countyscore
55.3
County Score
Safety 78.8Disaster Risk 75.2Cost of Living 69.5

County Report Card

About Wabash County, Illinois

Wabash Above the National Curve

Wabash County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher-than-average standard of living compared to the rest of the country.

Exceeding the Illinois Average Score

The county outperforms the Illinois average score of 52.8. It represents a solid pocket of stability within the state's diverse geographic landscape.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

Wabash excels in security with a safety score of 78.8 and a very high risk score of 75.2, indicating great resilience. Housing also remains affordable with a cost score of 69.5.

Lower Earning Potential and Schools

The income score of 22.1 is a weak point, with median household earnings sitting at $53,650. School quality also trails some neighbors, with a score of 40.5.

A Haven for Secure Living

Wabash County is ideal for families or individuals who prioritize a safe, low-risk environment and affordable homes. It is particularly well-suited for those with external income sources who want their dollar to go further in a quiet community.

2040608010014.269.578.866.340.522.175.255.455.8Tax14.2Cost69.5Safety78.8Health66.3Schools40.5Income22.1Risk75.2Water55.4Weather55.855.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Wabash County DNA

Foverall

How Wabash County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wabash County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (75.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.2-37.8
Cost
69.5+21.5
Safety
78.8+23.799999999999997
Health
66.3+16.299999999999997
Schools
40.5-13.5
Income
22.1-28.9
Risk
75.2+28.200000000000003
Water
55.4
Weather
55.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wabash County?

Many homeowners in Wabash County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$103,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$774/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,650/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Edwards County
Illinois
66.7
Gibson County
Indiana
55.9
Lawrence County
Illinois
55.7
White County
Illinois
62.5
Richland County
Illinois
51.4
Knox County
Indiana
52.4
Pike County
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64.3
Posey County
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60.5

Deep Dives

Wabash County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wabash County

via TaxByCounty

Wabash taxes competitive nationally

Wabash County's effective tax rate of 1.471% sits below the national median of 1.831%, making it relatively affordable for property taxes across the U.S. The median property tax of $1,528 is 43% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Bottom 25% of Illinois counties

Wabash County ranks in the lowest quartile of Illinois counties for effective tax rate at 1.471%, well below the state average of 1.831%. This positions Wabash as one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state.

Lower taxes than adjacent counties

Wabash County's 1.471% rate edges out Wayne County (1.526%) and trails Union County (1.405%), the regional leader. Homeowners here benefit from some of the lowest property tax rates in southern Illinois.

Median home costs just $1,528 yearly

A median-valued home in Wabash County ($103,900) generates an estimated annual property tax of only $1,528. With mortgage-related adjustments, owners may pay up to $1,942 annually.

Appeal if your home is overassessed

Even in low-tax Wabash County, some homeowners overpay due to inflated assessments and can appeal at no cost. An appeal could further reduce your modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wabash County

via CostByCounty

Wabash renters struggle with affordability

Wabash County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in this group, exceeding the national average by nearly 3 percentage points. With median household income of $53,650—the lowest across these eight counties—residents face a genuine affordability squeeze despite modest rents of $774.

Illinois's second-least affordable county

Only Vermilion County (17.6%) exceeds Wabash's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio statewide, placing Wabash in crisis territory relative to Illinois's 14.7% average. Wabash's combination of low income and elevated housing costs indicates a regional economic challenge.

Wabash mirrors Vermilion's affordability crisis

Wabash and Vermilion form a pair of counties facing housing affordability challenges, with Wabash's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio second only to Vermilion's 17.6%. Union County (14.0%) and Wayne County (14.3%)—mere miles away—offer substantially more affordable rental markets.

Housing costs dominate family budgets

Wabash residents earning $53,650 allocate $774 monthly to rent—consuming 17.3% of household income, well above healthy thresholds. Owner costs of $697 provide slightly more breathing room, but renters here dedicate a significant portion of earnings to housing, limiting funds for other necessities.

Explore more affordable neighboring counties

If you currently live in Wabash and feel stretched financially, nearby Union County or Wayne County offer noticeably lower rent burdens at 14.0% and 14.3% respectively. A county-line move could free up meaningful income while keeping you within your existing region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wabash County

via IncomeByCounty

Wabash County significantly underperforms nationally

Wabash County's median household income of $53,650 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $21,105. This substantial gap places the county among the nation's lowest earners, limiting household financial flexibility.

