countyscore
51.4
County Score
Cost of Living 71.8Soil Quality 66.2Lawn Care 62.2

County Report Card

About Richland County, Illinois

Competitive National Scoring

Richland County achieves a composite score of 51.4, narrowly beating the national median of 50.0. It maintains a solid, middle-of-the-road standing in the US.

Meeting State Averages

The county's score of 51.4 is just below the Illinois state average of 52.8. It offers a comparable lifestyle to many of its peers in the region.

Affordable Housing and Health

A cost score of 71.8 is supported by a low median home value of $106,600. The county also performs well in health, earning a score of 60.7.

Taxes and Water Quality

The tax score of 12.1 is impacted by an effective rate of 1.518%. Water quality also presents a challenge, with a score of 26.4 indicating room for improvement.

The Verdict: Entry-Level Affordability

Richland County is a good fit for first-time homebuyers and health-conscious residents on a budget. It offers accessible housing entry points and decent community health metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax12.1Cost71.8Safety53.8Health60.7Schools58.6Income40.5Risk53.4Water26.4Weather55
🏛12.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.2
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Richland County?

Many homeowners in Richland County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Richland County with Fulton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Fulton County
Arkansas
Median income: $38,941
51.4
Holmes County
Florida
Median income: $48,236
51.4
Warrick County
Indiana
Median income: $95,027
51.4
Mahaska County
Iowa
Median income: $69,019
51.4
Washington County
Missouri
Median income: $51,886
51.4
Gage County
Nebraska
Median income: $64,426
51.4
Somerset County
New Jersey
Median income: $135,960
51.4
Livingston County
New York
Median income: $72,464
51.4

Nearby counties

Clay County
Illinois
55.8
Edwards County
Illinois
66.7
Jasper County
Illinois
59.7
Wayne County
Illinois
52.5
Lawrence County
Illinois
55.7
Wabash County
Illinois
55.3
Crawford County
Illinois
52.5
Knox County
Indiana
52.4

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richland County

via TaxByCounty

Richland County: Below national tax median

At 1.52%, Richland County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.10%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,618 is 40% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both modest home values and a reasonable tax rate.

Richland below Illinois average

Richland County's 1.52% effective rate is 17% lower than the Illinois state average of 1.83%, positioning it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Its median property tax of $1,618 is 42% below the state average of $2,782, delivering solid savings for homeowners.

Richland ranks with most affordable peers

Richland County's 1.52% rate is competitive regionally, beating Piatt County (1.76%), Perry County (1.66%), and Putnam County (1.59%). It ranks just behind Pike County (1.56%), offering one of the better tax values in the area.

What a Richland County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $106,600, Richland County's 1.52% effective rate translates to approximately $1,618 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,148; without one, closer to $1,288—significantly below national norms.

Appeal if assessment seems too high

Many Illinois homeowners in Richland County are assessed at values above their homes' actual market worth, leading to overpayment of taxes. Filing a property tax appeal could reduce your annual bill if your assessment is out of line with recent sales data.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richland County

via CostByCounty

Richland County tests affordability limits

Richland County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.7%, creating slightly elevated housing burden for its residents. With a median household income of $60,404—below the national average—and rent of $754, affordability is tight but manageable.

Richland slightly above state average

Richland County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above Illinois's state average, placing it among the less affordable counties in this comparison. The county's $754 median rent contributes to this burden despite moderate housing costs.

Richland pricier than most peers

Richland County's $754 median rent exceeds Pike ($659) and Putnam ($804) is surprisingly similar, but Richland residents earn less than Putnam, creating greater affordability stress. At $698, homeowner costs are moderate, but the rental burden remains the regional challenge.

Renters face the greatest pressure

Richland County renters pay $754 monthly while homeowners pay $698 for the $106,600 median home, placing heavier burden on renters. Housing consumes 15% of the $60,404 median household income—above the comfort zone and leaving less flexibility for other needs.

Richland for committed relocators

Richland County offers moderate housing costs but requires household incomes above $60,000 to avoid affordability strain. Renters should carefully budget before relocating; homebuyers may find better value in neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland County

via IncomeByCounty

Richland County lags national earnings

Richland County's median household income of $60,404 falls 19% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic constraints. This gap places Richland in the lower-income tier nationally.

Below Illinois state median

Richland County earns $8,176 less than the Illinois state median of $68,580, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $32,156 also trails the state average of $36,009 by roughly 11%.

