countyscore
41.3
County Score
Soil Quality 75.9Income & Jobs 66.8Lawn Care 65.3

County Report Card

About St. Clair County, Illinois

Facing National Livability Headwinds

St. Clair County carries a composite score of 41.3, falling below the national median of 50.0. High costs and environmental factors weigh down its overall ranking.

Underperforming the State Average

The county trails the Illinois average score of 52.8. While it serves as a major population center, its livability metrics are hampered by high effective tax rates and environmental risks.

Strong Jobs and Schools

St. Clair performs well in income (66.8) and education (61.1), with a solid median household income of $70,178. It also manages a respectable safety score of 52.4, which is average for its size.

Taxes and Environmental Risk

The county faces a very low risk score of 5.1 and a tax score of 2.5. A 2.093% effective tax rate and a lack of affordable housing options (cost score 23.0) create financial pressure for residents.

Suited for Urban Professionals

This county is best for professionals working in the St. Louis metro area who prioritize career growth and schools. It offers significant economic advantages if you can navigate the high cost of entry.

Score breakdown

Tax2.5Cost23Safety52.4Health63.8Schools61.1Income66.8Risk5.1Water61Weather57.1
🏛2.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.3
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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Deep Dives

St. Clair County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Clair County

via TaxByCounty

St. Clair taxes exceed national average

At 2.09%, St. Clair County's effective tax rate surpasses the national median of 2.05%, placing it in roughly the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,533 is 31% above the national median of $2,690, making St. Clair one of the nation's higher-taxing counties relative to home values.

St. Clair ranks among state's highest taxes

At 2.09%, St. Clair's effective rate exceeds Illinois' state average of 1.83% by 26 basis points, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The $3,533 median tax is among the highest county-level burdens in Illinois.

St. Clair significantly higher than region

At 2.09%, St. Clair's rate substantially exceeds neighboring Rock Island (2.33% is higher, but St. Clair outpaces most others like Sangamon at 1.98%). The $3,533 median tax represents the heaviest burden among its peer counties in the region.

Budget approximately $3,533 annually

On the median home valued at $168,800, St. Clair County homeowners typically pay $3,533 per year in property taxes. When mortgage escrow reserves are included, the median rises to $4,082.

High-tax homeowners should appeal

In a high-tax county like St. Clair, overassessments hit harder on household budgets—many residents never discover their assessments exceed fair market value. Filing an appeal is straightforward and could reduce your tax burden by hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Clair County

via CostByCounty

St. Clair's housing costs pinch household budgets

St. Clair County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% is the highest in this region and well above the national average, signaling tight affordability for residents. With median income of $70,178 and rents of $1,032, St. Clair households spend more on rent relative to earnings than national norms.

Among Illinois's least affordable counties

St. Clair County ranks among Illinois's least affordable markets, with a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeding the state average of 14.7%. This gap reflects regional economic pressures, particularly around the Belleville-Collinsville area.

Priciest rents in the region

St. Clair's $1,032 monthly rent is the highest among all comparable counties, exceeding Sangamon by $78 and nearly double Saline's rate. Home values of $168,800 similarly rank high, indicating tight affordability across the board.

17.6% of income goes to rent

Renters spend $1,032 monthly while homeowners pay $1,154, consuming 17.6% and 19.7% of the median $70,178 household income respectively. These percentages are significantly above healthy affordability thresholds, straining household budgets.

St. Clair: only if earnings match costs

Considering St. Clair County? Its $1,032 rent and 17.6% rent-to-income ratio demand higher earnings than regional peers. Compare your expected salary against these costs carefully—affordability improves only with above-average incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Clair County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Clair Slightly Below National Average

St. Clair County's median household income of $70,178 trails the national median of $74,755 by 6.1%, or about $4,577 annually. The county sits in the middle range relative to national standards, reflecting a moderately performing local economy.

Above Illinois State Average

At $70,178, St. Clair County surpasses Illinois's state average of $68,580 by $1,598 annually, ranking in the upper-middle tier of profiled counties. The county's per capita income of $37,824 is among the highest, indicating strong individual earning capacity.

Solid Performance in Southern Illinois

St. Clair's $70,178 median income places it above most profiled counties, trailing only Sangamon and Scott. The county's regional strength likely reflects proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area and associated employment opportunities.

Housing Affordability Challenged

St. Clair County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among profiled counties, signaling housing costs consume a larger share of household budgets. With a median home value of $168,800, affordability requires careful planning despite decent median incomes.

