countyscore
62.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 79.3Schools 73.7

County Report Card

About White County, Illinois

White County Outperforms the National Median

White County achieves a composite score of 62.5, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places the county in the top tier of American locales for overall livability.

A Leader in the State of Illinois

The county's overall score of 62.5 far exceeds the Illinois state average of 52.8. It stands out as a highly desirable regional alternative to the state's more expensive metropolitan areas.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Affordability

Public safety is the county's crown jewel, earning a near-perfect safety score of 97.5. Residents also enjoy high affordability with a cost score of 79.3 and a median home value of only $100,100.

Economic and Tax Burden Challenges

The local economy presents challenges, reflected in a low income score of 20.9 and a median household income of $53,097. Additionally, the tax score of 17.7 indicates a higher tax burden compared to national averages.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

This county is ideal for individuals who prioritize safety and low housing costs over high local wages. It offers a secure, quiet lifestyle for those with remote income or established savings.

2040608010017.779.397.547.873.720.945.85954.5Tax17.7Cost79.3Safety97.5Health47.8Schools73.7Income20.9Risk45.8Water59Weather54.562.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

White County DNA

Doverall

How White County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

White County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (17.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.7-34.3
Cost
79.3+31.299999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
47.8
Schools
73.7+19.700000000000003
Income
20.9-30.1
Risk
45.8
Water
59
Weather
54.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in White County?

Many homeowners in White 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

$100,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$706/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$100,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,097/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

65.7

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

Posey County
Indiana
60.5
Edwards County
Illinois
66.7
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.6
Wabash County
Illinois
55.3
Hamilton County
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Gibson County
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Vanderburgh County
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Union County
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60.1

Deep Dives

White County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in White County

via TaxByCounty

White County taxes well below national median

At 1.387%, White County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 25% nationally—homeowners here pay far less than the typical American household. The median property tax of $1,388 is half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a lighter tax burden.

Among Illinois' most affordable tax counties

White County ranks near the bottom of Illinois' 102 counties for effective tax rates, paying 1.387% versus the state average of 1.831%. This advantage means residents keep more of their income compared to most other Illinois communities.

White County undercuts region in taxes

White County's 1.387% rate beats neighboring Williamson County (1.710%) and Gallatin County peers significantly. Among southern Illinois counties, only a handful match this favorable tax position.

Typical White County homeowner pays $1,388 annually

On a median home valued at $100,100, the annual property tax bill runs $1,388—or about $116 per month. Even with mortgage escrow, the effective burden remains modest compared to state and national benchmarks.

You may be overassessed—consider an appeal

Many Illinois homeowners, including those in White County, pay taxes on overvalued assessments. Filing a formal tax appeal with your county assessor's office can lower your bill if your home's assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in White County

via CostByCounty

White County rents eat slightly more than average

White County renters spend 16.0% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average of 14.7%. This means a typical household earning $53,097 annually pays $706 monthly for housing—leaving tighter margins for other expenses than many American families.

Affordable by Illinois standards

White County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks favorably within Illinois, where the state average stands at 14.7%. At $706 monthly, median rent runs $131 below the state average of $837, making it one of the more economical markets in the state.

Southern Illinois affordability cluster

Compared to neighboring Williamson County ($897 rent, 16.4% ratio) and Winnebago County ($986 rent, 18.4% ratio), White County offers genuine savings. Its $706 median rent is among the lowest in the region, appealing to cost-conscious households.

Rent and ownership split evenly

Renters pay $706 monthly while homeowners face $674 in monthly costs—nearly identical burdens on household budgets. With median home values at $100,100 and median income just $53,097 (28% below national average), both renters and buyers stretch their finances significantly.

Consider White County for rural affordability

If you're relocating from higher-cost Illinois regions, White County delivers genuine housing savings without sacrificing community access. Compare its $706 rent against state average prices to see exactly how much you'd save monthly on housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in White County

via IncomeByCounty

White County lags far behind national earnings

The median household in White County earns $53,097 annually, nearly 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in southern Illinois counties that historically relied on agriculture and manufacturing.

