countyscore
67.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 86.8Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax36.6Cost86.8Safety97.5Health68.3Schools46.5Income46.5Risk85.1Water12.9Weather58.2
🏛36.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.8
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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Massac County
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McCracken County
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Hardin County
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Deep Dives

Pope County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Pope County

via CostByCounty

Pope County is Illinois's affordability outlier

Pope County's 8.4% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—less than half the state average of 14.7%—thanks to extraordinarily low rents of just $438 monthly. This rural county offers the deepest affordability advantage among these eight, though median income of $62,500 remains below the national average.

Illinois's most affordable rental market

Pope County stands alone among Illinois counties for housing affordability, with rents nearly 48% below the state median of $837. Its 8.4% rent-to-income ratio is unmatched in this group and among the best in the entire state.

Pope's rents dwarf regional competition

Pope County's $438 median rent is dramatically lower than all neighbors—Pike ($659), Perry ($714), and Richland ($754)—making it Illinois's bargain basement for renters. Even homeowners pay just $675 monthly for a $165,300 median home, suggesting unique rural market dynamics.

Unbeatable affordability for renters

Pope County renters pay just $438 monthly while homeowners pay $675, among the lowest costs in the region despite a $165,300 median home value. Housing consumes only 8.4% of household income—leaving residents substantially more for savings, food, and other necessities.

Pope County for maximum savings

If affordability is your priority and you can embrace Pope County's rural character, rents of $438 monthly are unmatched in Illinois. This is where renters stretch their dollars furthest and build savings fastest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Pope County

via HealthByCounty

Pope County life expectancy slightly below U.S.

Pope County residents live to 75.7 years on average, about 5.4 years below the U.S. average of 81.1 years. With 18% reporting poor or fair health, the county mirrors the national average and suggests moderate health challenges.

Slightly below Illinois average life expectancy

Pope County's 75.7-year life expectancy trails Illinois's 76.0-year state average, though by a narrow margin. The 18% poor/fair health rate sits near the state median, placing Pope County in the middle tier of Illinois counties.

Mid-range health in the region

Pope County's 75.7-year life expectancy sits between Pike County (74.6 years) and Perry County (75.4 years), and below Piatt County (78.4 years). Its 18% poor/fair health rate is comparable to nearby counties, indicating consistent regional health patterns.

Good coverage, limited primary care data

Pope County's 5.2% uninsured rate beats the state average of 6.3%, ensuring most residents have health insurance. While mental health providers are available at 54 per 100,000, primary care provider data is limited; residents may face longer wait times or travel for some services.

Strengthen your health coverage

Pope County's strong insurance rate reflects a community that prioritizes coverage; if you're among the 5% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to enroll. Steady insurance access helps residents access preventive care and manage chronic conditions effectively.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pope County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Quality in Pope County

Pope County operates a streamlined education system consisting of just two public schools within a single county-wide district. This focused infrastructure serves 486 students, divided between one elementary and one high school. Every student in the county benefits from the unified resources of the Pope Co CUD 1 district.

Dedicated Efforts with Targeted Resources

The county reports a graduation rate of 84.0%, which is below the Illinois state average of 88.8% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Per-pupil spending stands at $8,556, roughly $700 less than the state average and significantly lower than the national $13,000 average. The composite school score of 53.7 reflects the challenges and opportunities of a small, rural district.

A Unified District Experience

Pope Co CUD 1 manages 100% of the county's public education, offering a consistent experience for all local families. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all community resources and tax dollars are funneled into these two central campuses. This unified approach simplifies the educational journey for students from kindergarten through high school.

True Rural Education for Every Student

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's natural landscapes and small population. Pope County Elementary is the larger of the two with 319 students, while the high school remains very intimate with only 167 students. This environment fosters a tight community where every student and family is part of the same educational circle.

Simplified Living and Schooling

For families who value a small, consistent school environment, Pope County offers a rare unified district experience. Moving here means your children will grow up with the same cohort of peers from the first day of elementary through high school graduation. Explore homes in this scenic rural county for a truly connected community lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pope County

via RiskByCounty

Pope County is Illinois's lowest-risk county

Pope County's composite risk score of 14.89 is among the absolute lowest in the United States and 73% below Illinois's statewide average of 54.46, earning the "Very Low" designation. This exceptional safety from natural disasters places Pope County among America's most protected communities.

Pope ranks as Illinois's safest county

Pope County's 14.89 score is the lowest in Illinois, ranking it at the very bottom of disaster risk across the state's 102 counties. This standout position reflects Pope's distance from major seismic zones, low tornado frequency, and minimal flood and wildfire exposure.

Pope leads its region in safety margins

Pope County's 14.89 score is substantially lower than its neighbors, including Pulaski County (49.05) and Richland County (46.66), making it a distinctly safer jurisdiction in southern Illinois. Only Putnam County (9.16) scores lower across the entire region.

Even Pope's top risks are minimal

Pope County's highest individual risk is earthquake at 82.12, though this remains well below state-leading counties; tornado risk sits at 29.68 and flood risk at 17.24, both minimal. The county's overall hazard environment is exceptionally benign compared to national and state norms.

Minimal coverage needs match minimal risks

Pope County homeowners typically can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized earthquake or flood riders, given the county's exceptional safety profile. A standard policy with wind/hail coverage is usually sufficient to address Pope County's negligible natural disaster exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 67.4 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 #7 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 $1,687, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Pope County a tax score of 36.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pope County?
The median household income in Pope County, Illinois is $62,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pope County earns an income score of 46.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pope County, Illinois a good place to live?
Pope County scores 67.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 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.

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.