61.1
County Score
Safety 94.4Disaster Risk 92.8Soil Quality 83.8

County Report Card

About Stark County, Illinois

High Standing on the National Stage

Stark County earns a composite score of 61.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This makes it a highly competitive option for those looking for a stable, high-quality environment.

A Top Illinois Performer

Stark County outpaces the Illinois state average of 52.8. Its high scores in safety and education make it one of the more desirable rural counties in the state.

Exceptional Safety and Schools

With a safety score of 94.4 and a school score of 71.2, Stark is a haven for families. Environmental resilience is also a major plus, evidenced by a risk score of 92.8.

Moderate Incomes and Utility Needs

The income score is 45.9, reflecting a median household income of $62,284. The tax score (8.6) and water score (31.5) suggest some room for improvement in local infrastructure and tax policy.

A Family-First Sanctuary

Stark County is a premier choice for families who prioritize safety and local school quality above all else. It offers an extremely secure environment with affordable home values of $103,500.

Score breakdown

Tax8.6Cost63.5Safety94.4Health60.3Schools71.2Income45.9Risk92.8Water31.5Weather50.6
🏛8.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠63.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼45.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡94.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
60.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓71.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
92.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧31.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤50.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨83.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱74.3
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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Deep Dives

Stark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stark County

via TaxByCounty

Stark taxes modestly below national median

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.

Cost of Living in Stark County

via CostByCounty

Stark County matches national affordability

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.

Income & Jobs in Stark County

via IncomeByCounty

Stark Below Both National and State Levels

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.

Safety in Stark County

via CrimeByCounty

Stark County among the nation's safest

Stark County boasts a perfect safety score of 100.0 and a tiny crime rate of 18.5 per 100,000. This is nearly negligible compared to the national average of 2,385.5 crimes. Four reporting agencies cover the county, finding almost no criminal activity in 2022.

A safety standout in Illinois

Stark's safety score of 100.0 far exceeds the Illinois state average of 98.7. With a total crime rate of 18.5, it is significantly quieter than the state average of 835.0. Residents here enjoy one of the most peaceful environments in the entire Midwest.

Drastically safer than nearby Stephenson County

Stark's rate of 18.5 is a world away from Stephenson County's rate of 1,110.6. This comparison shows that Stark is a regional leader in crime prevention and public order. It offers a level of security that few neighboring areas can match.

Zero violent crimes reported in 2022

The county reported 0.0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, a remarkable statistic. The property crime rate is also minimal at just 18.5 per 100,000. This data suggests that the four local agencies deal with almost no serious criminal offenses.

Preserving Stark's exceptional safety record

Though crime is nearly non-existent, maintaining high community standards helps keep Stark County safe. Basic property maintenance and good lighting are enough to preserve this 100.0 safety score. Knowing your neighbors remains the best security tool in such a tight-knit area.

Health in Stark County

via HealthByCounty

Stark County Below National Health Standards

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.

Schools in Stark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Big Results

Stark County provides public education to 871 students through five focused schools in two districts. The system includes two elementary, two middle, and one high school facility. This streamlined infrastructure allows the county to maintain a very low student-to-school ratio.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Stark County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Illinois average of 88.8% and the national 87.0%. Despite spending just $8,732 per pupil—less than the state average—the county achieves an impressive composite school score of 58.3. This reflects high efficiency and strong academic outcomes for local students.

Stark County CUSD 100 Anchors Education

Stark County CUSD 100 is the primary district, serving 692 students across three schools. Bradford CUSD 1 manages the remaining two schools, serving 179 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying entirely on these two traditional community districts.

A Fully Rural Learning Environment

All five schools in Stark County are situated in rural locales, offering a consistent and peaceful learning environment. Stark County Elem Sch is the largest with 303 students, while the average school size across the county is 174. This small-scale setting ensures that students receive significant personal attention throughout their academic careers.

Quiet Country Living with Top Schools

For those looking for a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Stark County's 92% graduation rate is a major selling point. The small, community-focused districts of Stark County and Bradford are key draws for homebuyers. Look for local real estate that offers the benefits of small-town safety and high-performing schools.

Disaster Risk in Stark County

via RiskByCounty

Stark ranks among safest counties

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.

Soil Quality in Stark County

via SoilByCounty

Stark County’s Elite Soil Quality

With a massive soil score of 83.8, Stark County possesses some of the most productive land in the state. The average pH of 6.52 is nearly neutral, comparing favorably to the 6.5 national median. This chemical balance is the starting point for its exceptional agricultural performance.

Dense, Nutrient-Rich Silt Profile

The soil is a heavy mix of 66.1% silt and 23.5% clay, supported by only 9.4% sand. This composition creates a dense medium that is highly efficient at holding onto fertilizers and natural nutrients. It provides the physical stability needed for high-yield farming.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Stark County shines with 3.49% organic matter, far exceeding both the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.213 in/in, this soil is a powerhouse of fertility. It naturally stores both the water and the food that plants need to thrive.

Slow Drainage, High Resilience

The low sand content and high silt-clay ratio mean that water moves slowly through these soils. This leads to incredible resilience during dry periods, as the ground holds moisture deep within its profile. While specific hydrologic data is missing, the texture suggests very high water-holding potential.

Unmatched Growing Potential in Zone 5b

Despite the shorter growing season of Zone 5b, the superior soil quality allows for incredible productivity. This is prime territory for massive corn yields, pumpkins, and rich vegetable gardens. With the best organic matter in the region, your garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Lawn Care in Stark County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Stark County Lawns

With a difficulty score of 74.3, Stark County is one of the easier places in Illinois to maintain a healthy lawn. The Zone 5b hardiness rating means your grass is well-protected from the extreme heat found further south.

Temperate Climate with Limited Heat Stress

Although specific local temperature records are limited, the county's high difficulty score suggests a climate that favors cool-season grasses. Without the excessive heat of southern Illinois, mowing and watering schedules remain more predictable.

Rich Clay Soil Supports Moisture Retention

The local soil pH of 6.52 falls within the ideal range for nutrient availability. The soil is comprised of 23.5% clay and 9.4% sand, creating a dense foundation that holds onto moisture during dry periods.

Prepare for Severe Drought Challenges

Stark County is currently experiencing 99.6% Severe Drought (D2+) conditions. With 22 weeks of drought over the past year, homeowners should prioritize deep root watering and minimize lawn traffic while the grass is stressed.

Choose Resilient Cool-Season Grasses

Hardiness Zone 5b is perfect for Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue blends. While specific frost dates vary, aim to complete your seeding and fertilization projects by mid-October to ensure winter survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stark County's county score?
Stark County, Illinois has a composite county score of 61.1 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 Stark County rank among counties in Illinois?
Stark County ranks #17 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 Stark County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Stark County is $1,700, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Stark County a tax score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stark County?
The median household income in Stark County, Illinois is $62,284 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stark County earns an income score of 45.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stark County, Illinois a good place to live?
Stark County scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Stark 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 Stark County with other counties side by side.