countyscore
68.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.3Safety 89.3Cost of Living 79

County Report Card

About Scott County, Illinois

An Elite National Ranking

Scott County boasts an impressive composite score of 68.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score signals a high quality of life that is rare for the region.

A Leader in Illinois

Exceeding the state average of 52.8 by over 15 points, Scott County is a standout performer in Illinois. It combines financial health with physical safety to create a top-tier residential environment.

Resilience and High Incomes

The county hits high marks with a risk score of 97.3 and a safety score of 89.3. Residents also enjoy a strong median income of $73,013 and exceptionally affordable rent averaging $669.

Infrastructure and Tax Needs

The water score is a low 11.9, suggesting significant needs for utility improvements. While the tax score of 17.8 is better than neighbors, the 1.383% effective rate still requires careful financial planning.

Top Choice for Young Families

Scott County is a premier destination for families who want the best of everything: safety, good schools, and high incomes. It offers a rare combination of security and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax17.8Cost79Safety89.3Health78.2Schools70.3Income74.1Risk97.3Water11.9Weather49.8
🏛17.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.4
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

Morgan County
Illinois
43.1
Cass County
Illinois
57.4
Brown County
Illinois
69.5
Greene County
Illinois
60.3
Pike County
Illinois
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Schuyler County
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Macoupin County
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52.5
Pike County
Missouri
54.6

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes rank among nation's lowest

At 1.38%, Scott County's effective tax rate is the lowest among Illinois' major counties, placing it in roughly the 20th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,406 is nearly half the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional affordability relative to home values.

Illinois' lowest-taxing county profile

Scott County's 1.38% effective rate ranks among the very lowest in Illinois, well below the state average of 1.83%. This 45-basis-point advantage translates to hundreds in annual savings compared to many Illinois county residents.

Scott leads the region in tax affordability

At 1.38%, Scott's rate substantially undercuts neighboring Rock Island (2.33%), Stark (1.64%), and Schuyler (1.83%) counties. The $1,406 median tax is the lowest in the region, making Scott exceptionally attractive for tax-conscious property owners.

Budget roughly $1,406 yearly

On the median home valued at $101,700, Scott County homeowners typically pay just $1,406 per year in property taxes. Adding mortgage escrow reserves brings the median to $1,794.

Even low rates warrant appeals

Scott's favorable tax environment doesn't guarantee every individual assessment is fair—some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to current market conditions. Filing an appeal is simple and could validate additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County leads affordability among peers

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of just 11.0% is the lowest in this region and well below the national average, making it exceptionally affordable for renters. With median income of $73,013 nearly matching the national average and rents of only $669, Scott offers rare housing value.

Among Illinois's most affordable counties

Scott County ranks among the state's most affordable markets, with a 11.0% rent-to-income ratio that bests the state average of 14.7%. This advantage reflects both moderate housing costs and solid earning potential relative to comparable Illinois counties.

Lowest rents and fairest home values

Scott's $669 rent is the cheapest in the region—$194 below Rock Island and $265 below Sangamon—while median home values of $101,700 remain reasonable. This combination makes Scott the standout value option for budget-conscious movers.

Only 11% of income to rent

Renters spend just $669 monthly and homeowners $708, consuming only 11.0% and 11.6% of the median $73,013 household income respectively. This leaves Scott County families with the most discretionary income among their peers—a significant advantage for saving and investing.

Scott County: unbeatable value in Illinois

Relocating to Illinois and prioritizing affordability? Scott County delivers the region's best rent-to-income ratio at 11.0%—only $669 monthly on $73,013 median income. Compare this advantage against job availability in your field before choosing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County Nearly Reaches National Median

Scott County's median household income of $73,013 sits just 2.3% below the national median of $74,755. The county comes remarkably close to the national benchmark, indicating a relatively healthy economic position.

Above Illinois State Average

At $73,013, Scott County exceeds Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $4,433 annually, ranking in the upper tier of profiled counties. This performance reflects stronger local economic conditions and workforce earning power.

Second-Highest Income in Region

Scott County's $73,013 median income ranks second only to Sangamon County ($74,114) among the eight counties profiled. The county's per capita income of $36,508 indicates solid individual earning opportunities across the workforce.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Scott County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio of all profiled counties at just 11.0%, well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $101,700, residents enjoy strong housing stability relative to their incomes.

