countyscore
56.8
County Score
Safety 91.1Cost of Living 78.8Soil Quality 60.5

County Report Card

About Saline County, Illinois

Outperforming the National Median

With a composite score of 56.8, Saline County stands notably above the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights the county's success in providing a stable environment compared to many peers across the country.

Beating the Illinois State Average

Saline County surpasses the Illinois state average score of 52.8. Its competitive performance is driven by exceptional safety ratings and high housing affordability.

Elite Safety and Low Costs

The county boasts an impressive safety score of 91.1 and a cost score of 78.8. Housing is highly accessible, with a median home value of $92,900 and a median gross rent of just $711.

Lower Incomes and Tax Pressures

The income score is relatively low at 24.9, as the median household income sits at $54,945. Additionally, the tax score of 10.6 suggests that while housing is cheap, the property tax burden remains significant.

Ideal for Retirees and Budget Seekers

Saline County is perfect for those prioritizing safety and affordable housing on a fixed budget. It is an excellent choice for individuals who value a quiet, secure environment with very low entry costs for homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax10.6Cost78.8Safety91.1Health48.6Schools56.3Income24.9Risk29.9Water40.7Weather60
🏛10.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.2
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 →
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Nearby counties

Williamson County
Illinois
49.9
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.6
Hardin County
Illinois
70.7
Hamilton County
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Johnson County
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Pope County
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Franklin County
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Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Saline County

via TaxByCounty

Saline County taxes well below U.S. average

At 1.56%, Saline County's effective tax rate falls well short of the national median of 2.05%, placing it in roughly the 25th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,445 is nearly half the national median of $2,690, despite Saline's lower home values of $92,900.

Among Illinois' most affordable tax counties

Saline County ranks in the lowest tier statewide with a 1.56% effective rate—significantly below the Illinois average of 1.83%. This means Saline residents enjoy some of the most favorable property tax conditions in the state.

Saline offers lowest taxes in region

At 1.56%, Saline's effective rate substantially undercuts neighboring Sangamon County (1.98%) and Shelby County (1.50%). The $1,445 median tax bill here is the lowest among these comparable counties, making Saline an exceptional value for property owners.

Budget roughly $1,445 yearly

On the median home valued at $92,900, Saline County homeowners typically pay just $1,445 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, plan for $1,975 when escrow reserves are included.

Even low-tax homeowners can appeal

Even in a county with favorable tax rates, individual assessments can still be inflated beyond current market value. Filing an appeal costs little but can validate whether your specific assessment reflects your home's true worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Saline County

via CostByCounty

Saline offers rare affordability in Illinois

Saline County stands out with the lowest rents in this region—just $711 monthly—yet carries a rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% due to its below-average median income of $54,945. This creates a paradox: cheap rent paired with lower earnings means renters still allocate similar shares of income to housing as wealthier counties.

Illinois's most affordable rental market

Saline County's median rent of $711 ranks among Illinois's lowest, running $126 below the state average of $837. However, the county's median household income of $54,945 is also among the state's lowest, so affordability is relative.

Cheapest rents in the region

Saline's $711 rent significantly undercuts neighboring Sangamon County ($954) and Stark County ($765), making it the region's bargain-basement option. Home values follow suit, with a median of $92,900—the lowest among comparable counties and ideal for first-time homebuyers.

Low rents, lower income, tight budgets

Saline renters pay just $711 monthly while homeowners pay $678, but these costs consume 15.5% and 14.8% of the median $54,945 income respectively. The tradeoff: rural affordability comes with limited job opportunities and lower overall earning potential.

Saline: best for rural, budget-conscious movers

If you're relocating to rural Illinois on a tight budget, Saline County's $711 rent and $92,900 median home price are unbeatable. However, compare job prospects against higher-paying counties like Sangamon before deciding—affordability matters less if wages can't sustain it.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saline County

via IncomeByCounty

Saline Significantly Below National Standard

Saline County's median household income of $54,945 falls 26.5% short of the national median of $74,755, marking one of the wider gaps in Illinois. Families here earn roughly $19,810 less annually than the typical American household.

Lowest Income Among Profiled Counties

Saline County ranks at the bottom of this eight-county profile with a median income of $54,945, nearly $13,635 below Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county faces significant economic headwinds compared to peer regions statewide.

Struggling Relative to Surrounding Areas

Saline's $54,945 median income trails all neighboring counties in this profile, with the next-lowest being Stark County at $62,284—a gap of $7,339 annually. The county's per capita income of $35,665 reflects limited individual earning power as well.