Richland ranks near the lower end

Richland County's $60,404 places it sixth among the eight surveyed counties, above only Pike and Pulaski. Perry County's $59,286 represents the only nearby lower income in this cohort.

Housing costs press household budgets

Richland County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits exactly at the affordability caution threshold, signaling that renters spend a substantial portion of earnings on housing. The median home value of $106,600 remains reasonable but leaves limited margin for other expenses.

Building savings amid tight budgets

Richland County households can strengthen financial security through modest but consistent savings habits and low-cost investment options. Even small contributions to retirement accounts compound meaningfully, creating a foundation for long-term economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richland County

via CrimeByCounty

Richland County stays well under national crime levels

The county’s total crime rate of 1,043.5 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 98.4, indicating a generally secure environment.

Slightly more active than the Illinois average

Richland's total crime rate of 1,043.5 is higher than the state average of 835.0. Its safety score of 98.4 also falls just below the state-wide benchmark of 98.7.

Higher property crime than regional neighbors

With two agencies reporting, Richland shows more property-related activity than some of its smaller rural neighbors. This activity is often concentrated in more populated local hubs.

Property theft is the primary concern

Property crime accounts for 929.0 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is low at 114.5. This violent crime rate is much safer than the state average of 160.1.

Securing valuables to prevent theft

Because property crime drives the local numbers, residents should focus on securing homes and vehicles. Alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs are effective ways to keep Richland County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Richland County

via HealthByCounty

Richland County well below U.S. life expectancy

Richland County's life expectancy of 73.7 years is among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. average of 81.1 years by 7.4 years. With 16.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces severe population health challenges.

Among Illinois's lowest life expectancies

Richland County's 73.7-year life expectancy ranks among Illinois's worst, falling 2.3 years below the state average of 76.0 years. The 16.7% poor/fair health rate indicates significant chronic disease burden, placing Richland among the state's most health-challenged counties.

Worse outcomes than regional peers

Richland County's 73.7-year life expectancy is second-lowest in the region, exceeding only Pulaski County (71.6 years) but trailing all other neighbors. Its 16.7% poor/fair health rate sits between Pike County and Pulaski, marking Richland as a regional health concern.

Adequate coverage, strong mental health access

Richland County's 6.5% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average of 6.3%, yet most residents have coverage. The county offers 57 primary care providers and an exceptional 523 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in the region—signaling significant mental health challenges.

Secure coverage and mental health support

Richland County's poor health outcomes and robust mental health infrastructure suggest residents face significant behavioral and physical health challenges. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to enroll; combined with local mental health services, insurance opens doors to comprehensive care that can turn health trajectories around.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Excellence in Richland County

Richland County operates a streamlined system with three large public schools all managed by a single unified district. This setup serves 2,280 students through one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This centralized model allows the county to maintain larger campus facilities with diverse resources.

Exceptional Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

Richland County boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average of 88.8% and the national 87.0%. Remarkably, the county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of only $7,431, which is far below the state and national averages. While the school score is 55.5, the high graduation rate signals strong local student success.

Richland County CUSD 1 Leads the Way

Richland County CUSD 1 is the sole district in the county, providing 100% of the public school options for local families. There are no charter schools, allowing the district to focus all community funding into its three primary campuses. This unified structure ensures every student in the county transitions through the same high-quality system.

Robust Town Schools with Large Enrollments

All three schools are located in town settings, giving the education system a centralized, bustling feel. Richland County Elementary is the largest school with 1,101 students, and the average school size across the county is a high 760. These larger school environments offer a wide variety of social and extracurricular opportunities for students.

Invest in a High-Success District

Richland County is a premier choice for families looking for high graduation rates and a unified school experience. The centralized town schools make it easy to find a home that is conveniently located near all academic levels. Explore the real estate market in Richland to join a community that maximizes its resources for student achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland County

via RiskByCounty

Richland County slightly exceeds national risk

Richland County's composite risk score of 46.66 is modestly above the national average and 14% below Illinois's statewide average of 54.46, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This positions Richland as a moderately hazard-exposed county with meaningful but not exceptional disaster risk.

Richland ranks in Illinois's middle tier

Richland County's score of 46.66 places it in the midrange of Illinois's 102 counties for disaster risk, performing slightly better than the state average. The county's balanced hazard profile reflects moderate exposure to multiple natural disaster types without extreme concentration in any single category.

