Will County's composite score of 48.0 sits marginally below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 48th percentile nationally. While the county reaches rough parity with typical American counties, it does not substantially exceed national livability norms.
2 / 5
Notable gap from Illinois average
Will County scores 48.0 compared to Illinois's state average of 62.1—a significant shortfall of 14 points. This places the county in the lower tier of Illinois counties despite suburban proximity to Chicago.
3 / 5
Higher incomes support household economics
Will County's income score of 53.7 reflects a median household income of $107,799—the highest among these six counties and substantially above state averages. This earning power provides households greater financial flexibility despite other livability challenges.
4 / 5
High taxes and housing costs strain budgets
The tax score of 36.3 and cost score of 55.3 reveal that Will County residents face steep obligations: an effective tax rate of 2.347% and median home values at $298,000 with monthly rent at $1,413. These high burdens partially offset the income advantage and pull down the overall livability score.
5 / 5
Best for well-earning suburban commuters
Will County suits higher-income households willing to accept premium costs and tax burdens for suburban proximity and earning potential. The county appeals to professionals and dual-income families with incomes well above $100,000.
Will County's composite score of 48.0 sits marginally below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 48th percentile nationally. While the county reaches rough parity with typical American counties, it does not substantially exceed national livability norms.
Notable gap from Illinois average
Will County scores 48.0 compared to Illinois's state average of 62.1—a significant shortfall of 14 points. This places the county in the lower tier of Illinois counties despite suburban proximity to Chicago.
Higher incomes support household economics
Will County's income score of 53.7 reflects a median household income of $107,799—the highest among these six counties and substantially above state averages. This earning power provides households greater financial flexibility despite other livability challenges.
High taxes and housing costs strain budgets
The tax score of 36.3 and cost score of 55.3 reveal that Will County residents face steep obligations: an effective tax rate of 2.347% and median home values at $298,000 with monthly rent at $1,413. These high burdens partially offset the income advantage and pull down the overall livability score.
Best for well-earning suburban commuters
Will County suits higher-income households willing to accept premium costs and tax burdens for suburban proximity and earning potential. The county appeals to professionals and dual-income families with incomes well above $100,000.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛36.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.