countyscore
33.4
County Score
Soil Quality 79.6Health 76.8Income & Jobs 75.7

County Report Card

About Sangamon County, Illinois

Below the National Benchmark

Sangamon County earns a composite score of 33.4, falling well short of the national median of 50.0. Heavy tax burdens and safety issues significantly impact its national standing.

Struggling Against State Averages

The county's score of 33.4 is nearly 20 points lower than the Illinois average of 52.8. Despite being a hub of state activity, it faces steeper livability hurdles than many neighboring rural counties.

High Incomes and Health Access

The county excels in health (76.8) and income (75.7). A median household income of $74,114 provides residents with significant purchasing power and access to quality medical services.

Safety and Tax Burdens

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 5.3, while the tax score sits at a low 3.4. High effective tax rates of 1.978% and environmental risks create a difficult balance for homeowners.

A Choice for High Earners

This county is best suited for high-income professionals who need proximity to healthcare and government centers. Residents must be willing to trade higher taxes and safety concerns for superior career opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax3.4Cost29.6Safety5.3Health76.8Schools48.1Income75.7Risk8.3Water46Weather55.8
🏛3.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.8
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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59.2
Christian County
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Logan County
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51.6
Mason County
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Macon County
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Cass County
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Deep Dives

Sangamon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sangamon County

via TaxByCounty

Sangamon taxes slightly above national median

At 1.98%, Sangamon County's effective tax rate edges past the national median of 2.05%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,369 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though the county's median home value of $170,300 is 40% lower than the national median.

Sangamon ranks above Illinois average

With a 1.98% effective rate, Sangamon exceeds Illinois' state average of 1.83% by 15 basis points. The median tax of $3,369 is among the higher county-level burdens in the state, placing Sangamon in the upper-middle tier statewide.

Sangamon higher than most surrounding counties

Sangamon's 1.98% rate exceeds Shelby County (1.50%) and Saline County (1.56%) but aligns closely with Stark County (1.64%). The $3,369 median tax here is notably higher than these neighbors, reflecting stronger local revenue needs.

Plan for approximately $3,369 yearly

On the median home valued at $170,300, Sangamon County homeowners typically pay $3,369 per year in property taxes. When accounting for mortgage escrow reserves, the median increases to $3,651.

Assessments deserve regular review

With property values fluctuating, many Sangamon homeowners' assessments lag behind—but some may also run ahead of market value. Requesting an assessment appeal is straightforward and could save you hundreds annually if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sangamon County

via CostByCounty

Sangamon matches national affordability standards

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.4%, Sangamon County nearly mirrors the national benchmark, and its median household income of $74,114 matches the national median of $74,755. This alignment suggests Sangamon offers balanced affordability for households with national-level earnings.

Above-average incomes, above-average rents

Sangamon ranks among Illinois's most prosperous counties, with a median income exceeding most state peers and rents of $954—the highest in this region. This higher cost reflects the county's economic vitality, particularly driven by Springfield's state government employment.

Highest rents but best earning potential

Sangamon's $954 rent runs $243 above Saline County and $91 above Rock Island, yet median home values of $170,300 reflect stronger investment confidence in the region. The trade-off: higher housing costs are offset by superior job markets and earning potential.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Renters spend $954 monthly and homeowners $1,082, consuming 15.4% and 17.5% of the median $74,114 household income respectively. While these percentages align with national norms, the absolute dollars are higher—appropriate for a county with the strongest earning potential.

Sangamon: invest in stronger job markets

Relocating to Illinois for stable government work or professional employment? Sangamon County's $954 rent and $170,300 median home value reflect an economically robust region anchored by Springfield. Compare these costs against your earning potential—Sangamon rewards higher incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sangamon County

via IncomeByCounty

Sangamon Nearly Matches National Income

Sangamon County's median household income of $74,114 is virtually even with the national median of $74,755, falling just $641 short. This positions Sangamon as one of Illinois's stronger economic performers relative to the national benchmark.

Sangamon Leads Illinois County Incomes

At $74,114, Sangamon County outpaces the Illinois state average of $68,580 by $5,534 annually, ranking at or near the top of profiled counties. The county's per capita income of $42,851 is similarly strong, reflecting higher individual earning power.

Clear Income Leader in Central Illinois

Sangamon's $74,114 median income significantly exceeds neighboring counties like Shelby ($68,457) and Rock Island ($66,768), establishing it as a regional economic hub. The county's strength likely reflects Springfield's presence as the state capital and employment draw.

Strong Income Supports Housing Stability

Sangamon's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates housing is comfortably affordable, and the median home value of $170,300 remains within reach for median-income households. Residents enjoy relative financial breathing room compared to lower-income counties.

