countyscore
50.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.9Health 84.3Safety 82.4

County Report Card

About Will County, Illinois

Will County Matches National Benchmarks

Will County earns a composite score of 50.3, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. It represents the typical American suburban experience in terms of overall livability.

Competitive Within the Illinois Market

The county sits just below the Illinois average of 52.8, despite its high individual performance in health and income. It remains a cornerstone of the Chicago metropolitan region’s economy.

High Incomes and Elite Health Scores

Prosperity is high here, evidenced by a massive income score of 96.9 and a median household income of $107,799. The county also boasts an 84.3 health score and a strong safety ranking of 82.4.

Severe Cost and Environmental Risks

Living here is expensive, with a cost score of 6.3 and a high median home value of $298,000. Low scores in tax (1.2) and risk (2.7) highlight the high financial and environmental costs of entry.

Top Choice for High-Earning Professionals

This county is a premier fit for professional families who can leverage high incomes to offset heavy taxes and housing costs. It provides top-tier amenities for those focused on career and health.

Score breakdown

Tax1.2Cost6.3Safety82.4Health84.3Schools74.7Income96.9Risk2.7Water65.1Weather54.8
🏛1.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.2
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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Nearby counties

Kankakee County
Illinois
48
DuPage County
Illinois
54
Cook County
Illinois
30.3
Kendall County
Illinois
38.6
Lake County
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Grundy County
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Kane County
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Newton County
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Deep Dives

Will County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Will County

via TaxByCounty

Will County taxes rank high nationally

Will County's 2.347% effective rate places it above the national median, with residents paying $6,993 in median annual taxes—nearly three times the U.S. median of $2,690. This reflects both strong home values and a steeper local tax burden.

Will County among Illinois' highest-taxed counties

At 2.347%, Will County's effective rate exceeds Illinois' state average of 1.831% by 28%, ranking it in the upper tier statewide. The median tax bill of $6,993 is 2.5 times the state median of $2,782.

Will County paces suburban Chicago tax competition

Will County's 2.347% rate trails DuPage County but exceeds neighboring Kankakee and Grundy counties. As a suburban growth county south of Chicago, Will's property values and tax bases drive higher absolute bills.

Typical Will County homeowner pays $6,993 annually

On a median home valued at $298,000, annual property taxes total $6,993—nearly $583 per month. Homeowners with mortgages typically budget $601 monthly when including escrow deposits.

Will County homeowners should challenge assessments

Many Will County properties carry inflated assessed values, especially as rapid residential growth occurs. Filing a formal appeal during the county's assessment cycle can identify overvaluation and reduce your annual tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Will County

via CostByCounty

Will County: higher costs, higher incomes

Will County renters spend 15.7% of income on rent, slightly above the national average of 14.7%, but this county's median household income of $107,799 far exceeds the national average of $74,755. The higher absolute rent ($1,413 monthly) reflects a wealthier, more competitive housing market.

Illinois' most affluent housing market

Will County ranks among Illinois' most expensive and wealthy counties, with median income 44% above state norms and median rent 69% above state average. Its 15.7% rent-to-income ratio remains reasonable only because incomes are exceptionally strong.

Distinctly pricier than surrounding counties

Will County's $1,413 rent towers over White County ($706) and Whiteside County ($808), reflecting its position as a prosperous Chicago suburbs market. Homeowner costs of $1,789 monthly are similarly elevated, attracting affluent households seeking suburban convenience.

Ownership premium in Will County

Homeowners pay significantly more than renters—$1,789 versus $1,413 monthly—reflecting Will County's robust real estate market with median home values of $298,000. Despite higher absolute costs, the 15.7% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable for this higher-earning population.

Will County for affluent suburban seekers

If your household income matches or exceeds the county median of $107,799, Will County offers excellent suburban living with strong schools and infrastructure. Compare its premium rents and home values against your budget to ensure true affordability despite higher absolute numbers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Will County

via IncomeByCounty

Will County earners thrive above national average

Will County's median household income of $107,799 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 44.2%, placing residents firmly in the upper tier nationally. This $33,044 premium reflects the county's suburban prosperity and proximity to Chicago's economic engines.

Illinois's wealthiest county by wide margin

Will County ranks at the absolute top among Illinois counties, earning 57% more than the state median of $68,580. Per capita income of $46,216 towers 28.3% above Illinois's state average of $36,009.