Lowest earner in the eight-county cohort

At $53,650, Wabash County ranks among Illinois's most economically disadvantaged, earning $14,930 less than the state average of $68,580. Per capita income of $36,323 barely matches the state average of $36,009, indicating most earnings concentrate among few workers.

Tied for weakest income among close counties

Wabash's $53,650 median ties with Wayne County and ranks second-lowest only to Vermilion ($54,537) in the region. The $23,054 deficit versus Tazewell County illustrates severe economic disparity across central Illinois.

Rent strain reaches 17.3 percent threshold

At 17.3% of household income, Wabash County's rent burden approaches the high-stress range, the second-highest in the region. Median home values of $103,900 are among the lowest regionally, offering opportunity for equity building despite income constraints.

Maximize home equity as primary wealth tool

Wabash households earning $53,650 face limited discretionary income but can direct roughly $1,073 monthly to savings with careful budgeting. Leveraging low home prices to build equity through owner-occupied housing and accessing first-time buyer programs should anchor long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wabash County

via CrimeByCounty

Wabash County Boasts Exceptional Safety

Wabash County carries a high safety score of 99.2, making it one of the more secure regions in the nation. Its total crime rate of 503.5 per 100,000 is less than a quarter of the national average.

Surpassing State Public Safety Metrics

Wabash outperforms the Illinois state average safety score of 98.7. Two reporting agencies manage a crime rate that is nearly 40% lower than the statewide average of 835.0.

Safer Than Most Nearby Counties

Wabash is significantly safer than larger neighbors like Vermilion or Whiteside. However, its violent crime rate is slightly higher than some rural peers, requiring focused attention from local law enforcement.

Balanced View of Local Crime Stats

The property crime rate is very low at 282.7 per 100,000 people. While the violent crime rate of 220.8 is above the state average, the total crime volume remains among the lowest in the region.

Stay Vigilant to Maintain High Safety

Wabash residents can maintain this high level of safety by securing their homes and reporting suspicious behavior. Simple additions like motion sensors offer an extra layer of protection for local households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wabash County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Education in Wabash County

Wabash County operates a streamlined system of 5 public schools serving a total of 1,564 students. The county is organized into just two districts, providing a highly focused educational infrastructure.

Educational Challenges and Composite Scores

Wabash County's 77.0% graduation rate is lower than both the state average of 88.8% and the national 87.0% mark. Educational investment stands at $8,660 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 50.3, which aligns with the national median.

Wabash CUSD 348 Dominates the Area

Wabash CUSD 348 oversees four of the county's five schools, enrolling 1,421 students. Mount Carmel High School is the county's largest institution, serving 466 students in grades 9 through 12.

Traditional Town-Based Learning

Four of the county's five schools are located in town settings, giving the system a centralized feel. With an average school size of 313 students, the environment is small enough for teachers to know every student by name.

Plant Roots in Wabash County

For those seeking a small, tight-knit school community, Wabash County offers a simplified and accessible system. Consider the local school culture as you look at homes in the Mount Carmel area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wabash County

via RiskByCounty

Wabash ranks very low nationally

With a composite risk score of 24.84, Wabash County has one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the nation. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to most weather hazards, though earthquake risk (86.04) stands as a notable exception.

Among Illinois's safest counties

Wabash's 24.84 score ranks it as one of the state's lowest-risk counties, nearly 55% below the Illinois state average of 54.46. Only Warren County (15.49) shows comparable or lower overall risk statewide.

Safest in the immediate region

Wabash County (24.84) is substantially safer than neighboring Union County (55.38) and Wayne County (40.74) across most hazards. Its minimal flood and tornado exposure distinguishes it as the lowest-risk county in this southern Illinois cluster.

Earthquake is the lone concern

Earthquake risk (86.04) is your county's only significant natural hazard exposure, reflecting its position near southern Illinois fault zones. Tornado (29.10) and flood (25.83) risks remain well below national and state averages.

Earthquake coverage your main need

Earthquake insurance is essential despite your county's overall low risk profile; standard homeowners insurance excludes seismic damage entirely. For other hazards, standard coverage proves adequate, but securing furniture and reinforcing foundations remains prudent earthquake preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wabash County

via WaterByCounty

Wabash Drinking Water Beats State Average

Wabash County holds a C grade with only one health violation recorded in five years. Its violation rate of 10.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the Illinois average of 48.7.