Prime Opportunity to Invest Here

Scott County's combination of solid median income ($73,013) and exceptional housing affordability creates ideal conditions for wealth building. Residents should capitalize on this financial advantage by prioritizing investment accounts, home equity building, and long-term retirement planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County remains significantly safer than average

Scott County reports a total crime rate of 224.5 per 100,000, nearly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 99.6 reflects a very secure environment for its residents. Local data from three agencies confirms that criminal activity is rare here.

Beating the Illinois state safety average

With a safety score of 99.6, Scott County ranks higher than the Illinois average of 98.7. Its crime rate of 224.5 is also well below the state's average of 835.0 per 100,000. This makes it one of the more secure rural counties in the state.

Safer than nearby Sangamon and Tazewell

Scott County is significantly more peaceful than Sangamon County, where the crime rate reaches 3,450.4. It also maintains a lower rate than Tazewell's 1,708.6 incidents per 100,000. These figures highlight Scott County as a regional pocket of high safety.

Low violent and property crime rates

Violent crime is infrequent at just 61.2 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 163.3. In practical terms, residents face very little risk of either theft or physical harm. The three local reporting agencies manage a very low volume of criminal cases.

Low risk requires simple home precautions

Because crime is rare, basic security habits like outdoor lighting go a long way in Scott County. While the property crime rate is low at 163.3, keeping valuables out of sight prevents opportunistic incidents. Maintaining these habits helps preserve the county's high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County Meets National Health Standards

Scott County's 75.6-year life expectancy sits slightly below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, though the county's 14.6% poor or fair health rate—the lowest in this group—signals relatively strong population health. Overall, Scott performs competitively against national benchmarks.

Solid Performance Across Illinois Metrics

Scott County's 75.6-year life expectancy slightly trails Illinois's 76.0-year average, while its 4.9% uninsured rate ranks among the state's best. The county's health profile suggests strong coverage and access relative to statewide patterns.

Strong Health Status with Limited Data

Scott County's 75.6-year life expectancy and 14.6% poor or fair health rate put it in the middle of the regional pack, better than Saline (72.5 years) but behind Sangamon (76.8 years). Provider data is limited, but the low uninsured rate suggests functional healthcare access.

Excellent Coverage, Accessible Care

At 4.9% uninsured, Scott County has exceptional health insurance coverage, among the best in Illinois and well below the state average of 6.3%. Though specific provider counts are unavailable, the high coverage rate indicates most residents can access primary and specialty care.

Keep Your Coverage Strong in Scott

With nearly 95% of Scott County residents insured, the county's healthcare system is thriving—make sure you're part of it. Check your coverage at healthcare.gov and schedule regular preventive care to maintain your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schools with Personalized Attention

Scott County serves 763 students through a small but effective network of five public schools. Two school districts manage the county's education, providing two elementary, one middle, and two high school facilities. This small footprint allows for one of the lowest student-to-school ratios in the region.

Strong Results and Above-Average Investment

The county maintains a high 90.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending at $9,623, which exceeds the state average of $9,250. These metrics earn Scott County an impressive composite school score of 59.7.

Winchester and Bluffs Drive Success

Winchester CUSD 1 is the larger of the two districts, serving 576 students across two schools. Scott-Morgan CUSD 2 manages the remaining three schools with a total enrollment of 187 students. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing the role of traditional community-led districts.

The Essence of Rural Education

All five schools in Scott County are categorized as rural, creating a unified educational character. Winchester Elem School is the largest campus with 411 students, while Bluffs Junior High is exceptionally small with only 38 students. The average school size is just 153 students, ensuring every child is known by name.

Rural Charm with High Academic Standards

Home buyers in Scott County benefit from high per-pupil spending and graduation rates that top state averages. The small school sizes make this an ideal location for families wanting a safe, personalized learning environment for their children. Search for properties in Winchester or Bluffs to join these high-scoring districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott ranks as one of safest

Scott County scores just 2.77 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties in Illinois. This score is approximately 95% below the state average of 54.46, indicating exceptionally minimal natural disaster exposure.

Illinois's lowest-risk county

Scott County is effectively the lowest-risk county in Illinois, with its 2.77 composite score surpassing virtually every other county in the state. The county experiences minimal exposure to all major disaster types, from tornadoes to earthquakes to flooding.

