Whiteside County's composite score of 59.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 59th percentile nationally. The county offers livability conditions superior to most American counties, though with room for optimization.
2 / 5
Slightly below Illinois average
At 59.5, Whiteside County scores just below Illinois's state average of 62.1, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's counties. The county remains a solid choice compared to national standards but faces stiffer competition within Illinois.
3 / 5
Affordability and moderate taxes shine
Whiteside County delivers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 80.9, supported by a median home value of $125,800 and monthly rent at $808. The effective tax rate of 2.127% provides reasonable relief compared to other Illinois counties.
4 / 5
Income and tax burdens moderate appeal
With an income score of 25.5 and median household income of $64,536, the county lags higher-earning regions. The tax score of 42.4 suggests moderate tax pressures, and data gaps in safety, health, and schools prevent a complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Good fit for practical, value-seeking residents
Whiteside County attracts residents who want reasonable affordability without extreme cost-cutting and are comfortable with middle-income economics. The county works well for families and individuals seeking stable, unpretentious small-town living.
Whiteside County's composite score of 59.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 59th percentile nationally. The county offers livability conditions superior to most American counties, though with room for optimization.
Slightly below Illinois average
At 59.5, Whiteside County scores just below Illinois's state average of 62.1, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's counties. The county remains a solid choice compared to national standards but faces stiffer competition within Illinois.
Affordability and moderate taxes shine
Whiteside County delivers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 80.9, supported by a median home value of $125,800 and monthly rent at $808. The effective tax rate of 2.127% provides reasonable relief compared to other Illinois counties.
Income and tax burdens moderate appeal
With an income score of 25.5 and median household income of $64,536, the county lags higher-earning regions. The tax score of 42.4 suggests moderate tax pressures, and data gaps in safety, health, and schools prevent a complete livability picture.
Good fit for practical, value-seeking residents
Whiteside County attracts residents who want reasonable affordability without extreme cost-cutting and are comfortable with middle-income economics. The county works well for families and individuals seeking stable, unpretentious small-town living.
Score breakdown
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🏛42.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 2.127%, Whiteside County's effective rate sits near the national median, with homeowners paying $2,676 annually—nearly matching the U.S. median of $2,690. This puts the county in roughly the 50th percentile for property tax burden.
Whiteside ranks above state average in tax rate
Illinois averages 1.831% in effective tax rates, but Whiteside County residents pay 2.127%—about 16% higher than the state median. The county's median tax of $2,676 also exceeds the state's $2,782 despite a smaller median home value.
Whiteside's rate higher than most neighbors
Whiteside County's 2.127% rate tops nearby Rock Island and Henry counties. However, it falls below the higher-taxing northeastern Illinois counties like Will and Winnebago.
Median Whiteside homeowner pays $2,676 yearly
On a median home valued at $125,800, property taxes run $2,676 annually—or $223 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages typically add another $165 to escrow, totaling roughly $388 per month.
Appeals could trim your Whiteside County bill
Overassessment affects many Whiteside County properties; research your home's recent sale comparables and file a formal challenge if your assessed value seems inflated. The county assessor's office accepts appeals during designated windows each year.
Whiteside County renters spend 15.0% of income on rent, beating the national average of 14.7% by a narrow margin. With median household income at $64,536 and monthly rent of $808, the county remains accessible compared to national patterns.
Above-average on Illinois affordability scale
At 15.0% rent-to-income ratio, Whiteside County sits below the state average of 14.7%, indicating stronger affordability than typical Illinois communities. Its $808 median rent runs just $29 above the state average, positioning it as a balanced housing market.
Moderate costs in northwestern Illinois
Whiteside County's $808 rent sits comfortably between White County's $706 and Will County's $1,413, reflecting its position in northwestern Illinois. The 15.0% ratio beats Winnebago County's 18.4%, offering better housing affordability for similar incomes.
Renters slightly favored over buyers
Renters pay $808 monthly while homeowners spend $853—a modest $45 difference that favors renting slightly. Median home values of $125,800 remain accessible on the $64,536 median income, with housing consuming roughly 15-16% of household budgets.
Whiteside works for balanced-budget seekers
Relocating families appreciate Whiteside County's moderate costs and solid income levels relative to housing needs. Compare its $808 rent against nearby counties to confirm the value proposition for your household situation.
Whiteside County trails national median significantly
Whiteside County's median household income of $64,536 falls 13.7% short of the national median of $74,755. The $10,219 annual gap reflects Northwestern Illinois's reliance on agriculture and light manufacturing rather than higher-wage service sectors.
Below state average but stronger than rural peers
At $64,536, Whiteside County sits modestly below Illinois's $68,580 median household income. Per capita income of $36,788 nearly matches the state average of $36,009, suggesting more equitable income distribution than some neighboring rural counties.
Outearns southern Illinois but lags collar counties
Whiteside County residents earn roughly $11,400 more than White County residents ($53,097) but $43,263 less than Will County's prosperous $107,799. The $64,536 median positions Whiteside as solidly middle-tier statewide.
Housing costs well within affordable range
With a 15% rent-to-income ratio, Whiteside County households spend well below the 30% cost-burden threshold. The median home value of $125,800 offers reasonable entry points for first-time homebuyers seeking to build equity.
Stable income supports steady wealth-building
Whiteside County's relatively balanced income distribution and affordable housing create opportunities for homeownership and investment in education. Residents should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring employer-sponsored retirement plans to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Whiteside County residents live an average of 75.5 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years but within striking distance. Only 17.1% report poor or fair health, outperforming the national average of 18% and signaling relatively solid health outcomes for the region.
Whiteside holds middle ground in Illinois
At 75.5 years, Whiteside County's life expectancy trails Illinois' state average of 76.0 years by just half a year. The county's 17.1% poor/fair health rate ranks better than state averages, placing it in the middle tier of Illinois counties for overall health status.
Solid health standing among regional peers
Whiteside County's life expectancy of 75.5 years ties Williamson County and beats White County (73.5) by two years. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers better access than White County but trails the strongest performers like Williamson County (79 per 100K).
Low uninsured rate and decent provider access
Whiteside County's 5.8% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 6.3%, indicating relatively strong insurance coverage. Primary care providers (51 per 100K) and mental health providers (154 per 100K) are adequate, though rural residents may face travel distances for specialized care.
Maintain coverage and stay insured
Whiteside County has strong insurance uptake, but those without coverage should verify eligibility for marketplace plans or Medicaid expansion benefits. Renew policies promptly before enrollment deadlines to avoid gaps in coverage and ensure continued access to preventive care.
Whiteside County's composite risk score of 65.81 exceeds both its state average (54.46) and the national median, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite being 21% above state baseline. This northwest Illinois county experiences notably more natural hazard exposure than most of Illinois.
Among Illinois's higher-risk counties
Whiteside ranks in the upper portion of Illinois counties for disaster risk, placing it well above the state average. The county is notably more exposed than the safest Illinois counties but below the state's true hotspots.
Riskier than most neighbors
Whiteside County's score of 65.81 significantly outpaces nearby Rock Island County and similar northern Illinois neighbors. It trails only the highest-risk counties like Will County (97.26) and Winnebago County (92.37) in its region.
Tornadoes and floods are primary threats
Tornado risk (78.12) and flood risk (70.07) dominate Whiteside County's hazard profile, making severe weather the dominant concern. Earthquake risk (62.66) is moderate, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain relatively low.
Prioritize flood and tornado coverage
Whiteside County residents need robust flood insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and the 70.07 risk score demands coverage. Ensure your policy includes wind/hail damage for the county's elevated tornado threat.