countyscore
42.5
County Score
Soil Quality 85.7Income & Jobs 79.6Health 79.6

County Report Card

About Tazewell County, Illinois

Tazewell Performance Lags National Baseline

Tazewell County earns a composite score of 42.5, placing it significantly behind the national median score of 50.0. The county ranks in the bottom third of counties nationwide for its overall livability profile.

Struggling to Meet State Averages

The county's overall score trails the Illinois average of 52.8 by more than ten points. This indicates that Tazewell faces steeper challenges in infrastructure and cost than the typical Illinois county.

High Incomes and Strong Schools

Economic opportunity is a major draw, with an income score of 79.6 and a median household income of $76,704. Educational outcomes also remain robust, earning a school score of 63.5.

Low Safety and Tax Burdens

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 28.9, while the tax score of 2.3 reflects a high 2.116% effective tax rate. A very low risk score of 15.8 also highlights exposure to various community vulnerabilities.

Best for High-Earning Families

Tazewell County suits professional families who can leverage higher-than-average incomes to offset significant property taxes. It is a viable choice for those who value school quality and economic stability over community safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax2.3Cost34.1Safety28.9Health79.6Schools63.5Income79.6Risk15.8Water62.6Weather52.6
🏛2.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.4
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

Tazewell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tazewell County

via TaxByCounty

Tazewell taxes high against U.S. average

Tazewell County's effective tax rate of 2.116% ranks significantly above the national median of 1.831%, putting it among the higher-taxed counties nationwide. The median property tax of $3,481 exceeds the national median by $791, or 29%.

Top 5% of Illinois counties by rate

Tazewell County ranks approximately 5th among Illinois's 102 counties for effective tax rate at 2.116%, well above the state average of 1.831%. Only a small number of Illinois counties impose comparable property tax rates.

Tazewell taxes higher than surrounding areas

Tazewell County's 2.116% rate exceeds nearby Vermilion County (1.793%) and Warren County (1.896%). Despite having higher median home values ($164,500), Tazewell residents pay more in property taxes than neighbors with comparable income and assets.

Median home costs $3,481 yearly

A home worth the Tazewell County median of $164,500 generates an annual property tax of $3,481. With mortgage-related assessments, homeowners may owe up to $3,637 per year.

Overassessment opportunity to save

Many Tazewell County homeowners are overassessed relative to actual market values and are eligible to appeal their assessments at no cost. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax burden by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tazewell County

via CostByCounty

Tazewell leads Illinois in affordability

Tazewell County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% beats the national average of 14.7%, placing it among more affordable U.S. counties. With a median household income of $76,704—notably $1,949 above the national median—residents here earn more while keeping housing costs in check.

One of Illinois's most affordable counties

Tazewell ranks as one of Illinois's better performers on housing affordability, with a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 14.7%. The county's above-average incomes of $76,704 paired with moderate rents give households financial flexibility that many Illinois counties lack.

Tazewell outperforms most regional peers

Among surrounding counties, only Washington County (12.3%) and Warren County (12.9%) beat Tazewell's affordability; Stephenson County (14.8%) and Vermilion County (17.6%) lag behind. Tazewell's $898 monthly rent reflects premium pricing compared to rural neighbors, yet strong household incomes justify the difference.

Strong income supports higher housing costs

Tazewell residents earning $76,704 annually can comfortably absorb rents of $898 and owner costs of $1,070, spending just 14% of income on housing. This cushion—better than most Illinois counties—reflects Tazewell's stronger economic base and higher-wage employers in the region.

Tazewell balances earnings and housing costs

If you prioritize a strong local economy paired with reasonable housing affordability, Tazewell deserves consideration among Illinois options. Its median home values of $164,500 and above-average incomes signal a stable market that's less boom-and-bust than wealthier counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tazewell County

via IncomeByCounty

Tazewell outperforms nation on household income

Tazewell County's median household income of $76,704 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,949. This positions the county among the better-earning regions nationwide, suggesting strong labor market fundamentals.

Top earner among Illinois counties

At $76,704, Tazewell County outearns the Illinois state average of $68,580 by $8,124 and ranks among the highest-income counties in the state. Per capita income of $40,072 also tops the state average of $36,009, indicating broad earning power across the population.

Clear income advantage over regional peers

Tazewell's $76,704 median leads Stephenson County ($61,943) by $14,761 and Warren County ($64,650) by $12,054. Among the eight-county region, only Washington County ($75,652) comes close, but Tazewell still maintains the strongest median income.