Safest in the tri-county area

Scott County's 2.77 score makes it safer than even its very-low-risk neighbors Stark County (7.25) and Schuyler County (11.36). The county's protection extends across all hazard types, reflecting stable geology, predictable weather patterns, and low riverine flood exposure.

Risks remain essentially negligible

Scott County's highest risk remains tornado exposure at 15.24, which is far below state norms and represents a minor threat in practical terms. All other hazards—flood, earthquake, hurricane, and wildfire—score below 10, making natural disaster an extraordinarily rare concern.

Standard coverage meets all needs

Scott County homeowners need only standard homeowners insurance and basic storm preparedness—flood insurance is optional unless in a mapped flood zone. The county's exceptional safety profile allows residents to focus insurance budgets on other priorities with confidence.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

Mirroring the National Climate

Scott County averages 52.9°F annually, sitting almost exactly at the national median. The region experiences a balanced humid continental climate with distinct seasonal changes.

Typical Illinois Temperatures

At 52.9°F, the county aligns perfectly with the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It represents the quintessential climate profile for the heart of the Prairie State.

More Heat Than Northern Neighbors

Scott County averages 34 extreme heat days, significantly more than Schuyler's 21 days. This makes it one of the hotter localized pockets in the immediate western region.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

July averages a warm 76.0°F, fueling over a month's worth of days above 90°F. While snowfall records are not available, winters stay cold with a December-February average of 30.0°F.

Focus on Cooling Capacity

High-efficiency air conditioning is critical here due to the 34 days of extreme heat. Summer outdoor activities should be planned for early morning to avoid the frequent 90-degree spikes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced Soil Chemistry

Scott County maintains a healthy soil pH of 6.52, which aligns closely with the national median of 6.5. This is slightly less acidic than the Illinois state average of 6.39, offering a versatile base for many plant species. Even without specific taxonomic data, the chemical profile suggests a highly productive environment.

Sandier Mix for Better Drainage

At 26.7% sand, Scott County has one of the higher sand concentrations in the region, paired with 54.1% silt and 19.2% clay. This extra sand provides better aeration and faster drainage than neighboring counties with heavier silt profiles. It makes the soil easier to work with early in the spring when other fields might be too wet.

Moderate Organic Matter and Water Storage

The soil contains 2.13% organic matter, surpassing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.204. While this means the soil may dry out faster, it also warms up more quickly for early planting.

Fast-Warming Soils with Active Hydrology

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the 26.7% sand content suggests a more active hydrologic group than typical Illinois silt-loams. This composition allows for better vertical water movement, reducing the risk of standing water in gardens. It is a preferred profile for crops that dislike 'wet feet' or stagnant conditions.

Early Starts Possible in Zone 6a

Zone 6a weather and sandier soil mean Scott County gardeners can often plant earlier than their neighbors. The soil is excellent for melons, asparagus, and other crops that thrive in well-drained, warmer ground. It is time to get outside and take advantage of this workable, neutral soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Growing Conditions in Scott County

Scott County holds a lawn difficulty score of 72.8, placing it well above the national average for ease of maintenance. Lawns in this Zone 6a region generally thrive, though they face slightly more heat stress than their neighbors to the north.

Substantial Heat During the Growing Season

With 34 extreme heat days per year, Scott County is warmer than the state average of 27. Annual precipitation is healthy at 40.4 inches, which helps offset the moisture loss from the 3,673 growing degree days.

Sandy Texture Improves Local Drainage

The soil pH of 6.52 is ideal for home lawns. Unlike many neighboring counties, Scott has a higher sand content of 26.7%, which improves drainage and prevents the 19.2% clay from becoming too waterlogged.

Severe Drought Affects Most Lawns

Severe Drought (D2+) currently covers 91.8% of the county after a year featuring 30 weeks of drought. During these periods, let your grass grow taller to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Maximize the Season Between Frosts

April 18 marks the typical last frost, opening the window for spring lawn projects. Ensure your lawn is healthy and fed before the first fall frost settles in around October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Illinois has a composite county score of 68.1 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 Scott County rank among counties in Illinois?
Scott County ranks #4 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 Scott County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $1,406, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 17.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Illinois is $73,013 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 74.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Illinois a good place to live?
Scott County scores 68.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott 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.