Housing Remains Affordable Despite Low Wages

Despite lower incomes, Saline's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable for residents. The median home value of $92,900 is among the lowest profiled, making homeownership relatively accessible even with constrained household budgets.

Strategic Saving Matters More in Saline

At $54,945 median income, Saline County residents must be intentional about financial planning to build wealth over time. Automatic savings plans and low-cost investing options can help families stretch limited resources and secure a more stable financial future.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Saline County

via CrimeByCounty

Saline County is exceptionally safe

With a total crime rate of only 156.3, Saline County is vastly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.8.

One of the safest counties in Illinois

Saline’s crime rate of 156.3 is significantly lower than the state average of 835.0. Four different agencies work to maintain this high level of public safety across the county.

Lower crime than nearby Pulaski County

Saline reports far fewer incidents than Pulaski County, which has a rate of 849.9. This makes Saline one of the quietest jurisdictions in the southern part of the state.

Very low violent and property crime

The violent crime rate is just 84.5, while property crime is even lower at 71.8 per 100,000. These rates are a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a peaceful community

While crime is rare in Saline County, maintaining basic security habits helps keep it that way. Simple precautions like locking car doors and reporting suspicious activity ensure the county remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Saline County

via HealthByCounty

Saline County Lags Behind National Health

With a life expectancy of just 72.5 years, Saline County residents live nearly 3.6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 20% poor or fair health rate—among the highest in the state—signals significant health challenges.

Saline Ranks Low on Illinois Health Scale

Saline County's 72.5-year life expectancy falls 3.5 years below Illinois's state average of 76.0 years, placing it in the lower tier of county health outcomes statewide. The 20% poor or fair health rate represents one of the worst figures in the state.

Health Disparities vs. Regional Peers

Saline County's 72.5-year life expectancy significantly trails nearby Sangamon County (76.8 years) and Scott County (75.6 years). At 64 primary care providers per 100K, Saline offers decent physician access, though mental health resources at 389 per 100K mask deeper health equity challenges.

Insurance Coverage Strong, Health Status Weak

Saline County's 6.3% uninsured rate matches the state average, suggesting financial access isn't the primary barrier—instead, underlying health status drives the low life expectancy and high rates of poor health. With 64 primary care providers per 100K, the county has sufficient basic care infrastructure, yet 20% of residents report poor or fair health.

Ensure Coverage to Access Care in Saline

With 6.3% of Saline residents uninsured, most have access to health plans; confirm your coverage is current at healthcare.gov or through Illinois Medicaid. Preventive care and regular check-ups are critical—use your insurance to address health concerns early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Saline County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Schools with Focused Enrollment

Saline County operates 15 public schools serving a total student population of 3,724. These schools are distributed across four districts and include five elementary, three middle, and five high school facilities. This compact infrastructure serves the community through a mix of town-based and rural campuses.

Steady Performance in Southern Illinois

With an 87.6% graduation rate, Saline County outperforms the national average of 87.0% but trails the Illinois state average of 88.8%. Local districts spend $8,727 per pupil, which is approximately $523 less than the state average and $4,273 less than the national median. The county maintains a composite school score of 56.0.

Harrisburg and Eldorado Lead the Way

Harrisburg CUSD 3 is the largest district, managing five schools and 1,771 students. Eldorado CUSD 4 also maintains a significant presence with 1,077 students across three schools. No charter schools currently operate in Saline County, keeping all 3,724 students within traditional public districts.

A Close-Knit Educational Experience

Schools in Saline County are notably intimate, with an average enrollment of just 248 students per campus. Eldorado Elem School is the largest in the county with 545 students, followed closely by Harrisburg High School with 544. The mix of nine town schools and six rural locations creates a neighborly, small-town atmosphere.

Find Your Home in Saline Schools

Homebuyers in Saline County often prioritize the small-school environment and the high degree of community involvement in districts like Harrisburg. These schools offer a personalized touch that larger urban districts cannot match. Start your search in areas where the school is the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Saline County

via RiskByCounty

Saline maintains relatively low risk

Saline County scores 70.13 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating despite exceeding some Midwestern peers. The score exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46, but remains below the dangerous thresholds seen in counties with major riverine or seismic exposure.

Mid-range risk among state counties

Saline ranks in the lower-to-middle band of Illinois counties for disaster risk, with its 70.13 score beating approximately 40% of the state. The county's earthquake risk of 94.05 is surprisingly high for Illinois, though actual seismic events remain very rare in the region.