Invest in Your Future From Sangamon

With a median household income of $74,114, Sangamon County families are well-positioned to invest in stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts beyond emergency savings. Higher earning power here creates genuine opportunity to build generational wealth and financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sangamon County

via CrimeByCounty

Sangamon crime rates exceed national levels

Sangamon County reports 3,450.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this frequency, the county maintains a safety score of 94.6 out of 100. This indicates that local conditions remain more secure than many urban centers across the country.

Falling below the Illinois safety average

The county's safety score of 94.6 sits below the Illinois state average of 98.7. While 25 local agencies report data, the total crime rate of 3,450.4 per 100,000 remains high compared to the state's average of 835.0. Residents navigate a more active law enforcement landscape than most of their Illinois peers.

More active than neighboring Tazewell County

Sangamon's crime rate of 3,450.4 per 100,000 is double the rate found in nearby Tazewell County, which reports 1,708.6. While both counties serve central Illinois, Sangamon experiences more frequent police activity per capita. This disparity highlights Sangamon as a regional outlier for reported incidents.

Property crimes drive local statistics

Property crimes account for 2,892.1 incidents per 100,000 people, far outpacing the violent crime rate of 558.3. This means residents are much more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical confrontation. Local authorities track these trends through 25 reporting agencies to manage community risks.

Securing your Sangamon County property

With property crime rates exceeding 2,800 per 100,000, home security remains a practical priority. Installing smart cameras and motion lighting can deter opportunistic theft in Springfield and surrounding areas. Vigilance and community watch programs help mitigate these localized risks effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sangamon County

via HealthByCounty

Sangamon Leads on Life Expectancy

Sangamon County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 76.8 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 0.7 years. With a 16.6% poor or fair health rate slightly above national levels, Sangamon combines longevity with moderate health challenges.

Illinois's Top-Tier Health Performer

Sangamon County's 76.8-year life expectancy ranks among Illinois's best, topping the state average of 76.0 years. A 5.2% uninsured rate—below the state's 6.3%—suggests strong healthcare access and enrollment.

Regional Health Leader by Wide Margin

Sangamon County's 76.8-year life expectancy leads neighboring counties, outpacing Rock Island (76.4 years), Scott (75.6 years), and Saline (72.5 years) decisively. With 121 primary care providers per 100K—the highest in this group—Sangamon invests heavily in physician access.

Strong Coverage and Robust Provider Network

At 5.2% uninsured, Sangamon has one of the lowest rates among Illinois counties, with most residents able to access healthcare through insurance. The county's 121 primary care providers per 100K and 323 mental health providers per 100K create a robust care infrastructure supporting both preventive and specialized services.

Maintain Your Coverage in Sangamon

With 95% of Sangamon residents insured, the county's healthcare ecosystem is working—but don't let your coverage lapse. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your plan is current, and take advantage of your county's strong primary care network for regular check-ups.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sangamon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Educational Infrastructure

Sangamon County features 77 public schools serving 27,726 students across 12 different districts. The landscape is broad, consisting of 36 elementary, 18 middle, and 19 high schools. This extensive network provides specialized options, including seven alternative schools and one special education facility.

Room for Growth in Graduation Rates

The county's graduation rate sits at 84.5%, which is below both the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,656, trailing the state average of $9,250 and significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 54.2.

Springfield Districts Anchor the County

Springfield SD 186 dominates the landscape with 13,066 students across 35 schools. Ball Chatham CUSD 5 also represents a major portion of the county with 4,655 students. The county hosts one charter school, which represents approximately 1.3% of the total 77 schools available.

Urban Centers and Rural Outposts

Education in Sangamon County is diverse, featuring 37 city schools and 20 rural locations. Glenwood High School is the largest individual school with 1,504 students, while the average across the county is 414 students. Families can choose between large city high schools and smaller suburban or rural middle schools.

Target Top-Performing Sangamon Districts

When looking for a home in Sangamon County, many families gravitate toward the growing Ball Chatham district or established Springfield neighborhoods. School boundary lines are a critical factor in local property values and long-term resale potential. Explore homes in the capital region to find the best fit for your student.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sangamon County

via RiskByCounty

Sangamon faces elevated disaster risk

Sangamon County scores 91.70 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and substantially above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This capital-region county experiences compounded hazards that require serious preparedness planning across multiple disaster types.

Third-highest risk in Illinois

Sangamon ranks among the top three riskiest counties in Illinois with its 91.70 composite score, surpassing 90% of the state's other counties. The county's tornado risk of 97.14 is among the very highest in the state, reflecting its position in the heart of tornado alley.

