With a composite score of 68.8, White County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability conditions better than roughly seven in ten counties across the United States.
2 / 5
Stronger than most Illinois counties
White County's 68.8 score significantly exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. This above-average standing reflects particular strengths in affordability and tax burden.
3 / 5
Affordable housing drives the appeal
White County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 85.6—among the highest in the state—supported by a median home value of just $100,100 and monthly rent at $706. The county also maintains a reasonable tax burden with an effective rate of 1.387%, one of the lowest in Illinois.
4 / 5
Income levels lag region
The income score of 18.1 reflects a median household income of $53,097, noticeably below state and regional benchmarks. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality is not yet available, limiting a fuller assessment of livability.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-conscious families
White County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability and low taxes over higher incomes. This county is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing reasonable livability conditions.
With a composite score of 68.8, White County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability conditions better than roughly seven in ten counties across the United States.
Stronger than most Illinois counties
White County's 68.8 score significantly exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. This above-average standing reflects particular strengths in affordability and tax burden.
Affordable housing drives the appeal
White County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 85.6—among the highest in the state—supported by a median home value of just $100,100 and monthly rent at $706. The county also maintains a reasonable tax burden with an effective rate of 1.387%, one of the lowest in Illinois.
Income levels lag region
The income score of 18.1 reflects a median household income of $53,097, noticeably below state and regional benchmarks. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality is not yet available, limiting a fuller assessment of livability.
Perfect for budget-conscious families
White County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability and low taxes over higher incomes. This county is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing reasonable livability conditions.
Score breakdown
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🏛63.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
White County residents live to an average of 73.5 years, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly three years. Nearly 22% of adults report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18%, signaling broader health challenges across the county.
White County ranks near bottom in Illinois
At 73.5 years, White County's life expectancy falls 2.5 years short of Illinois' state average of 76.0 years. The county's 21.8% poor/fair health rate significantly outpaces the state trend, placing it among Illinois' least healthy communities.
Struggling compared to regional peers
White County's life expectancy of 73.5 years ranks lowest among its Illinois neighbors, trailing Whiteside County (75.5) and Williamson County (75.5) by two full years. Primary care access is also constrained at 29 providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the supply available in neighboring Williamson County (79 per 100K).
Limited providers, tight insurance coverage
White County's 6.4% uninsured rate sits just above the state average, but primary care providers remain scarce at only 29 per 100,000 residents. Mental health support is more robust at 179 providers per 100K, but residents often travel long distances to reach routine medical care.
Explore health insurance options today
If you're among White County's uninsured residents, now is the time to explore coverage through the Illinois State Insurance Exchange or federally qualified health centers offering sliding-scale care. Don't let cost concerns delay preventive care—many county programs offer free screenings and enrollment assistance.
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.