Shelby County scores 67.4 on the composite index, placing it 35% above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of U.S. counties. It surpasses Illinois's state average of 62.1 by 5.3 points.
2 / 5
Upper Third in Illinois
Shelby ranks in the upper third of Illinois counties with its 67.4 score, outperforming the state average and demonstrating competitive livability relative to peers across Illinois.
3 / 5
Strong Tax and Housing Value
Shelby County performs well with a low tax burden (1.499% effective rate, tax score 60.1) and excellent housing affordability (cost score 82.7, median home value $130,400, rent $762). Income levels are respectable at $68,457 median.
4 / 5
Income Growth Opportunities Unclear
The income score of 28.1, while moderate, suggests limited high-wage employment relative to stronger counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable.
5 / 5
Smart Choice for Tax-Conscious Buyers
Shelby County appeals to families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing in a stable midwestern setting. It's an excellent option for cost-conscious residents seeking good value without premium wage requirements.
Shelby County scores 67.4 on the composite index, placing it 35% above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of U.S. counties. It surpasses Illinois's state average of 62.1 by 5.3 points.
Upper Third in Illinois
Shelby ranks in the upper third of Illinois counties with its 67.4 score, outperforming the state average and demonstrating competitive livability relative to peers across Illinois.
Strong Tax and Housing Value
Shelby County performs well with a low tax burden (1.499% effective rate, tax score 60.1) and excellent housing affordability (cost score 82.7, median home value $130,400, rent $762). Income levels are respectable at $68,457 median.
Income Growth Opportunities Unclear
The income score of 28.1, while moderate, suggests limited high-wage employment relative to stronger counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable.
Smart Choice for Tax-Conscious Buyers
Shelby County appeals to families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing in a stable midwestern setting. It's an excellent option for cost-conscious residents seeking good value without premium wage requirements.
Score breakdown
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🏛60.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.50%, Shelby County's effective tax rate falls significantly short of the national median of 2.05%, placing it in roughly the 30th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,955 is 27% below the national median of $2,690, despite the county's median home value of $130,400.
Shelby ranks among state's lowest-tax counties
With a 1.50% effective rate, Shelby County falls below the Illinois state average of 1.83%, placing it in the lower tier statewide. This favorable positioning offers substantial savings compared to many other Illinois jurisdictions.
Shelby competitive with regional peers
At 1.50%, Shelby's rate rivals Saline County (1.56%) and edges below Stark County (1.64%), making it among the region's most affordable. The $1,955 median tax aligns closely with these comparably-taxed neighbors.
Plan for approximately $1,955 yearly
On the median home valued at $130,400, Shelby County homeowners typically pay $1,955 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow reserves factored in, the median rises to $2,174.
Assessment appeals remain worthwhile
Even in a low-tax county, individual properties can be assessed above market value, particularly in rural or slower-moving markets. A reassessment request costs nothing and could reveal further savings.
Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% ranks among the best in this region and beats the national average, reflecting solid balance between housing costs and household income. With a median income of $68,457 and rents of $762, the county delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing economic strength.
Top-tier affordability for Illinois
Shelby County ranks among Illinois's most affordable counties, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio significantly below the state average of 14.7%. Median rents of $762 run $75 below the state average while incomes remain stable.
Excellent value in central Illinois
Shelby's $762 rent undercuts most neighbors while the median home value of $130,400 sits in the middle range, offering reasonable options for both renters and buyers. This balance makes Shelby attractive to families seeking stable, affordable small-town life.
Housing takes just 13% of income
Renters allocate $762 monthly and homeowners $792, consuming only 13.4% and 13.9% of the median $68,457 household income respectively. This leaves Shelby families with substantial breathing room—well above national norms.
Shelby: smart choice for affordability seekers
If you're relocating to central Illinois and want genuine affordability without rural sacrifice, Shelby County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio and $762 rent stand out. Compare job opportunities locally before committing—Shelby's value increases with employment stability.
Shelby County's median household income of $68,457 falls 8.4% short of the national median of $74,755. Typical families here earn about $6,298 less annually than the national average, reflecting regional economic constraints.
Just Slightly Below State Average
Shelby County's $68,457 median income is nearly aligned with Illinois's state average of $68,580, falling just $123 short. The county performs solidly relative to its peers statewide despite lagging the national benchmark.
Mid-Range Performance in Central Illinois
Shelby's $68,457 median income positions it in the middle of the profiled counties, higher than Rock Island and Schuyler but below Sangamon and Scott. The county's per capita income of $33,372 reflects modest individual earning power.
Solid Housing Affordability
At 13.4%, Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs. The median home value of $130,400 remains accessible for families earning the county median.
Build Steady Wealth in Shelby County
With a median household income of $68,457, Shelby County residents have meaningful capacity to save and invest for the future. Establishing regular contributions to retirement accounts and investment portfolios can help families compound wealth over time.
Shelby County's 77.1-year life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 76.1 years by a full year, suggesting superior health outcomes. However, a 19.4% poor or fair health rate indicates pockets of health vulnerability despite the county's longevity advantage.
Illinois's Longest-Living County
Shelby County's 77.1-year life expectancy leads Illinois, outpacing the state average of 76.0 years substantially. At 5.7% uninsured, the county sits slightly below the state average, supporting broad healthcare access.
Longevity Leader with Modest Provider Access
Shelby County's 77.1-year life expectancy significantly exceeds all regional neighbors, including Sangamon (76.8 years) and Rock Island (76.4 years). However, the county's 24 primary care providers per 100K and 49 mental health providers per 100K represent the lowest provider densities in the group, a notable gap.
High Life Expectancy Masks Access Challenges
With 5.7% of residents uninsured, Shelby County has strong coverage, yet its 24 primary care providers per 100K is the lowest in this group—one-fifth of Sangamon's density. This mismatch suggests residents may travel for specialist care despite strong insurance coverage.
Maintain Coverage in Shelby County
Nearly 95% of Shelby residents have health insurance—keep your coverage active by confirming enrollment at healthcare.gov. Though primary care options are limited locally, your insurance opens access to regional specialists and ensures preventive care.
Shelby County scores 51.75 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting just below Illinois's state average of 54.46. The county experiences moderate exposure to several hazard types, particularly earthquakes and flooding, requiring basic disaster preparedness.
Below-average risk statewide
Shelby ranks in the safer half of Illinois counties, with its 51.75 score beating approximately 50% of the state's peers. The county avoids the extreme risk profiles seen in St. Clair and Sangamon counties while maintaining vigilance across multiple hazard types.
Safer than Sangamon region
Shelby's 51.75 score is substantially lower than nearby Sangamon County (91.70), placing it in a much safer risk category for central Illinois. The county represents a middle ground between the very-low-risk northwest counties and the higher-risk south-central and southwestern regions.
Earthquakes and floods are primary concerns
Shelby's earthquake risk of 78.66 is notably elevated, while flood risk at 48.35 represents the second-largest threat in the county. Tornado risk of 39.76 remains moderate, while wildfire and hurricane risks are minimal below 13 and 41 respectively.
Address flood and earthquake coverage
Shelby County residents should obtain flood insurance through the NFIP, particularly if located in mapped flood zones or near drainages. Consider earthquake insurance given the elevated seismic risk, and maintain basic tornado preparedness including a safe room and emergency supply kit.