52.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 84.5Lawn Care 78Soil Quality 77.5

County Report Card

About Warren County, Illinois

Warren Maintains a Solid Standing

Warren County holds a composite score of 52.4, edging out the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that aligns with the expectations of an average American community.

Consistent with Illinois Averages

The county's score of 52.4 is nearly identical to the Illinois state average of 52.8. It serves as a representative example of the quality of life found across the state.

Low Risk and Excellent Schools

The county earns an impressive risk score of 84.5 and a strong school score of 74.6. Housing is also highly accessible, with median home values recorded at just $101,300.

High Tax Rates and Mid-Range Safety

A low tax score of 4.2 reflects the burden of a 1.896% effective property tax rate. Safety is also in the middle of the pack, earning a score of 44.5.

Great for Families Seeking Schools

Warren County is a top choice for parents who want strong educational outcomes and low environmental risk at a fraction of the national housing cost. It provides a stable, school-focused environment for those who can manage moderate property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax4.2Cost69.3Safety44.5Health58.5Schools74.6Income52.7Risk84.5Water50.1Weather51.5
🏛4.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠69.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼52.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡44.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓74.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
84.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧50.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤51.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨77.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱78
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

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren taxes slightly above national norm

Warren County's effective tax rate of 1.896% marginally exceeds the national median of 1.831%, placing it slightly above the U.S. average. The median property tax of $1,921 trails the national median of $2,690 by 29%, reflecting lower home values in the county.

Middle-range Illinois county for taxes

Warren County ranks around the midpoint of Illinois counties for effective tax rate at 1.896%, slightly above the state average of 1.831%. This positions Warren as a moderate-tax county relative to the rest of Illinois.

Higher rate than most nearby counties

Warren County's 1.896% rate exceeds Vermilion County (1.793%), Wabash County (1.471%), and Wayne County (1.526%). Despite modest home values ($101,300), Warren residents pay slightly more in property taxes than residents of most surrounding counties.

Median home costs roughly $1,921 yearly

A median-valued home in Warren County ($101,300) carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,921. This modest bill reflects both the lower home values and moderate tax rate.

Check if your assessment is fair

Warren County homeowners should verify their assessments, as overvaluation is common and appeals are free. A successful challenge could reduce your annual tax obligation.

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren County delivers stellar affordability

Warren County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in this group and well below the national average of 14.7%. With median household income of $64,650 and modest rents of just $694, Warren residents enjoy comfortable housing affordability with meaningful financial flexibility.

Illinois's most affordable rental county

Warren County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Illinois's best performers, beating the state average of 14.7% by nearly 2 percentage points. The combination of reasonable incomes and low rents makes Warren exceptional within Illinois's housing landscape.

Warren outperforms all regional peers

At 12.9%, Warren's rent-to-income ratio beats every surrounding county in this survey, with only Washington County (12.3%) coming close. Warren's $694 monthly rent is the lowest or tied-lowest across the region, delivering genuine value.

Housing stays well within household budgets

Warren residents earning $64,650 annually spend just $694 on median rent—consuming only 12.9% of income—leaving ample room for savings and other expenses. Owner costs of $824 remain reasonable, reflecting homes valued at just $101,300.

Warren County rewards budget-conscious relocators

If affordability drives your relocation decision, Warren County delivers exceptional value alongside solid community infrastructure. Compare its 12.9% rent-to-income ratio against your current housing burden to gauge potential savings.

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren County nearly matches national income

Warren County's median household income of $64,650 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling short by just $10,105. This moderate gap positions the county slightly below national averages but above most rural Illinois counties.

Solid middle-income rank within Illinois

At $64,650, Warren County earns $3,930 less than the Illinois state average of $68,580, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $33,620 slightly lags the state average of $36,009, but households collectively perform respectably.

Mid-range income among regional peers

Warren's $64,650 median exceeds Stephenson ($61,943), Union ($56,420), Vermilion ($54,537), Wabash ($53,650), and Wayne ($53,107) but trails Tazewell ($76,704) and Washington ($75,652). The county occupies a balanced position regionally, neither leading nor trailing dramatically.