Dramatically outpaces all regional comparisons

Will County's $107,799 median dwarfs Woodford County ($85,629) by $22,170 and Williamson County ($65,521) by over $42,000. The gap reflects Will County's status as Illinois's premier high-income community.

Strong income supports premium housing market

Though Will County's median home value of $298,000 ranks highest statewide, the 15.7% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy. Households comfortably afford their surroundings while maintaining financial flexibility for savings and investment.

Build legacy wealth through diversified investing

Will County's above-average household incomes create an ideal environment for maxing out retirement contributions and exploring investment portfolios. Residents should consult financial advisors about wealth diversification, tax-advantaged college savings plans, and long-term asset allocation strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Will County

via CrimeByCounty

Will County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Will County maintains a high safety score of 99.3, indicating a very secure environment compared to the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 421.5 per 100,000 residents sits significantly below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Illinois Safety

The county's safety score of 99.3 exceeds the Illinois state average of 98.7. Residents experience a total crime rate roughly half the statewide average of 835.0 per 100,000 people.

Safety Trends Among Regional Neighbors

Will County’s total crime rate of 421.5 shows strong performance relative to nearby Winnebago County’s rate of 432.2. Across 22 reporting agencies, the county remains one of the safer hubs in the Illinois metropolitan area.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 66.4 per 100,000, which is less than 20% of the national average. Property crimes represent the majority of local incidents at 355.1, yet still remain exceptionally low compared to state figures.

Vigilance Keeps Will County Secure

Despite low incident rates, maintaining security awareness helps preserve the community's high safety standing. Homeowners can contribute by securing entry points and utilizing modern monitoring systems to deter property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Will County

via HealthByCounty

Will County outperforms national averages

Will County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 78.5 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by two full years. Only 15% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%, reflecting one of Illinois' healthier county populations.

Will County ranks among Illinois' healthiest

At 78.5 years, Will County's life expectancy beats Illinois' state average of 76.0 years by 2.5 years. The county's 15% poor/fair health rate ranks in the top tier statewide, placing it among the state's most health-conscious communities.

Strong health advantage over neighbors

Will County's life expectancy of 78.5 years leads all compared counties and beats the state average by 2.5 years. With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 195 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers robust healthcare infrastructure.

Good access, strong insurance coverage

Will County's 5.9% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 6.3%, ensuring most residents have active coverage. Primary care (54 per 100K) and mental health providers (195 per 100K) are well-distributed, giving residents multiple options for preventive and specialized care.

Keep health plans active and current

Will County residents benefit from strong insurance coverage—maintain that advantage by renewing policies on schedule. If you've experienced a change in income or employment, check marketplace options to ensure your plan remains the best fit for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Will County

via SchoolsByCounty

Will County’s Massive Educational Network

Will County manages a vast system of 206 public schools, including 111 elementary, 45 middle, and 26 high schools. Thirty-four districts coordinate services for a large student population of 113,978.

High Performance and Robust Funding

The county earns a high school score of 61.9, supported by a 91.1% graduation rate that beats both state and national averages. Investment is strong at $10,626 per pupil, significantly higher than the Illinois average of $9,250.

Plainfield and Joliet District Leaders

Plainfield SD 202 is the county's largest district, educating 24,856 students across 31 schools. Despite the system's size, there are no charter schools, keeping all 206 schools within traditional district management.

A Bustling Suburban School Experience

The area is primarily suburban, with 146 schools in suburban locales and an average school size of 651 students. Lockport Township High East is the largest school, serving 3,872 students, followed by Joliet West High with 3,541.

Relocate to Will County’s Premier Districts

Families flock to Will County for its high-performing suburban districts and strong graduation rates. When searching for a home, consider the diverse opportunities available in Plainfield, Joliet, and Bolingbrook.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Will County

via RiskByCounty

Will County faces exceptionally high disaster risk

Will County's composite risk score of 97.26 places it in the "Relatively High" category—nearly 79% above the state average and among the most hazard-exposed counties nationally. This Chicago-adjacent county faces compounded risk from multiple severe natural disasters.