Navigate Housing Costs to Build Wealth

St. Clair residents earning the median $70,178 should prioritize strategic housing decisions to free up capital for investing and saving. By carefully managing the higher rent-to-income burden, families can still build meaningful long-term wealth and financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Clair County

via CrimeByCounty

St. Clair County safer than national average

St. Clair County reports 1,067.0 crimes per 100,000, which is less than half of the national rate of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 98.3, indicating a high level of overall security. Twenty-four reporting agencies work to maintain this balance across the region.

Aligning with Illinois state safety standards

The county's safety score of 98.3 is just shy of the 98.7 Illinois state average. However, its crime rate of 1,067.0 is higher than the state average of 835.0. This suggests that while safer than many US counties, it experiences more activity than the typical Illinois county.

Lower crime rates than Sangamon County

St. Clair's crime rate of 1,067.0 is far lower than Sangamon County's rate of 3,450.4. It also tracks closely with Stephenson County, which sits at 1,110.6 per 100,000. This places St. Clair in the middle of the pack for safety among similar Illinois counties.

Violent crime remains below national norms

The violent crime rate of 168.6 is much lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 898.4 per 100,000 residents. Most police interactions involve theft or property disputes rather than physical violence.

Smart security for St. Clair residents

With property crime nearing 900 per 100,000, simple home security systems are a wise investment. Motion-activated lights and visible security cameras can effectively discourage burglars in residential neighborhoods. Active participation in neighborhood watch groups further enhances local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Clair County

via HealthByCounty

St. Clair Trails National Health Benchmarks

St. Clair County's 74.1-year life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 2 years, among the lowest in this group. A 17.6% poor or fair health rate reflects meaningful population health challenges.

Bottom Tier of Illinois County Health Rankings

St. Clair County's 74.1-year life expectancy trails Illinois's state average of 76.0 years significantly. At 5.3% uninsured—slightly below the state average—coverage gaps don't fully explain the county's health disadvantage.

Weakest Health Outcomes in Regional Context

St. Clair County's 74.1-year life expectancy ranks last among this group, falling well below Shelby (77.1 years), Sangamon (76.8 years), and Rock Island (76.4 years). With 59 primary care providers per 100K, the county has moderate physician access, but underlying health conditions drive poor outcomes.

Structural Health Barriers Beyond Insurance

At 5.3% uninsured, St. Clair County has coverage rates similar to state averages, yet the county's 74.1-year life expectancy remains the lowest in this group. With 59 primary care providers per 100K and 189 mental health providers per 100K, the county has adequate care infrastructure, but social determinants and health behaviors appear to be driving poor outcomes.

Get Covered and Engage in Prevention

With 5.3% of St. Clair residents uninsured, ensure your family has coverage through healthcare.gov or Illinois Medicaid. Use your insurance to access preventive care and address chronic conditions early—these steps are critical to improving the county's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Clair County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education System in Metro East

St. Clair County manages a massive network of 95 public schools serving 41,217 students. This extensive system is divided among 30 districts and includes 48 elementary, 21 middle, and 21 high schools. Seven alternative schools and two special education schools provide additional specialized support for the community.

Higher Investment Drives Academic Results

The county invests $11,133 per pupil, which is nearly $2,000 more than the Illinois state average. This investment supports a 60.6 composite school score, though the 86.4% graduation rate slightly trails the state average of 88.8%. While spending is high for the state, it remains below the $13,000 national average.

A Powerhouse of Diverse Districts

Collinsville CUSD 10 is the largest district, with 6,140 students across 12 schools. East St Louis SD 189 and Belleville SD 118 also serve thousands of students each across their extensive facilities. The county includes one charter school, making up roughly 1.1% of the total public school offering.

A Primarily Suburban School Experience

Schooling in St. Clair is largely a suburban affair, with 79 of its 95 schools located in suburban locales. Belleville High School-East is the county's largest campus, serving 2,568 students, while the overall school average is 485. A mix of 10 rural and six town schools ensures variety for families living outside the suburban core.

Find Your Home Near Top-Scoring Schools

With a high composite school score of 60.6, St. Clair County offers some of the strongest academic results in the region. Real estate in the O'Fallon and Belleville districts is particularly popular for families prioritizing education quality. Explore homes in these suburban hubs to find a school district that fits your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Clair County

via RiskByCounty

St. Clair faces highest state risk

St. Clair County scores 94.91 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and exceeding Illinois's state average of 54.46 by nearly 75%. This southwestern county faces the most serious natural disaster exposure in Illinois across multiple compounded hazard types.

Riskiest county in Illinois

St. Clair ranks as the highest-risk county in Illinois by composite score at 94.91, surpassing 95% of the state's other counties. The county faces exceptional exposure to tornadoes (95.45), floods (94.50), and earthquakes (98.03)—a dangerous convergence of multiple hazards.