Richland balances regional risk patterns

At 46.66, Richland County scores lower than its higher-risk neighbors Perry County (72.07) and Randolph County (78.63), but higher than the lower-risk Pike County (30.34) cluster. This middle position makes Richland representative of south-central Illinois's typical hazard exposure.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods matter most

Richland County's primary risks are tornado exposure at 52.42, earthquake risk at 89.57, and flood risk at 41.25, reflecting the county's position in both a seismically active region and Tornado Alley's periphery. These three hazards warrant focused attention in household emergency planning.

Balance earthquake and flood coverage

Richland County homeowners should secure standalone earthquake insurance to address the county's substantial seismic risk of 89.57, and verify wind/hail protection for tornado exposure. Evaluate flood insurance based on property location, as the county's 41.25 flood risk suggests some neighborhoods face meaningful inundation exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richland County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Midwestern Weather

Richland County's average annual temperature of 54.2°F sits just above the national median. It features the typical four-season cycle common to the humid continental climate of the interior United States.

Warmer Temperatures and High Rainfall

At 54.2°F, the county is warmer than the 52.8°F Illinois state average. It also receives 48.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 41.7 inches.

Wet and Warm Regional Profile

Richland experiences more precipitation than nearby Randolph County. Its 32 days of extreme heat and 10.5 inches of snow place it squarely in the middle of regional climate trends.

Moist Summers and Snowy Dustings

The county sees 32 days above 90°F during the warm summer months. Winters bring a manageable 10.5 inches of snow, with January temperatures averaging a brisk 29.3°F.

Drainage and Moisture Control

Given the high precipitation of nearly 49 inches, homeowners should ensure proper attic ventilation and sump pump reliability. All-season tires are usually sufficient for the 10.5 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Southern Soils

Richland County features an average pH of 6.27, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This slight acidity is typical for the region and benefits many berry varieties.

Smooth Silt for Easy Tilling

The soil is a mix of 64.8% silt, 21.0% clay, and 14.1% sand. This silty profile provides a smooth texture that is easy to cultivate, though it requires management to prevent the surface from sealing.

Excellent Water Storage for Resilience

Organic matter levels are 1.78%, trailing the state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity of 0.206 in/in is higher than the state average, indicating the soil is excellent at storing water for crop use.

Monitoring Moisture in Silty Soil

While specific drainage data is not recorded, the silty texture usually implies moderate water movement. Gardeners should watch for damp conditions during wet springs, as the high water capacity can lead to saturated roots.

Versatile Gardening in Zone 6b

Located in hardiness zone 6b, Richland County offers a versatile climate for a wide array of vegetables and ornamentals. The high water storage capacity makes it an encouraging environment for a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland County

via LawnByCounty

Fair Growing Conditions in Richland

Richland County has a lawn difficulty score of 62.2, making it slightly more challenging than the state average but better than the national median. Located in Zone 6b, the county offers a bridge between northern coolness and southern heat.

Abundant Rain and Moderate Heat

The county receives 48.8 inches of annual rain, providing plenty of natural irrigation compared to the state average of 41.8. With 32 extreme heat days and 3,829 growing degree days, your lawn will grow vigorously but require careful monitoring during mid-summer peaks.

Healthy Soil for Nutrient Intake

The soil pH of 6.27 is ideal for keeping your turf healthy and vibrant. The 21.0% clay and 14.1% sand mix creates a silt loam texture that supports root stability, though it may be prone to compaction if your yard sees heavy foot traffic.

Persistent Dry Conditions in Richland

Richland County has spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, with 25.1% of the county currently facing severe drought. Even with 48 inches of annual rain, the 100% abnormally dry rating means you must water consistently during dry spells to maintain turf density.

Optimizing Your Richland Lawn

The best time to seed is between the April 15 last frost and the October 23 first frost. Turf-type tall fescues are highly recommended for this Zone 6b climate because they can handle both the ample rain and the 32 days of extreme heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland County's county score?
Richland County, Illinois has a composite county score of 51.4 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 Richland County rank among counties in Illinois?
Richland County ranks #67 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 Richland County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Richland County is $1,618, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 12.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, Illinois is $60,404 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, Illinois a good place to live?
Richland County scores 51.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Richland 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 Richland 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.