countyscore
45.6
County Score
Soil Quality 83.1Lawn Care 68.1Health 67.7

County Report Card

About Stephenson County, Illinois

Stephenson Trails the National Median

With a composite score of 45.6, Stephenson County falls slightly below the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the lower half of jurisdictions across the United States in terms of overall livability.

A Lower Score Than Illinois Peers

The county's 45.6 composite score sits well below the Illinois state average of 52.8. While it offers some localized advantages, it struggles to match the baseline performance of many neighboring counties.

Affordable Housing and Quality Healthcare

Stephenson County shines in health with a score of 67.7 and provides notable affordability with a cost score of 57.9. Residents benefit from a low median gross rent of $764 and accessible healthcare options.

Significant Tax and Risk Hurdles

A heavy tax burden results in a tax score of just 0.9, driven by an effective property tax rate of 2.463%. Additionally, a risk score of 26.1 suggests the area faces more environmental or economic vulnerabilities than the average county.

Ideal for Renters Seeking Health Access

This county is a strong fit for individuals who prioritize low monthly rent and high healthcare quality over tax savings. It remains a budget-friendly option for those who work locally and can navigate the high property tax environment.

Score breakdown

Tax0.9Cost57.9Safety50.7Health67.7Schools45.1Income45.1Risk26.1Water65.8Weather52.3
🏛0.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨83.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.1
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

Stephenson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stephenson County

via TaxByCounty

Stephenson taxes well above national norm

Stephenson County's effective tax rate of 2.463% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.831%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax bill here is $3,140, compared to the national median of $2,690—a 17% premium.

Illinois's third-highest county tax rate

Among Illinois's 102 counties, Stephenson ranks in the top 3% for effective tax rates at 2.463%, well above the state average of 1.831%. Only a handful of Illinois counties impose higher property tax burdens on homeowners.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Stephenson County's 2.463% rate substantially exceeds nearby Tazewell County (2.116%) and Warren County (1.896%). Homeowners in Stephenson pay roughly $200–$600 more annually than those in neighboring counties with similar home values.

Median home, median tax bill here

A median-valued home in Stephenson County ($127,500) carries an estimated annual property tax of $3,140. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, owners may pay up to $3,375 annually.

Appeal your assessment today

Many Stephenson County homeowners are overassessed and don't realize they can appeal their property valuations to reduce taxes. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could save hundreds of dollars annually on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stephenson County

via CostByCounty

Stephenson rents track national affordability

Stephenson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% sits just above the national average of 14.7%, meaning renters here spend about the same share of their paycheck on housing as Americans nationwide. The county's median household income of $61,943 trails the national median by $12,812, yet lower rents of $764 per month keep affordability in balance.

Middle ground in Illinois affordability

At 14.8%, Stephenson County's rent-to-income ratio virtually matches Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. With median rent of $764—about $73 below the state average—the county offers comparable housing costs without the premium prices of Chicago-area counties.

Neighboring counties show mixed costs

Stephenson sits between more affordable neighbors like Warren County (12.9% rent-to-income) and pricier peers like Tazewell County (14.1%). Stephenson's $764 rent falls between Warren's $694 and Tazewell's $898, reflecting a middle position in the region's housing market.

Housing claims roughly one-sixth of income

In Stephenson, renters spend about $764 monthly while homeowners pay $877—both affordable relative to the median household income of $61,943. Overall, housing costs consume roughly 15% of household income, leaving families reasonable breathing room for other expenses.

Consider Stephenson for stable housing costs

If you're weighing Illinois counties, Stephenson offers reliable affordability without the affordability crunch hitting nearby regions like Vermilion County. Compare its balanced rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $127,500 against your current housing burden to see if a move makes financial sense.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stephenson County

via IncomeByCounty

Stephenson trails national income average

Stephenson County's median household income of $61,943 sits $12,812 below the national median of $74,755. This gap places the county in the lower half of U.S. counties, requiring households to stretch budgets further than most Americans.

Below-average ranking within Illinois

At $61,943, Stephenson County earns $6,637 less than Illinois's state average median income of $68,580. The county ranks in the lower tier among Illinois's 102 counties, though per capita income of $34,672 remains close to the state average of $36,009.

Moderate income compared to nearby counties

Stephenson neighbors Tazewell County ($76,704) and Warren County ($64,650), both of which outpace the local median. Washington County to the south earns $75,652, making Stephenson the weakest earner among its three closest neighbors.