Most dangerous in central Illinois

Sangamon's 91.70 score makes it the most at-risk county in its region, substantially exceeding safer neighbors like Shelby County (51.75) and Schuyler County (11.36). Only St. Clair County (94.91) carries higher composite risk among Illinois counties.

Extreme tornado and flood exposure

Sangamon residents face exceptional tornado risk at 97.14 and significant flood risk at 91.16—both among the state's highest. Earthquake risk is also elevated at 94.56, creating a compound-hazard environment that demands year-round preparedness across multiple threat types.

Strengthen defenses against multiple threats

Sangamon homeowners should maintain comprehensive tornado and flood insurance, including separate NFIP flood coverage, plus earthquake insurance given the elevated seismic risk. Identify or construct a safe room rated for tornadoes, regularly update emergency supplies, and review insurance annually to ensure adequate limits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sangamon County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Average

Sangamon County maintains an annual average temperature of 53.5°F, placing it above the national median of 52.7°F. The local climate is characterized by moderate humidity and typical Midwestern seasonal shifts.

A Warm Spot in Central Illinois

The county's 53.5°F average exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. As the home of the state capital, it represents one of the warmer hubs in the central region of the state.

Outpacing the Neighbors in Heat

Sangamon is notably warmer than its western neighbor Schuyler County, which averages 51.7°F. It remains closely aligned with Shelby County's 53.3°F average to the southeast.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 26 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, particularly during July's 76.1°F average peak. Winter brings 21.2 inches of snow as temperatures drop to a January average of 27.5°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

Homeowners should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to manage the nearly month-long stretch of 90-degree days. Winter gear remains essential to handle the 21 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sangamon County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Soils in the State Capital

Sangamon County features a highly productive soil profile with an average pH of 6.54, slightly above the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality is more favorable for agriculture than the 6.39 state average. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented, the chemical balance supports the county's impressive 79.6 soil score.

Dense Silt for Superior Nutrient Retention

The soil composition is dominated by 68.1% silt, one of the highest concentrations in the region. With only 8.5% sand and 23.4% clay, the soil is exceptionally fine-textured and rich. This mix provides an incredible surface area for holding plant nutrients, making it world-class farmland.

Top-Tier Water Capacity and Organic Richness

The organic matter content is 2.64%, well above the national average of 2.0%. Most impressively, the available water capacity of 0.213 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.204. This high capacity ensures that crops have deep reservoirs of moisture to pull from throughout the growing season.

Fine Textures Demand Careful Drainage

With a very low sand percentage of 8.5%, natural drainage can be slow as water moves primarily through silty pores. Although specific hydrologic groups are unlisted, these soils are known for their ability to hold water rather than shedding it quickly. This makes them drought-resistant but potentially slow to dry in the spring.

A Gardener's Dream in Zone 6a

Located in Zone 6a, Sangamon County is perfect for high-yield vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and corn. The high soil score of 79.6 suggests that almost anything you plant will find the nutrients it needs. Start your backyard plot today to take advantage of some of the best dirt in Illinois.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sangamon County

via LawnByCounty

Stronger Growing Potential in Central Illinois

Sangamon County earns a 72.8 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 69.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6a, the county offers a favorable environment for turfgrass that is significantly easier to manage than the national average.

Ideal Rainfall Supports Healthy Turf

The area receives 39.1 inches of annual precipitation, aligning closely with the state average of 41.8 inches. With 26 extreme heat days and 3,741 growing degree days, the climate is well-suited for consistent, steady lawn growth throughout the summer.

Stable Soil pH Boosts Growth

A soil pH of 6.54 provides an optimal chemical environment for root development and fertilizer efficiency. The soil contains 23.4% clay but only 8.5% sand, which may lead to slower drainage after the heavy rains typical of the region.

Severe Drought Conditions Impact Local Lawns

Currently, 100% of the county is in a Severe Drought (D2+) state, following 31 weeks of drought over the past year. Prioritize essential watering and avoid mowing during peak heat to prevent further stress to dormant grass.

Plan Around Mid-April Planting Dates

The growing window typically opens after the last spring frost on April 15. For best results, use a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass, ensuring your lawn is established before the October 22 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sangamon County's county score?
Sangamon County, Illinois has a composite county score of 33.4 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 Sangamon County rank among counties in Illinois?
Sangamon County ranks #100 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 Sangamon County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Sangamon County is $3,369, with an effective tax rate of 1.98%. This earns Sangamon County a tax score of 3.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sangamon County?
The median household income in Sangamon County, Illinois is $74,114 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sangamon County earns an income score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sangamon County, Illinois a good place to live?
Sangamon County scores 33.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Sangamon 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 Sangamon County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.