Among Illinois's lowest household incomes

White County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income about 23% below Illinois's state average of $68,580. The gap widens when comparing per capita income: residents earn $30,769 per person versus the state average of $36,009.

Comparable to other southern Illinois counties

White County's $53,097 median sits just below Williamson County ($65,521) and trails Whiteside County ($64,536) by roughly $11,400. All three counties significantly underperform the state, suggesting regional economic pressures across southern Illinois.

Rent remains affordable despite lower incomes

Residents spend 16% of household income on rent, below the 30% threshold considered cost-burdened. However, the relatively low median home value of $100,100 means wealth-building through homeownership remains modest compared to statewide alternatives.

Strategic saving bridges the income gap

With affordable housing costs, White County households can prioritize savings and retirement accounts to build long-term security. Even modest contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs compound over time—critical steps when regional wages run below national averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in White County

via CrimeByCounty

White County Reports Zero Local Crimes

White County carries a perfect 100.0 safety score based on current data. The total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in stark contrast to the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Every Statewide Benchmark

With no reported crimes across four agencies, White County appears safer than the state average safety score of 98.7. This record represents the lowest possible risk profile within Illinois.

Stronger Safety Stats Than Neighbors

On paper, White County is safer than regional peers like Wayne or Union. While this may reflect differences in reporting, the local agencies recorded no major incidents during the 2022 period.

No Violent or Property Incidents

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the latest reporting year. This means the four local reporting agencies did not process any significant offenses in these categories.

Stay Safe and Stay Prepared

Even in an area with zero reported crimes, homeowners should use basic security like deadbolts and alarms. Maintaining a proactive stance ensures White County remains a safe haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in White County

via SchoolsByCounty

White County’s Education Infrastructure

White County operates 15 public schools, including five elementary and five high schools, across five distinct districts. This network serves a total enrollment of 2,301 students, maintaining a focused infrastructure for the region's youth.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in White County

The county boasts a 92.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,626 is below the national $13,000 benchmark, the county maintains a solid school score of 58.5.

Spotlight on Carmi-White County Districts

Carmi-White County CUSD 5 is the largest district, managing seven schools and 1,329 students. There are zero charter schools in the county, with Norris City-Omaha-Enfield CUSD 3 serving as the second-largest district with 699 students.

A Rural and Intimate Learning Environment

Education here is personal, with an average school size of just 209 students and a mix of nine rural and six town-based locales. Norris City-Omaha Elementary is the largest school with 414 students, while Carmi-White County High follows closely with 401.

Find a Home Near High-Achieving Schools

Families seeking high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore residential options in Norris City and Carmi. The county's strong academic performance makes it an attractive destination for homebuyers prioritizing education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in White County

via RiskByCounty

White County's disaster risk: Below average

With a composite risk score of 54.26, White County sits just slightly below Illinois's state average of 54.46 and well below the national median. This "Relatively Low" rating means the county faces manageable natural hazard exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Middle of the pack in Illinois

White County ranks in the middle range among Illinois counties for overall disaster risk, neither among the safest nor the most exposed. The county's risk profile is fairly typical for downstate Illinois.

Less risky than nearby counties

White County's score of 54.26 is notably lower than neighboring Williamson County (85.78) and Gallatin County equivalents. It edges out only the safest counties in the region, making it a relatively safer pocket in southern Illinois.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose real threat

Earthquake risk (91.89) and tornado risk (59.86) are White County's primary concerns, reflecting the region's position near the Illinois Basin seismic zone. Flood risk remains moderate at 44.27, while wildfire danger is minimal at 2.23.

Secure coverage for earthquakes and storms

Illinois homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquakes, so White County residents should explore separate earthquake policies given the 91.89 risk score. Standard policies cover tornado damage, but confirm your coverage limits cover full replacement value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in White County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Earns Grade C

White County maintains a C grade with only one health violation recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 7.2 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Illinois average of 48.7.

One-Third of Water Bodies Face Impairment

About 32.3% of the county's 359 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies mercury, phosphorus, and low dissolved oxygen as the primary causes of these failures.

Physical and Inorganic Data Leads Monitoring

Ten monitoring sites across the county provided 2,520 measurements over the last five years. Data collection in the federal portal focuses heavily on physical characteristics and inorganic compounds.