Rent remains manageable at 14.8 percent

A 14.8% rent-to-income ratio signals that housing costs consume less than typical for U.S. renters, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $127,500 are accessible, making both renting and homeownership feasible for median-income households.

Build stability through modest savings goals

Stephenson County households earning $61,943 can dedicate $1,240 monthly to savings and investments at a conservative 2.4% rate. Starting with employer 401(k) matches and building an emergency fund positions families to weather economic changes and build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stephenson County

via CrimeByCounty

Stephenson County outperforms national safety averages

Stephenson County maintains a high safety score of 98.2 despite having 1,110.6 crimes per 100,000. This rate is less than half the national average of 2,385.5, showing a relatively secure community. Seven reporting agencies manage law enforcement across the county's various jurisdictions.

Slightly above the Illinois crime average

While its safety score is 98.2, Stephenson's crime rate of 1,110.6 is higher than the Illinois average of 835.0. This places the county in a more active tier than the state's most rural areas. However, it still remains much safer than the state's largest metropolitan centers.

Safer than Tazewell but more active than Stark

Stephenson's crime rate of 1,110.6 is significantly lower than Tazewell's 1,708.6. Conversely, it sees much more activity than Stark County, which reports a nearly zero crime rate. These comparisons show Stephenson as a moderately active but safe regional hub.

Violent crime remains well below national levels

The violent crime rate is 200.1 per 100,000, roughly 45% lower than the national average. Property crime is more common at 910.5, though still below national benchmarks. Most criminal activity in the area involves non-violent property disputes and thefts.

Securing your home against property theft

With property crime at 910.5, residents should take standard steps to secure their homes and vehicles. Simple measures like locking car doors and using outdoor motion sensors can prevent most local crimes. Being proactive helps maintain Stephenson's strong safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stephenson County

via HealthByCounty

Stephenson exceeds national life expectancy

Stephenson County residents live an average of 76.2 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 74.5 years and matching Illinois's state average of 76.0 years. While 18.6% of residents report poor or fair health, this is only slightly above the national rate of 18%, suggesting generally resilient health outcomes compared to the country overall.

Stephenson ranks solidly in Illinois

Stephenson County's 76.2-year life expectancy places it slightly ahead of Illinois's 76.0-year average, positioning the county in the middle-to-upper tier of Illinois counties. The uninsured rate of 5.5% is better than Illinois's 6.3% state average, indicating relatively strong health insurance coverage in the county.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Stephenson's 76.2-year life expectancy matches nearby Tazewell County (76.6) and exceeds Warren County (76.0) and Vermilion County (72.5). The 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents falls between neighbors like Union County's 77 per 100K and Warren County's 54 per 100K.

Good access, low uninsured rates

With 5.5% of residents uninsured and 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Stephenson offers solid healthcare infrastructure. The presence of 230 mental health providers per 100,000 residents ensures community members have access to behavioral health services.

Explore health coverage options

Though Stephenson's uninsured rate is lower than the state average, ensuring every resident has coverage protects against unexpected medical costs. Check healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to find plans that fit your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stephenson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Educational Infrastructure

Stephenson County supports 5,845 students through a network of 23 public schools spread across seven districts. The landscape includes 10 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 8 high schools, along with two dedicated alternative learning centers.

Evaluating Performance and Educational Investment

The county's 81.4% graduation rate remains below the Illinois average of 88.8% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,964 is lower than the national average, the county maintains a composite school score of 53.2, which is slightly above the national median.

Freeport District Leads Local Enrollment

Freeport SD 145 is the county’s largest district, serving 3,454 students across eight schools. The region currently operates without any charter schools, relying entirely on its seven traditional public school districts.

Intimate Classrooms in Town and Rural Settings

Schooling in Stephenson County feels personal, with an average school size of just 292 students. While Freeport High School is the largest with 1,080 students, the majority of the 23 schools are situated in town or rural locales.

Discover Homes Near Local Schools

Proximity to quality education is a major factor for families moving to Stephenson County. Prospective homebuyers should explore the unique offerings of local districts to find the best fit for their family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stephenson County

via RiskByCounty

Stephenson ranks above average nationally

With a composite risk score of 73.92, Stephenson County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects meaningful exposure to tornadoes and flooding, the county's two dominant hazards.

Above Illinois average, middle of the pack

Stephenson's 73.92 score significantly exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the higher-risk tier among the state's 102 counties. The county ranks notably above many southern and central Illinois peers.