Fecal Coliform Impacts Watershed Health

Exactly 33% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average of 38%. The top causes include fecal coliform, low dissolved oxygen, and stream-side vegetation loss.

Pesticide and Organic Monitoring Predominates

Three monitoring sites have recorded 3,972 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organic compounds and pesticides in the local water supply.

Wabash River Seeing Major Surges

The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is flowing at 54,800 cfs, a staggering 184% of its typical volume. High flows of this magnitude often carry increased sediment and bacterial runoff from upstream.

Manage Risks During High Flows

With the river flowing at nearly double its typical rate, be aware of increased fecal coliform levels from runoff. High water can also lead to temporary spikes in pesticide concentrations from agricultural areas.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wabash County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and wet southern conditions

Wabash County's average temperature of 56.4°F is significantly warmer than the national median. It receives a high 48.7 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the wetter regions in the interior U.S.

One of the warmest in Illinois

At 56.4°F, Wabash County is much warmer than the state average of 52.8°F. It consistently ranks among the top tier of Illinois counties for heat and total rainfall.

A hot spot in the region

Wabash experiences 46 days of extreme heat, outpacing nearby Vermilion's 21 days. Its 48.7 inches of rain also exceeds the precipitation levels of almost all its northern neighbors.

Hot summers and mild winters

July temperatures average a steamy 78.2°F with frequent heat waves. Winters remain mild with only 8.9 inches of snow, far below the totals seen in central or northern Illinois.

Focus on cooling and drainage

With 46 days over 90°F, high-capacity air conditioning is a necessity for residents. Excellent property drainage is also critical to handle the heavy 48.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wabash County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of the Wabash Valley

Wabash County is characterized by Alfisols, which are typically fertile forest soils. The average pH is 6.22, more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the Illinois state average of 6.39. This suggests the land may benefit from lime applications for certain traditional crops.

Classic Silty Clay Loam Texture

The soil is a silty clay loam consisting of 59.3% silt, 20.5% clay, and 20.2% sand. This specific texture is prized for its ability to hold water while still allowing for air circulation to the roots. It offers a balanced medium that resists the extreme compaction of pure clay.

Solid Water Capacity with Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter measures 1.95%, which is lower than the Illinois average of 2.94%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in sits right at the state average. This indicates the soil is excellent at storing water, though it may need organic additions to reach its full nutrient potential.

Well-Drained Ground for Healthy Roots

The dominant drainage class is well drained, ensuring that water moves through the profile without drowning plant roots. It belongs to hydrologic group C, which implies a slow infiltration rate when the soil is thoroughly wet. This combination is generally favorable for building foundations and agriculture alike.

Thriving in a Zone 6b Environment

With a 6b hardiness rating, Wabash County supports a long and productive growing season. These well-drained Alfisols are excellent for fruit trees and deep-rooted perennials. Grab some compost and start your garden today to take advantage of this reliable southern Illinois land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wabash County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Wabash Turf

Wabash County’s lawn difficulty score of 59.9 reflects a more challenging environment than the Illinois average of 69.8. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region must account for higher temperatures and fluctuating moisture levels.

Exceptional Heat Stress Hazards

With 46 days of extreme heat (≥90°F), Wabash experiences nearly double the state average of 27 heat days. While 48.7 inches of rain is plentiful, the 4258 growing degree days indicate a very long and demanding growing season.

Well-Drained Silty Clay Loams

Unlike many counties, Wabash features well-drained silty clay loam, which prevents the 'swampy' conditions common in heavy clay. A pH of 6.22 is slightly acidic but generally acceptable for most standard grass varieties.

Short But Intense Dry Spells

The county spent 17 weeks in drought over the last year, significantly less than northern Illinois. Current conditions remain 'abnormally dry' across 100% of the area, making supplemental irrigation vital during the frequent 90°F days.

Long Growing Season Advantages

The frost-free window extends from April 2 to October 31, providing a lengthy period for lawn establishment. Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the top recommendation to survive the intense summer sun in this 6b zone.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wabash County's county score?
Wabash County, Illinois has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Wabash County rank among counties in Illinois?
Wabash County ranks #46 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 Wabash County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Wabash County is $1,528, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Wabash County a tax score of 14.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wabash County?
The median household income in Wabash County, Illinois is $53,650 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wabash County earns an income score of 22.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wabash County, Illinois a good place to live?
Wabash County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Wabash 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 Wabash County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.