Extreme risk in regional context

St. Clair's 94.91 score exceeds all neighboring counties, with only Sangamon County (91.70) approaching similar risk levels elsewhere in the state. The county sits at the intersection of the Mississippi River floodplain, active earthquake zones, and tornado alley, creating compounding hazard exposure.

Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods

St. Clair residents face exceptional earthquake risk at 98.03, tornado exposure at 95.45, and severe flood danger at 94.50—all among the state's highest. The combination of riverine flooding potential, seismic activity, and severe convective weather demands comprehensive preparedness across all three major hazard types.

Maximum protection is essential

St. Clair County homeowners must maintain comprehensive flood insurance through the NFIP, earthquake insurance, and robust tornado coverage as non-negotiable essentials. Invest in structural reinforcement including tornado-safe rooms and seismic tie-downs, maintain substantial emergency supplies, and review all insurance policies annually with a local agent familiar with compound-hazard risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Clair County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Warmer Zones

St. Clair County averages a warm 56.8°F annually, far exceeding the national median of 52.7°F. This makes it one of the more temperate regions in the Midwest.

Topping the State Temperature Charts

The county is significantly warmer than the Illinois average of 52.8°F. It also receives 43.0 inches of rain, making it wetter than the state average of 41.7 inches.

The Heat of the Metro East

St. Clair is much hotter than Sangamon County, recording 46 extreme heat days compared to Sangamon’s 26. It represents a southern shift in climate for Illinois residents.

Sultry Summers and Light Snow

July averages a sweltering 78.9°F, leading to 46 days above 90°F annually. Winters remain mild by Illinois standards, with only 12.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Invest in Heavy-Duty Cooling

The frequency of extreme heat requires robust HVAC systems and heat-safety planning for outdoor workers. Minimal snow means residents can focus more on storm drainage than heavy plows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Clair County

via SoilByCounty

National Standard Soil pH

St. Clair County hits the national median pH of 6.50 exactly, making its soil chemistry an ideal benchmark. This is slightly higher than the state average of 6.39, offering a very balanced environment for nutrient absorption. This neutral foundation contributes to its respectable 75.9 soil score.

High Silt and Clay for Strong Structure

The soil profile consists of 66.8% silt and 24.2% clay, with a minimal 9.0% sand. This fine-textured mix is excellent for retaining essential minerals and supporting plant roots. However, the low sand content means the soil can be heavy and may require careful timing for spring tilling.

Superior Water Capacity for Hot Summers

Available water capacity stands at 0.208 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.204. While the 2.16% organic matter is lower than the state's 2.94%, it remains higher than the 2.0% national average. This ensures that the soil stays productive even as temperatures rise in southern Illinois.

Water-Retentive Hydrologic Profile

Because sand makes up only 9.0% of the soil, drainage happens slowly and deliberately through silty channels. This characteristic is excellent for drought resistance but can lead to soggy conditions during wet springs. Managing surface runoff is a key consideration for both farmers and homeowners in this county.

Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 7a

St. Clair County's Zone 7a climate allows for a robust selection of long-season crops. The heavy, water-retaining soil is great for leafy greens, beans, and even heat-tolerant berries. With such a balanced pH, you can start planting a wide variety of species with confidence.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Clair County

via LawnByCounty

Metropolitan St. Louis Lawns Face Heat

St. Clair County's difficulty score of 65.3 is slightly below the Illinois average, reflecting the challenges of a transition zone climate. As a Zone 7a area, your lawn requires more specialized care to survive the southern heat compared to the national average.

Intense Summer Heat and Heavy Rain

The county experiences 46 extreme heat days, significantly higher than the state average of 27. While the 43.0 inches of annual rain is plentiful, high temperatures during the 4,344 growing degree day season can stress traditional grass types.

Clay-Heavy Soils for Transition Grasses

With a pH of 6.50, the soil chemistry is excellent for lawn health. However, the 24.2% clay content combined with only 9.0% sand means drainage can be slow, making aeration a vital yearly task for homeowners.

Managing Stress After 24 Drought Weeks

While severe drought is currently at 0%, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry. Focus on irrigation during the hottest months to mitigate the impact of the frequent extreme heat days.

Target an Early April Start Date

The last frost arrives early on April 08, providing a long window for lawn establishment. Consider heat-tolerant varieties like Turf-Type Tall Fescue to handle the long season before the October 26 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Clair County's county score?
St. Clair County, Illinois has a composite county score of 41.3 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 St. Clair County rank among counties in Illinois?
St. Clair County ranks #89 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 St. Clair County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in St. Clair County is $3,533, with an effective tax rate of 2.09%. This earns St. Clair County a tax score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Clair County?
The median household income in St. Clair County, Illinois is $70,178 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Clair County earns an income score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Clair County, Illinois a good place to live?
St. Clair County scores 41.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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.