Riskier than nearby Warren County

Stephenson faces notably higher disaster risk than its western neighbor Warren County (15.49), driven by substantially higher tornado and flood exposure. However, Stephenson's risk profile is comparable to neighboring Tazewell County (84.19) to the south.

Tornadoes and floods dominate exposure

Tornado risk (82.25) and flood risk (77.93) are your county's primary natural hazards, each well above national and state averages. While earthquake risk registers at 57.67, the immediate threat comes from severe weather events that develop rapidly across Illinois's flat terrain.

Prioritize flood and tornado coverage

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage—you need a separate flood policy, especially critical given your county's 77.93 flood risk score. Consider a safe room or shelter reinforcement for tornadoes, and ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage for severe thunderstorms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stephenson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Northern Climate

Stephenson County’s 47.7°F annual average is much lower than the national median of 52.7°F. This northern Illinois region experiences a true continental climate.

Well Below the State Average

The county is one of the coldest in Illinois, sitting five degrees below the state average of 52.8°F. It also records less rain than the state norm, with 38.4 inches annually.

Northern Chills Compared to Central IL

Stephenson is nearly six degrees cooler than Sangamon County on average. It receives 34.5 inches of snow, more than double the amount found in southern Illinois counties.

Brutal Winters and Mild Summers

Winter temperatures average a frigid 23.0°F, bringing heavy snowfall of 34.5 inches. Summers are pleasant, with only 11 days of extreme heat and a July average of 72.4°F.

Winter Readiness is Key

Residents must own heavy-duty snow removal equipment and ensure homes are well-insulated against the 23°F winter average. Air conditioning needs are lower here than in the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stephenson County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Stephenson Soils

Stephenson County features an average pH of 6.40, sitting just below the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomic data remains unspecified, this slightly acidic profile aligns closely with the Illinois state average of 6.39. This pH level supports a wide range of nutrient availability for local crops.

A Silty Foundation for Northern Growth

The soil contains a heavy 67.5% silt concentration mixed with 22.5% clay and 10.0% sand. This silty dominance creates a smooth, flour-like texture that retains moisture well but requires careful management to avoid surface crusting. The low sand content means the soil stays cool and holds onto fertilizers effectively.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage

With an organic matter content of 3.71%, these soils significantly outperform the Illinois state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.220 in/in also beats the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. These metrics indicate a highly fertile landscape that can sustain plants even during short dry spells.

Deep Moisture Reserves for Local Farms

While specific drainage classes are not officially recorded here, the high available water capacity suggests excellent internal storage. Gardeners should monitor for slow surface runoff due to the high silt and clay levels. Proper aeration helps maintain the soil's natural structure and productivity.

Hardy Crops for a Zone 5a Climate

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, this rich soil is perfect for cool-season vegetables like kale and hardy grains. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a massive head start for any home garden project. Plant your favorite perennials with confidence in this nutrient-dense northern Illinois earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stephenson County

via LawnByCounty

Predictable Growth in Stephenson County

Stephenson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 68.1, meaning it is significantly easier to maintain grass here than the national median of 50.0. While slightly below the Illinois state average of 69.8, the Hardiness Zone 5a climate supports robust cool-season turf.

Cooler Summers Aid Turf Health

The county receives 38.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is just below the state average but sits comfortably within the ideal range for grass. With only 11 extreme heat days per year and 2811 growing degree days, lawns face less heat stress than those in southern Illinois.

Ideal Soil Acidity for Nutrient Uptake

A soil pH of 6.40 provides an almost perfect environment for nutrient absorption without significant lime adjustments. The soil contains 22.5% clay, suggesting growers should watch for compaction during heavy foot traffic or equipment use.

Managing a Persistent Dry Spell

Lawns have endured 43 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep roots that can survive these long-lasting moisture deficits.

Spring Seeding After April Frosts

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this Zone 5a climate once the last spring frost passes around April 26. Early fall remains the best time to overseed to take advantage of the 2811 growing degree days before the October 13 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stephenson County's county score?
Stephenson County, Illinois has a composite county score of 45.6 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 Stephenson County rank among counties in Illinois?
Stephenson County ranks #82 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 Stephenson County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Stephenson County is $3,140, with an effective tax rate of 2.46%. This earns Stephenson County a tax score of 0.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stephenson County?
The median household income in Stephenson County, Illinois is $61,943 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stephenson County earns an income score of 45.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stephenson County, Illinois a good place to live?
Stephenson County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Stephenson 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 Stephenson 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.