Housing costs stay affordable at 14.1 percent

Rent consumes just 14.1% of household income in Tazewell, well below the 30% affordability standard and among the region's lowest ratios. Median home values of $164,500 remain achievable for median-income households, supporting homeownership pathways.

Invest aggressively with region's strongest income

Tazewell households earning $76,704 can allocate $1,534 monthly to savings and investments after covering essentials. This regional advantage enables maxing out retirement accounts, diversifying into taxable investments, and building generational wealth faster than neighboring counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tazewell County

via CrimeByCounty

Tazewell County remains safer than national average

Tazewell County reports 1,708.6 crimes per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.3, reflecting a secure community environment. Data from 20 reporting agencies supports these findings for the year 2022.

Trailing the Illinois state safety average

Tazewell's safety score of 97.3 is lower than the Illinois average of 98.7. Its crime rate of 1,708.6 is also more than double the state average of 835.0. This indicates that while safe nationally, Tazewell is more active than many other Illinois counties.

Half the crime rate of neighboring Sangamon

Tazewell County is significantly safer than Sangamon County, which reports a rate of 3,450.4. However, it experiences more crime than Stephenson County's 1,110.6 incidents per 100,000. These figures place Tazewell in the middle range of regional safety statistics.

Property crime is the primary concern

Property crimes occur at a rate of 1,515.1 per 100,000, while violent crimes are much lower at 193.5. For most residents, the practical risk is theft rather than physical harm. Local law enforcement focuses heavily on these property-related incidents.

Protecting Tazewell County homes from theft

With property crime rates over 1,500, residents benefit from installing home security cameras and alarm systems. Ensuring your property is well-lit at night can deter opportunistic burglars effectively. Community awareness remains the best defense against local crime trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tazewell County

via HealthByCounty

Tazewell leads in longevity

Tazewell County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 76.6 years, exceeding both the U.S. average of 74.5 years and Illinois's 76.0-year average. With only 15.5% reporting poor or fair health—below the national 18% benchmark—Tazewell demonstrates some of the strongest health outcomes in its cohort.

Tazewell ranks among Illinois's healthiest

At 76.6 years, Tazewell's life expectancy outperforms Illinois's 76.0-year average, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. The uninsured rate of 5.0% is notably better than Illinois's 6.3% average, signaling strong community health insurance penetration.

Stands out for longevity and coverage

Tazewell's 76.6-year life expectancy edges out neighboring Stephenson County (76.2) and Union County (74.7), though Union has slightly more primary care providers per capita. Tazewell's 5.0% uninsured rate is the lowest among its neighbors, reflecting excellent coverage.

Adequate providers, strong insurance uptake

Tazewell has 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 232 mental health providers per 100,000, providing reasonable access to both routine and behavioral care. The county's 5.0% uninsured rate means most residents can regularly see a doctor without fear of medical debt.

Keep the momentum on coverage

Tazewell's high insurance rates show the power of accessible healthcare options. If you're among the uninsured 5%, visit healthcare.gov or speak with a local navigator to find affordable plans that work for you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tazewell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Systems in Tazewell

Tazewell County manages a robust infrastructure of 55 public schools serving 19,050 students. This extensive network includes 29 elementary, 15 middle, and 8 high schools across 20 distinct districts.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Benchmarks

The county achieves a 89.8% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite spending $9,092 per pupil, which is below the national average, the county maintains a solid 57.9 school score.

Morton and Pekin Lead the Way

Morton CUSD 709 and Pekin PSD 108 are the major educational hubs, together serving over 6,300 students. Pekin Community High School stands as the largest single campus with 1,796 students, while the county features zero charter schools.

A Predominantly Suburban Learning Environment

With 39 of its 55 schools located in suburban settings, Tazewell offers a classic neighborhood school feel. The average school size is 366 students, providing a balance between large-scale resources and individual attention.

Find Your Future in Tazewell Schools

Tazewell County's strong graduation rates make it a premier choice for families looking for high-quality education. Use school performance data as a guide when exploring your next home in these suburban and rural communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tazewell County

via RiskByCounty

Tazewell faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 84.19, Tazewell County ranks among the higher-risk counties nationally for natural disasters. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects substantial exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Illinois's highest-risk county surveyed

Tazewell's 84.19 score is the highest among the eight Illinois counties evaluated here, and substantially exceeds the state average of 54.46. The county faces notably elevated risk across nearly every natural disaster category.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Tazewell (84.19) far exceeds the risk profiles of neighboring counties like Stephenson (73.92) and Vermilion (78.82) to the north and east. Its high earthquake (79.71) and tornado (90.49) scores make it the riskiest county in this immediate region.