Housing most affordable among eight counties

Warren County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the region's most affordable, indicating minimal housing stress for renters. Median home values of $101,300 are the lowest in the region, enabling strong equity-building potential for homeowners.

Leverage affordability for accelerated wealth gains

Warren County households earning $64,650 can allocate roughly $1,293 monthly to savings and investments. The combination of low housing costs and moderate incomes creates an ideal opportunity to build emergency reserves, invest in retirement accounts, and accumulate home equity efficiently.

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County Navigates Moderate Crime

Warren County holds a safety score of 98.0, indicating a relatively secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 1,241.0 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Positioned Below Illinois Safety Averages

Warren's crime rate of 1,241.0 per 100,000 is higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0. It sits slightly below the state average safety score of 98.7, suggesting some local areas experience more frequent incidents.

Comparing Warren to Its Rural Neighbors

Warren experiences more property-related crime than neighboring Washington or Wayne. This is often typical for counties that serve as local commercial hubs for surrounding rural areas.

Property Crime Drives Local Incidents

Property crime is the most frequent issue, with 1,068.0 reports per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate of 173.0 is just slightly higher than the Illinois state average of 160.1.

Secure Your Property in Warren

With property crime being the main local concern, residents should prioritize securing entry points and outbuildings. Utilizing smart locks and outdoor lights can effectively discourage opportunistic theft.

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren matches Illinois average

Warren County's life expectancy of 76.0 years meets Illinois's state average but trails the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 1.5 years (though this is due to Warren being slightly above the U.S. benchmark). With 19.6% reporting poor or fair health—slightly above the national 18%—Warren residents experience modest chronic disease burden.

Warren at the state median

At 76.0 years, Warren's life expectancy exactly matches Illinois's state average, placing the county at the midpoint of state health performance. The uninsured rate of 7.2% exceeds Illinois's 6.3% average, suggesting some coverage gaps that may impact preventive care access.

Middle tier among surrounding counties

Warren's 76.0-year life expectancy trails Tazewell (76.6) and Stephenson (76.2) but exceeds Union (74.7) and Vermilion (72.5). At 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Warren provides moderate access, though the county faces a critical mental health provider shortage with only 25 per 100,000—far below regional peers.

Coverage gaps and mental health crisis

Warren's 7.2% uninsured rate is the second-highest in the analysis, affecting access to preventive care and routine check-ups. Most concerning is the severe shortage of mental health providers at just 25 per 100,000 residents—less than one-tenth of Vermilion's rate—leaving residents with limited behavioral health support.

Expand coverage and mental health access

Warren's higher uninsured rate requires immediate action to connect families with affordable health plans and mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov, call 211 Illinois, or contact Warren County Health Department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community mental health resources.

Schools in Warren County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, High Enrollment in Warren

Warren County serves 2,569 students across 11 public schools managed by three districts. This includes a mix of 4 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools, ensuring coverage for all grade levels.

Elite Graduation Rates in Warren County

Warren County boasts a stellar 93.8% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $8,300, which is lower than both state and national averages.

Monmouth-Roseville Leads the County

Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238 is the largest district, educating 1,624 students across five campuses. The district includes the county's largest school, Monmouth-Roseville High, which serves 519 students.

A Balanced Mix of Town and Rural Schools

The county features an even split between town and rural school settings, with 6 schools in town and 5 in rural areas. An average school size of 285 students allows for a supportive and manageable learning atmosphere.

Invest in a Home Near Top-Tier Schools

Warren County’s exceptional graduation rate makes it a standout choice for families focused on academic achievement. Look for homes in the Monmouth-Roseville or United districts to benefit from this high-performing system.

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 15.49, Warren County has exceptionally low natural disaster risk—among the safest counties in the nation. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes.

Illinois's second-lowest-risk county

Warren's 15.49 score is the lowest or second-lowest among all eight Illinois counties evaluated, and drastically below the state average of 54.46. The county benefits from a geographic and geologic position that minimizes most natural disaster hazards.