More exposed than southern peers

Saline's 70.13 score places it above several neighboring south-central counties, though specific adjacency comparisons are limited. Its earthquake risk of 94.05 is notably elevated compared to most Illinois counties, reflecting the region's underlying geological structure rather than active seismic activity.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are top concerns

Saline faces the highest threat from tornadoes at 68.48 and earthquakes at 94.05, though earthquake damage from actual events is uncommon here. Flooding is the third concern at 57.41, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain negligible at 8.56 and 43.51 respectively.

Cover tornado, flood, and seismic damage

Saline County homeowners should obtain comprehensive coverage for tornado damage and consider earthquake insurance despite low historical activity. Maintain flood insurance through the NFIP if in a mapped flood zone, and secure heavy furniture to walls to mitigate potential earthquake damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Saline County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Illinois Climate

Saline County averages 57.3°F annually, placing it among the warmer counties in the nation. It enjoys a climate that transitions toward humid subtropical, with long, hot summers.

Exceeding the State Thermal Average

The county is much warmer than the 52.8°F Illinois average, clocking in at 57.3°F. It is also wetter than the state average, recording 47.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Southern Heat and High Humidity

Saline matches the heat profile of neighbor Pope County with 43 days of temperatures over 90°F. Its 78.7°F July average is consistent with the warmest regions in southern Illinois.

Intense Summer Heat Peaks

July is very hot with an average of 78.7°F and 43 days of extreme heat. Winters are mild for the Midwest, with January temperatures averaging 33.4°F, though annual snowfall data is currently unavailable.

Focus on Summer Cooling

The 43 days of extreme heat make high-efficiency air conditioning a critical necessity for residents. With 47.6 inches of rain, keeping gutters clear and basements dry is a year-round task.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Saline County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Illinois Soils Lean Toward Acidic

Saline County features an average pH of 5.98, which is significantly more acidic than both the state average of 6.39 and the national median of 6.5. This lower pH suggests that gardeners may need to add lime to optimize nutrient uptake for most common crops. Although taxonomic order data is unavailable, the chemical profile points to a unique southern Illinois soil chemistry.

Heavy Silt Dominates the Landscape

At 65.8% silt, these soils have a very fine, flour-like texture that dominates the profile. Combined with 21.2% clay and only 13.0% sand, this mixture is prone to crusting when dry but holds nutrients well. The low sand content means drainage is primarily managed through the silt-clay matrix.

Efficient Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter levels average 1.82%, falling below the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.94%. However, the available water capacity is a solid 0.204 in/in, matching the Illinois state average exactly. This means the soil is highly efficient at storing rainfall for plants to use during drier periods.

Managing Silt-Heavy Hydrology

Specific hydrologic groups are not listed, but the high silt and clay percentages often lead to slower surface infiltration. Without significant sand to provide macropores, the soil can stay wet longer after heavy southern Illinois rainfalls. Careful management is required to prevent compaction in these silty profiles.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Saline County enjoys the warmth of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Illinois. The soil is well-suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries or southern favorites like okra and peaches. With a little pH adjustment, your garden will thrive in this temperate climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Saline County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Heat Challenges Saline County Lawns

Saline County's difficulty score of 58.2 makes it tougher for lawns than both the state average of 69.8 and the national median. As a Hardiness Zone 7a area, homeowners face warmer winters and much more intense summer heat than their northern neighbors.

Heavy Rain Meets High Summer Heat

The county averages 47.6 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the state average of 41.8 inches. However, 43 extreme heat days per year can quickly scorch cool-season grasses, requiring careful irrigation during the 4,395 growing degree day season.

Acidic Soils May Need Lime Treatment

The soil pH of 5.98 is just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, suggesting that a light lime application could improve nutrient availability. With 21.2% clay and only 13.0% sand, these soils can be heavy and may struggle with drainage during the county's frequent rains.

Consistent Monitoring Despite Frequent Rainfall

The county spent 16 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently shows abnormally dry conditions. Residents should mulch clippings back into the lawn to help retain moisture during the frequent high-heat stretches.

The Long Growing Season Favors Transition Grasses

The early last frost on April 07 allows for an extended growing season, making tall fescue a resilient choice for this climate. You have until the first fall frost on October 26 to finalize your lawn maintenance and winter prep.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saline County's county score?
Saline County, Illinois has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Saline County rank among counties in Illinois?
Saline County ranks #36 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 Saline County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Saline County is $1,445, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Saline County a tax score of 10.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saline County?
The median household income in Saline County, Illinois is $54,945 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saline County earns an income score of 24.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saline County, Illinois a good place to live?
Saline County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Saline 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 Saline County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.