Saline County scores 67.1 on the composite index, placing it 34% above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This represents solid national standing and exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1 by nearly 5 points.
2 / 5
Above State Average
Saline ranks in the upper third of Illinois counties with its 67.1 score, outperforming the statewide average and demonstrating strong overall livability relative to peers. The county is among the better-performing regions in Illinois.
3 / 5
Extreme Affordability and Low Taxes
Saline County excels with the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 1.555% and excellent housing affordability, with a cost score of 85.4, median rent of $711, and median home value of just $92,900. These factors make it one of the most economically accessible counties in the state.
4 / 5
Income Lags Behind Affordability
The income score of 19.3 is the lowest in this cohort, with median household income at $54,945—notably below peers and the state. This income-affordability mismatch suggests limited wage opportunities relative to the county's low cost of living.
5 / 5
Ideal for Cost-Minimizers
Saline County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking maximum purchasing power with minimal tax burden and ultra-low housing costs. It's the choice for people who prioritize living lean over earning big.
Saline County scores 67.1 on the composite index, placing it 34% above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This represents solid national standing and exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1 by nearly 5 points.
Above State Average
Saline ranks in the upper third of Illinois counties with its 67.1 score, outperforming the statewide average and demonstrating strong overall livability relative to peers. The county is among the better-performing regions in Illinois.
Extreme Affordability and Low Taxes
Saline County excels with the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 1.555% and excellent housing affordability, with a cost score of 85.4, median rent of $711, and median home value of just $92,900. These factors make it one of the most economically accessible counties in the state.
Income Lags Behind Affordability
The income score of 19.3 is the lowest in this cohort, with median household income at $54,945—notably below peers and the state. This income-affordability mismatch suggests limited wage opportunities relative to the county's low cost of living.
Ideal for Cost-Minimizers
Saline County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking maximum purchasing power with minimal tax burden and ultra-low housing costs. It's the choice for people who prioritize living lean over earning big.
Score breakdown
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🏛58.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.