Pope County DNA

D+overall

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

Pope County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (12.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.5-18.5
Cost
89.7+41.7
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
68.3+18.299999999999997
Schools
46.5
Income
33.9-17.1
Risk
85.1+38.099999999999994
Water
12.9-45.1
Weather
58.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pope County?

Many homeowners in Pope 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

$143,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$449/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$17,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,050/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
Compare Pope County with Aleutians East Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Aleutians East Borough
Alaska
Median income: $65,365
66.9
Kossuth County
Iowa
Median income: $67,697
66.9
Pipestone County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,628
66.9
Grant County
Oregon
Median income: $59,450
66.9
Ohio County
Indiana
Median income: $70,392
67
Washington County
Kentucky
Median income: $61,616
67
Yancey County
North Carolina
Median income: $58,709
67
Sublette County
Wyoming
Median income: $83,597
67

Nearby counties

Livingston County
Kentucky
58.2
Massac County
Illinois
44.9
McCracken County
Kentucky
45.5
Hardin County
Illinois
72.1
Crittenden County
Kentucky
61.9
Johnson County
Illinois
65.3
Lyon County
Kentucky
62.3
Saline County
Illinois
55.4

Deep Dives

Pope County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pope County

via TaxByCounty

Pope County: Lowest-taxing county examined

Pope County's 1.02% effective tax rate is extraordinarily low, ranking in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties and less than half the national median of 2.10%. The median property tax of $1,687 is 37% below the national median, despite a median home value of $165,300 that's relatively healthy for the region.

Pope County far below Illinois average

At 1.02%, Pope County's effective rate is 44% lower than the Illinois state average of 1.83%, making it a rare tax haven in the state. Its median property tax of $1,687 is 39% below the state average, delivering substantial savings for homeowners.

Pope County far outlasts tax competitors

Pope County's 1.02% rate is dramatically lower than all regional neighbors: Perry County (1.66%), Pike County (1.56%), Putnam County (1.59%), and Piatt County (1.76%). No comparable county comes close to Pope's exceptional tax advantage.

What a Pope County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $165,300, Pope County's 1.02% effective rate means homeowners pay approximately $1,687 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $1,755; without one, around $1,637—among the lowest tax burdens in the entire region.

Maintain your assessment advantage

Pope County's unusually low tax rate is a major financial advantage, but homeowners should still monitor their assessments to ensure they remain accurate. Regular appeal reviews help protect this valuable benefit from assessment creep.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pope County

via IncomeByCounty

Pope County trails national income levels

Pope County's median household income of $62,500 falls 17% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic constraints. However, the county ranks above several peers in this regional cluster.

Modestly below Illinois average

Pope County earns $6,080 less than the Illinois state median of $68,580, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $31,016 also runs about 14% below the state average of $36,009.

Competitive standing regionally

Pope County's $62,500 median ranks fourth among the eight surveyed counties, ahead of Pike and Perry but trailing Piatt and Putnam. The county occupies a middle position in the regional income hierarchy.

Excellent housing affordability

Pope County boasts an exceptional 8.4% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among all eight counties surveyed—indicating very affordable rental housing. The median home value of $165,300 provides strong purchasing power relative to household earnings.

Affordability creates financial headroom

Pope County's low housing costs free up household dollars for savings and investment, a significant advantage for long-term wealth building. Residents can leverage this affordability edge by prioritizing retirement accounts and diversified investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pope County

via CrimeByCounty

Reporting data shows a perfect safety score

Pope County currently holds a safety score of 100.0, with zero crimes reported per 100,000 residents in 2022. This is far below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Interpreting local data with caution

While the county ranks at the top of the state for safety, these figures come from a single reporting agency. This limited data suggests a very quiet environment, though it may not reflect every minor incident.

Quiet compared to Southern Illinois neighbors

Pope County reports much lower activity than Saline County to the north, which has a rate of 156.3. It remains one of the least active areas for crime in the entire state.

Minimal violent and property crime activity

With zero reported violent or property crimes, the statistical risk in Pope County is essentially non-existent according to 2022 data. This contrasts sharply with the state average of 160.1 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Maintaining a secure rural lifestyle

Even in areas with zero reported crime, basic home awareness prevents future opportunity for theft. Staying connected with neighbors is the best way to preserve this county's peaceful reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pope County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Outlier in the Midwest

Pope County averages 57.2°F annually, making it significantly warmer than the national median temperature. This climate leans toward humid subtropical characteristics, featuring long summers and mild winters.

Among the Warmest in Illinois

With an annual average of 57.2°F, Pope County is much warmer than the state average of 52.8°F. It also receives 50.5 inches of precipitation, far exceeding the state norm of 41.7 inches.

Southern Illinois Heat and Rain

The county shares the high-heat profile of neighboring Saline County, both exceeding 40 days of 90-degree temperatures. Its 50.5 inches of rain makes it one of the wettest spots in the region.

Sizzling Summers and Light Snow

Extreme heat is common here, with 47 days per year hitting 90°F or higher. Winters remain relatively gentle, producing only 7.2 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 34.4°F.

Planning for High Humidity and Heat

The high precipitation and heat require robust dehumidification and cooling systems for local homes. Winter gear needs are minimal as the county averages less than 8 inches of snow annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pope County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Pope County

Pope County has a notably acidic average pH of 5.83, which is significantly lower than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This distinct chemical profile often requires amendments like lime to support traditional garden vegetables.

Silt-Heavy Soils and Erosion Risk

Silt dominates the landscape at 65.0%, with clay making up 20.5% and sand accounting for 14.4%. This silty makeup makes the soil easy to till but leaves it susceptible to erosion if not protected by cover crops or mulch.

State-Level Water Capacity

At 1.68%, the organic matter content is below the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, ensuring the ground holds moisture effectively.

Planning for Slow Water Movement

Regional drainage data is sparse, but the high silt concentration suggests a soil that absorbs water well but may drain slowly. Local landowners often focus on building up organic matter to improve the soil's natural structure.

Early Starts in Zone 7a

In hardiness zone 7a, Pope County enjoys a warm climate that supports specialty crops and early spring planting. You can take advantage of the long season by choosing acid-loving plants like blueberries or hydrangeas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pope County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Pope County Lawns

With a score of 56.8, maintaining a lawn in Pope County is more challenging than in most of Illinois. This Zone 7a county faces intense environmental pressures that can stress standard cool-season grasses during the peak summer months.

Sultry Summers and Heavy Rains

Pope County endures 47 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the state average of 27. While 50.5 inches of annual precipitation provides plenty of water, the high heat and 4,288 growing degree days can lead to rapid evaporation and fungal risks.

Correcting Acidic Soil Conditions

Local soil pH sits at 5.83, which is below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most lawns. You may need to apply lime to neutralize the acidity and ensure your grass can properly absorb the nutrients in your fertilizer.

Relatively Resilient to Drought

Compared to its neighbors, Pope County is faring better with 0% of its area in severe drought. It has only experienced 10 weeks of drought over the past year, though the current abnormally dry status for 100% of the county still requires alert watering habits.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Grass Types

Because of the 47 annual heat days, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or even warm-season Bermuda grass are viable options in Zone 7a. Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 14 to give the grass time to establish before the summer humidity sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pope County's county score?
Pope County, Illinois has a composite county score of 66.9 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 Pope County rank among counties in Illinois?
Pope County ranks #5 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 Pope County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Pope County is $1,477, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Pope County a tax score of 33.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pope County?
The median household income in Pope County, Illinois is $60,050 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pope County earns an income score of 33.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pope County, Illinois a good place to live?
Pope County scores 66.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Pope 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 Pope 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.