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat

Tornado risk reaches 90.49 in Tazewell—among the highest in the nation—and flood risk stands at 84.35, both commanding immediate attention. Earthquake risk (79.71) also exceeds many peers, adding a seismic dimension to your county's hazard profile.

Invest in comprehensive protection now

Flood insurance is essential given your 84.35 flood risk; standard policies leave you vulnerable to water damage. A reinforced safe room or storm shelter is a critical upgrade for tornado protection, and ensure your policy explicitly covers wind, hail, and earthquake damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tazewell County

via WeatherByCounty

Measured by Annual Rainfall

While annual temperature data is not available, Tazewell County receives 38.8 inches of annual precipitation. This keeps it slightly drier than the typical national median for precipitation.

Drier Than the Illinois Average

The county's 38.8 inches of precipitation falls below the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. Limited temperature records make historical state ranking difficult.

Significant Snow Compared to Shelby

Tazewell records 24.1 inches of annual snowfall, nearly double the 13.7 inches found in Shelby County. This indicates a much more active winter weather pattern for the region.

A Focus on Winter Snow

Winter brings 24.1 inches of snow to the county, requiring consistent local clearing efforts. Summer and winter temperature averages remain unrecorded for this specific location.

Plan for Significant Snowfall

With over two feet of snow annually, residents should maintain reliable snow blowers and winter tires. Outdoor planning should focus on moisture management given the 38.8 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tazewell County

via SoilByCounty

Optimized pH for Diverse Planting

Tazewell County maintains a stable soil pH of 6.44, very near the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity allows most garden plants to thrive without extensive chemical adjustments. It is slightly more alkaline than the Illinois state average of 6.39, offering a versatile base for agriculture.

Balanced Texture for Easy Workability

The soil mix consists of 51.3% silt, 24.9% sand, and 19.7% clay. This relatively high sand content for the region improves drainage and makes the ground easier to till than neighboring heavier soils. The result is a workable medium that balances water retention with vital aeration.

Elite Organic Matter Content

Tazewell boasts a remarkable 6.10% organic matter, more than doubling the Illinois state average of 2.94%. While the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is almost exactly at the state average, the high organic content provides superior nutrient cycling. This soil represents some of the most naturally enriched land in the Midwest.

Reliable Hydrology for Home Gardens

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the 24.9% sand content suggests decent natural permeability. This composition prevents the heavy waterlogging often seen in purely clay soils. Local growers benefit from a soil structure that naturally resists extreme compaction.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 6a

The combination of Zone 6a temperatures and elite organic matter makes this an ideal spot for tomatoes, peppers, and corn. Your garden will thrive here with minimal supplemental fertilizer thanks to the deep natural nutrients. Get outside and start a vegetable patch to take advantage of this top-tier soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tazewell County

via LawnByCounty

Tazewell Lawns Outperform State Averages

With a lawn difficulty score of 75.4, Tazewell County is one of the more favorable places in Illinois for residential turf. This score far exceeds the national average of 50.0 and sits comfortably above the Illinois average of 69.8.

Reliable Rainfall for Central Illinois

Annual precipitation of 38.8 inches provides a steady foundation for growth, though limited local temperature data suggests monitoring local forecasts for heat spikes. The climate supports a vigorous growing season typical of Hardiness Zone 6a.

Sandy Texture Improves Natural Drainage

The soil features a 24.9% sand content, which is higher than many neighboring counties and helps prevent waterlogging during heavy rains. A pH of 6.44 is near perfect for grass, though 19.7% clay still requires occasional aeration.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Despite the high ease-of-growth score, 100% of the county is currently under severe drought (D2+) conditions. Residents should prioritize water conservation by letting lawns go dormant or watering strictly in the early morning hours.

Optimal Grass Types for Zone 6a

Tall Fescue is a durable choice for this region because it handles the current severe drought better than shallower-rooted varieties. While specific frost dates are missing, local growers generally find success seeding in late August or early April.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tazewell County's county score?
Tazewell County, Illinois has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Tazewell County rank among counties in Illinois?
Tazewell County ranks #87 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 Tazewell County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Tazewell County is $3,481, with an effective tax rate of 2.12%. This earns Tazewell County a tax score of 2.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tazewell County?
The median household income in Tazewell County, Illinois is $76,704 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tazewell County earns an income score of 79.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tazewell County, Illinois a good place to live?
Tazewell County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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.