Illinois's third-riskiest county

Will County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Illinois, trailing only a handful of peers. Its extreme exposure reflects the convergence of multiple hazards that make it one of the state's most vulnerable areas.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Will County's score of 97.26 dwarfs those of its neighbors, including Cook County and DuPage County. This south suburban area stands alone as a true disaster risk hotspot in the Chicagoland region.

Tornado and flood risk are critical

Tornado risk (99.24) and flood risk (97.87) make Will County one of the nation's most hazard-exposed regions, with nearly worst-case exposure to both. Wildfire risk (56.23) also exceeds state norms, adding a third significant threat.

Flood and tornado insurance are non-negotiable

Will County residents must carry separate flood insurance—the 97.87 flood risk score is among the nation's highest and standard policies don't cover floods. Ensure wind/hail coverage is maxed out given the 99.24 tornado risk, and consider additional coverage riders.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Will County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Will County's annual average temperature of 50.6°F reflects its position in the upper Midwest. It receives 40.9 inches of precipitation, which is standard for the Great Lakes region.

A typical northern Illinois climate

The county's 50.6°F average is lower than the statewide average of 52.8°F. It belongs to the cooler northern tier of Illinois where winter weather is more persistent.

Slightly warmer than its neighbors

Will County is slightly warmer than Whiteside County's 49.1°F but significantly cooler than southern Vermilion. It averages 27 inches of snow, which is less than its western neighbors.

Cold winters with moderate snow

January temperatures average 23.9°F, accompanied by 27 inches of total annual snowfall. Summers are mild, with only 15 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Equip for the long winter

Dependable heating and snow tires are important for the four months of freezing temperatures and snow. Residents can expect fewer extreme heat days, making standard air conditioning sufficient.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Will County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils in Will County

Will County stands out with a pH of 6.56, making it more neutral than the state average of 6.39. This level actually sits slightly above the national median of 6.5. This chemical balance makes the soil highly adaptable for a wide variety of plant species without needing lime.

Dense Mix with High Nutrient Retention

The soil includes 51.7% silt and 22.6% clay, creating a heavy structure that holds nutrients effectively. Sand accounts for 23.1% of the profile, which helps maintain some level of aeration. This combination results in a soil that is sturdy and resistant to nutrient leaching.

Strong Organic Foundation

Organic matter is robust at 4.94%, significantly outperforming the state average of 2.94%. Although the water capacity of 0.193 in/in is slightly below the state mean, the high organic content keeps the soil fertile. The county earns an impressive soil score of 79.6.

Adaptable Land for Modern Use

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not specified in the current dataset. However, the high clay content suggests the soil retains moisture well but may require drainage tiles in agricultural settings. These soils provide a stable foundation for the county's rapid development.

Versatile Planting in Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a allows for a diverse range of ornamental trees and edible crops. This near-neutral pH is a dream for gardeners wanting to grow everything from tomatoes to flowering shrubs. Your garden will thrive in this nutrient-rich, dark Midwestern soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Will County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Conditions for Northern Illinois Lawns

Will County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 78.2, making it one of the easiest places in the state to maintain healthy turf. Situated in Zone 6a, the county offers a stable climate for high-performing residential landscapes.

Consistent Precipitation and Manageable Heat

The county receives 40.9 inches of rain annually, which closely mirrors the state average and fits perfectly within the ideal lawn range. Residents only deal with 15 extreme heat days, allowing for a long and productive growing season.

Strong Mineral Base for Turf Growth

The soil pH of 6.56 is nearly perfect for turfgrass, requiring very few chemical amendments. A clay content of 22.6% helps hold nutrients well, though it may require annual aeration to prevent surface compaction.

Recent Improvements in Moisture Levels

Although the county experienced 26 weeks of drought in the past year, only 11.7% of the area is currently classified as dry. This recent recovery provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen lawn health before the next summer peak.

Reliable Results with Cool-Season Blends

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue blends perform exceptionally well in Will County’s climate. Aim for late April seeding once the frost risk passes on April 20 to ensure a thick, lush lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Will County's county score?
Will County, Illinois has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Will County rank among counties in Illinois?
Will County ranks #70 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 Will County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Will County is $6,993, with an effective tax rate of 2.35%. This earns Will County a tax score of 1.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Will County?
The median household income in Will County, Illinois is $107,799 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Will County earns an income score of 96.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Will County, Illinois a good place to live?
Will County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Will 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 Will County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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