Stark County scores 65.3 on the composite index, placing it 31% above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper-middle tier nationally. It exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1 by 3.2 points.
2 / 5
Outperforming State Average
Stark ranks in the upper third of Illinois counties with its 65.3 score, outperforming the state average and demonstrating solid livability relative to peers across Illinois.
3 / 5
Excellent Affordability Package
Stark County excels with a cost score of 82.5, featuring affordable housing at a median value of $103,500 and monthly rent of $765. The tax rate is moderate at 1.643% effective rate, making it an economical place to live.
4 / 5
Limited Income Opportunities
The income score of 24.0 is the lowest in this cohort, with median household income at $62,284, suggesting limited wage growth compared to stronger-performing counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality is not yet available.
5 / 5
Best for Low-Cost Lifestyle
Stark County appeals to individuals and families prioritizing maximum affordability and low housing costs over high income potential or career advancement. It's ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking minimal living expenses.
Stark County scores 65.3 on the composite index, placing it 31% above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper-middle tier nationally. It exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1 by 3.2 points.
Outperforming State Average
Stark ranks in the upper third of Illinois counties with its 65.3 score, outperforming the state average and demonstrating solid livability relative to peers across Illinois.
Excellent Affordability Package
Stark County excels with a cost score of 82.5, featuring affordable housing at a median value of $103,500 and monthly rent of $765. The tax rate is moderate at 1.643% effective rate, making it an economical place to live.
Limited Income Opportunities
The income score of 24.0 is the lowest in this cohort, with median household income at $62,284, suggesting limited wage growth compared to stronger-performing counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality is not yet available.
Best for Low-Cost Lifestyle
Stark County appeals to individuals and families prioritizing maximum affordability and low housing costs over high income potential or career advancement. It's ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking minimal living expenses.
Score breakdown
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🏛56.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.64%, Stark County's effective tax rate falls slightly below the national median of 2.05%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,700 is 37% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both favorable local tax policy and lower home values.
Stark slightly below Illinois average
With a 1.64% effective rate, Stark County sits just below the Illinois state average of 1.83%, positioning it comfortably in the lower-to-middle tier statewide. The $1,700 median tax is well below the state median, offering relative affordability.
Stark reasonable within the region
At 1.64%, Stark's rate falls between Scott County's lowest 1.38% and Schuyler County's 1.83%, making it moderate within its peer group. The $1,700 median tax places it mid-range among comparable counties.
Expect roughly $1,700 annually
On the median home valued at $103,500, Stark County homeowners typically pay $1,700 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the median rises to $1,856.
Assessment appeals easy to file
Even in moderate-tax counties, individual assessments can exceed market value, costing homeowners needlessly each year. A simple reassessment request could confirm whether your property valuation remains fair.
Stark County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% aligns perfectly with the national average, though its median income of $62,284 trails the national median by $12,471. The county achieves national-level affordability partly through lower rents of $765, compensating for below-average earnings.
Average Illinois affordability
Stark County ranks near the middle of Illinois counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.7%—exactly matching the state average. Median rents of $765 run slightly below the state average, reflecting its rural character.
Reasonable costs in rural northwest Illinois
Stark's $765 rent sits between Saline ($711) and Sangamon ($954), while median home values of $103,500 reflect stable rural pricing. This positioning makes Stark a moderate option for those seeking authentic small-town living without extreme costs.
14.7% of income toward housing
Renters pay $765 monthly while homeowners pay $801, each consuming roughly 14.7% of the median $62,284 household income. This leaves Stark families with modest but meaningful discretionary income—adequate for rural households but tight for growing families.
Stark: solid small-town option
Relocating to rural Illinois with limited budget? Stark County delivers average affordability at $765 rent and $103,500 home values. Verify local employment opportunities first—rural areas require stable income to make affordability advantage meaningful.
Stark County's median household income of $62,284 falls 16.7% short of the national median of $74,755, representing a significant $12,471 annual gap. The county faces real economic headwinds compared to national wage standards.
Second-Lowest in Illinois Profile
Stark County's $62,284 median income ranks second-lowest among profiled counties, trailing only Saline County ($54,945) and falling $6,296 below Illinois's state average of $68,580. The county struggles with limited earning opportunities.
Among the Weakest in Region
Stark's $62,284 median income ranks near the bottom of profiled counties, with only Saline County earning less. The county's per capita income of $34,270 reflects constrained individual earning power across the workforce.
Housing Remains Affordable Despite Low Wages
Stark County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well within the affordable range despite lower incomes. The median home value of $103,500 is among the lowest profiled, supporting homeownership for families at the county median.
Disciplined Saving Essential in Stark
At $62,284 median income, Stark County residents must prioritize disciplined financial planning to build wealth over time. Taking advantage of low housing costs and setting up automatic savings can help families overcome wage constraints and achieve financial stability.
Stark County's 74.9-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.2 years, indicating a meaningful health disadvantage. With a 17.5% poor or fair health rate, the county faces population health challenges.
Below-Average Outcomes Across Illinois
Stark County's 74.9-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years short of Illinois's state average of 76.0 years. At 7.1% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 6.3%, suggesting coverage barriers compound existing health disparities.
Limited Data, Clear Regional Health Lag
Stark County's 74.9-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom regionally, ahead only of St. Clair (74.1 years) and Saline (72.5 years), but trailing Sangamon (76.8 years) and Shelby (77.1 years). Provider data is unavailable, but the 7.1% uninsured rate suggests access barriers.
Coverage Gaps Limit Healthcare Access
At 7.1% uninsured, Stark County has one of the highest rates in this group, meaning roughly 1 in 14 residents lack health insurance. Specific provider data is limited, but coverage gaps directly restrict residents' ability to access primary and preventive care.
Find Coverage Options in Stark County
If you're among the 7.1% of uninsured Stark County residents, enrollment is your first step—visit healthcare.gov or contact Illinois Medicaid to explore plans. Health insurance opens access to preventive services and treatment that can improve your outcomes.
Stark County scores just 7.25 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it 87% below Illinois's state average of 54.46. This north-central county enjoys exceptional protection from natural disasters across all major hazard categories.
Second-safest in Illinois
Stark ranks among the very lowest-risk counties in Illinois, with its 7.25 score surpassing approximately 98% of the state's peers. Only Scott County (2.77) maintains lower composite risk, making Stark a genuinely safe haven for natural disaster exposure.
Safest in northern region
Stark's 7.25 score places it among the region's safest counties, comparable to nearby Schuyler County (11.36) and Scott County (2.77). The county benefits from stable geology, low riverine flood exposure, and reduced severe weather frequency compared to southern Illinois.
All risks remain minimal
Stark County's highest risk is tornadoes at 25.70, which remains well below state averages and represents minimal practical threat. Earthquake risk at 30.41 and flood risk at 11.16 are both negligible, while wildfire and hurricane risks are essentially non-existent.
Basic homeowners coverage adequate
Stark County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with confidence, supplemented only by flood insurance if in a mapped flood zone. The county's exceptional safety profile allows homeowners to allocate insurance budgets efficiently while maintaining full protection.