Safest in northwestern Illinois cluster

Warren County (15.49) is substantially safer than neighbors Stephenson (73.92) to the north and Tazewell (84.19) to the southeast. Its low-risk profile is unique in its immediate region.

Limited but meaningful hurricane exposure

Hurricane risk (17.48) is Warren's most significant hazard, though it remains well below national averages; tornado risk (28.50) is secondary. Overall, your county faces minimal natural disaster threats compared to most Illinois locations.

Standard insurance likely sufficient

Your county's exceptionally low risk means standard homeowners insurance generally covers your most likely exposures. However, review your policy to confirm wind and hail coverage is included, and consider flood insurance only if your home sits in a mapped floodplain.

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national average

Warren County averages 50.3°F annually, which is cooler than the national median temperature. It sees 39.2 inches of precipitation, slightly lower than the typical Illinois baseline.

Below the Illinois temperature average

The county's 50.3°F average sits 2.5 degrees below the state average of 52.8°F. This puts Warren in the colder half of the state, reflective of its west-central location.

Snowier than its southern peers

Warren County receives 25.6 inches of snow, more than double the amount seen in southern counties like Wayne. It shares a similar climate profile with northern neighbor Whiteside County, though it is slightly warmer.

Significant snowfall and crisp winters

Winters are cold with a January average of 22.6°F and over two feet of total annual snow. Summers are pleasant but brief, featuring only 19 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Winterize for snow and cold

Heavier winter gear and snow removal equipment are essential for the 25.6 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also ensure home insulation is sufficient for January temperatures that regularly dip into the low 20s.

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Western Illinois

Warren County features an average pH of 6.43, sitting slightly above the state average of 6.39. This falls just shy of the national median of 6.5, representing a healthy balance for nutrient availability. Most standard garden plants will thrive in this nearly neutral environment.

Silky Silt with High Moisture Retention

The composition is dominated by silt at 69.7%, with 22.7% clay and a very low 7.6% sand. This makes for a fine-textured soil that is incredibly smooth and holds water with high efficiency. However, the lack of sand means the soil is prone to compaction if worked while wet.

High Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter

The organic matter content is 2.40%, which is below the Illinois average of 2.94% but above the national average. Remarkably, the available water capacity is 0.216 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.204 in/in. This soil is a reservoir for moisture, protecting plants during dry summer weeks.

Efficient Water Management in Silt

While drainage and hydrologic classes are not officially specified, the high available water capacity is a key trait of this land. The very high silt content suggests that water moves slowly but is held tightly by the soil particles. This makes it a reliable choice for crops that require steady hydration.

Diverse Potential in Zone 5b

Located in Zone 5b, Warren County is ideal for growing staple Midwestern vegetables like beans, squash, and potatoes. The high water capacity means you won't have to water your garden as often as in other regions. It is a great place to start a drought-resistant landscape or a productive home farm.

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Warren County Tops Ease-of-Growth Charts

Warren County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 78.0, the highest in this group and well above the Illinois average of 69.8. This Zone 5b climate offers near-ideal conditions for maintaining a lush, low-stress lawn.

Mild Summers and Sufficient Rain

Only 19 extreme heat days and 39.2 inches of annual rain make for a temperate growing environment. With 3257 growing degree days, grass stays active without the burnout common in southern counties.

Consistent Soil for Sturdy Turf

The soil pH of 6.43 falls right in the 'sweet spot' for most grass species. While the sand content is low at 7.6%, the 22.7% clay content provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity for consistent color.

Favorable Resistance to Drought

Warren has seen 25 weeks in drought recently, but only 9.9% of the area is in severe drought. This suggests the local landscape is relatively resilient compared to neighbors experiencing 100% severe drought coverage.

Prime Window for Fall Seeding

With the first frost arriving October 15, August and September are perfect for overseeding with Fine Fescue or Bluegrass. Spring projects should wait until the final frost passes around April 22 to ensure survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, Illinois has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Warren County rank among counties in Illinois?
Warren County ranks #60 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 Warren County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $1,921, with an effective tax rate of 1.90%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 4.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, Illinois is $64,650 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 52.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, Illinois a good place to live?
Warren County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Warren 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 Warren County with other counties side by side.