Little Wabash Flow Surges Above Mean

The Little Wabash River at Carmi currently flows at 7,320 cfs, which is 242% of its long-term mean. This surge indicates a much higher water volume than typical for this drainage area.

Manage Runoff and Monitor Nutrients

With streamflow at double the average, residents should be aware of potential impacts from agricultural runoff. Because phosphorus and mercury are known local impairments, check annual water reports for these specific contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in White County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and remarkably wet

White County averages 55.0°F, placing it above the national median for annual temperature. Its high precipitation of 48.3 inches makes it one of the wettest spots in the Midwestern United States.

High ranking for heat and rain

The county's average temperature of 55.0°F sits comfortably above the state average of 52.8°F. Its rainfall total of 48.3 inches significantly exceeds the state average of 41.7 inches.

Wettest in the local region

White County's 48.3 inches of rain surpasses even Wayne County's high totals. While it shares the southern heat, it is slightly cooler than Wayne, with an average of 55.0°F.

Steamy summers and easy winters

The county experiences 38 days of extreme heat and a July average of 76.7°F. Winter remains mild with only 11.7 inches of snow, allowing for easier travel than in northern Illinois.

Manage moisture and summer sun

Sump pumps and gutter maintenance are vital to handle the 48.3 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should also plan for 38 days of 90-degree weather with reliable indoor cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in White County

via SoilByCounty

White County's Slightly Acidic Foundation

The soil here maintains an average pH of 6.22, resting just below the Illinois state average of 6.39. This level is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though taxonomic data for the county remains unspecified. This baseline supports a variety of local agriculture with minimal chemical correction.

A Silt-Dominant Soil Profile

Silt makes up a significant 61.1% of the soil, while sand and clay each contribute roughly 19%. This silt-heavy mix creates a smooth texture that facilitates decent workability for farmers and gardeners. However, such high silt levels require careful management to prevent surface crusting.

Steady Moisture and Reliable Fertility

Organic matter reaches 2.51%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but trailing the Illinois average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in matches the state benchmark perfectly. These factors contribute to a respectable overall soil score of 70.5.

Managing Water in Silt Soils

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted for this area's dominant soil types. Despite the lack of specific classification data, the high silt content typically suggests moderate permeability and average drainage speeds. Proper irrigation management ensures these fields remain productive year-round.

Gardening Success in Zone 7a

White County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season than much of the state. This climate and soil combination is perfect for heat-tolerant vegetables and southern-leaning perennials. Start your garden today to take advantage of this reliable moisture capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in White County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Southern Illinois Turf in Zone 7a

White County earns a lawn difficulty score of 63.4, making it more challenging than the Illinois average of 69.8 but still easier than the national median. As a Hardiness Zone 7a region, local lawns must withstand hotter transitions than most of the state.

Ample Rain Meets Intense Summer Heat

The county receives 48.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 41.8 inches. However, 38 extreme heat days per year and 3,921 growing degree days mean turf requires frequent mowing and careful monitoring for heat stress.

Balanced Soils Support Healthy Root Systems

The soil pH of 6.22 sits comfortably within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass species. With clay and sand levels nearly equal at roughly 19%, residents enjoy a balanced foundation that typically avoids the heavy compaction seen in northern counties.

Staying Green Through Persistent Dry Spells

Lawns faced 20 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, the entire county is classified as abnormally dry. While only 0.6% of the area faces severe drought, deep watering early in the morning is essential to maintain resilience.

Targeting Success With Tall Fescue and Zoysia

Tall Fescue and Zoysia thrive in this transition zone, especially with the last spring frost typically hitting on April 15. Aim to seed in early autumn or late April to ensure roots establish before the 38 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White County's county score?
White County, Illinois has a composite county score of 62.5 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 White County rank among counties in Illinois?
White County ranks #13 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 White County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in White County is $1,388, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns White County a tax score of 17.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in White County?
The median household income in White County, Illinois is $53,097 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. White County earns an income score of 20.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is White County, Illinois a good place to live?
White County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate White 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 White 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.