With a composite score of 62.8, Williamson County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. The county delivers livability conditions superior to most American counties.
2 / 5
Slightly above Illinois average
Williamson County's 62.8 score marginally exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. The county stands as a solid performer within its state context.
3 / 5
Balanced affordability and low taxes
Williamson County excels in cost (78.4) with median home values at $145,600 and monthly rent at $897, delivering strong housing affordability. The effective tax rate of 1.710% ranks among the lowest available, providing meaningful financial relief.
4 / 5
Income growth lags regional peers
The income score of 26.2 and median household income of $65,521 sit below regional averages and substantially trail higher-earning counties. Gaps in safety, health, school, and environmental data limit deeper assessment of livability quality.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious, tax-averse families
Williamson County appeals to residents seeking affordable living combined with notably low tax burdens and moderate incomes. The county suits retirees, families prioritizing savings, and those valuing financial predictability over income maximization.
With a composite score of 62.8, Williamson County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. The county delivers livability conditions superior to most American counties.
Slightly above Illinois average
Williamson County's 62.8 score marginally exceeds Illinois's state average of 62.1, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. The county stands as a solid performer within its state context.
Balanced affordability and low taxes
Williamson County excels in cost (78.4) with median home values at $145,600 and monthly rent at $897, delivering strong housing affordability. The effective tax rate of 1.710% ranks among the lowest available, providing meaningful financial relief.
Income growth lags regional peers
The income score of 26.2 and median household income of $65,521 sit below regional averages and substantially trail higher-earning counties. Gaps in safety, health, school, and environmental data limit deeper assessment of livability quality.
Ideal for cost-conscious, tax-averse families
Williamson County appeals to residents seeking affordable living combined with notably low tax burdens and moderate incomes. The county suits retirees, families prioritizing savings, and those valuing financial predictability over income maximization.
Score breakdown
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🏛54.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.710%, Williamson County's effective rate falls comfortably below the national median, with homeowners paying $2,490 annually versus the U.S. median of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom 30% nationally for tax burden.
Williamson ranks near state average in taxes
Illinois' average effective rate is 1.831%, and Williamson County comes in just below at 1.710%, placing it slightly favorable compared to most of the state. The median tax of $2,490 also undercuts the state median of $2,782.
Williamson undercuts southern Illinois neighbors
Williamson County's 1.710% rate beats nearby Jackson County and White County, positioning it favorably within the southern Illinois region. The rate reflects moderate home values and relatively restrained tax collection in the area.
Typical Williamson homeowner pays $2,490 yearly
On a median home valued at $145,600, annual property taxes run $2,490—about $207 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages add roughly $245 monthly to escrow, creating a combined payment near $452 per month.
Williamson homeowners can challenge overassessments
Even in moderate-tax Williamson County, many properties are assessed above fair market value, particularly in growing areas. Homeowners should request a reassessment review if recent comparable sales suggest their home's assessed value is inflated.
Williamson County renters spend 16.4% of income on rent, exceeding the national average of 14.7% and tightening household finances. With median income at $65,521 and rent at $897 monthly, families here face notably higher housing burdens than typical Americans.
Above-average affordability stress in Illinois
Williamson County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Illinois' most challenging, exceeding the state average of 14.7%. At $897 monthly rent, it runs $60 above state average, indicating a tighter local market than many comparable Illinois communities.
Pricier than White County, less than Winnebago
Williamson County's $897 rent falls between White County's $706 and Winnebago County's $986, positioning it mid-range for southern Illinois. Its 16.4% ratio exceeds all nearby counties except Winnebago, suggesting stronger local demand pressures.
Rent and ownership costs align closely
Renters pay $897 monthly while homeowners face $910—nearly identical burdens—with median home values at $145,600. Both housing types consume roughly 16% of the median $65,521 income, leaving modest room for savings or unexpected expenses.
Williamson County requires careful budget planning
Relocating to Williamson County works best for households with stable incomes at or above the median, as housing costs claim substantially more of budgets here. Compare its $897 rent against lower-cost counties like White or Whiteside to confirm your affordability margin.
Williamson County's median household income of $65,521 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,234, or 12.4%. This gap reflects the southern Illinois county's historically agriculture-driven economy and population decline.
Middle-ground income for southern Illinois
At $65,521, Williamson County ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, falling $3,059 below Illinois's $68,580 median. Per capita income of $37,096 edges slightly above the state average of $36,009.
Stronger than White County, weaker than Whiteside
Williamson County earns $12,424 more than White County ($53,097) but $999 less than Whiteside County ($64,536). The pattern reflects broader economic struggles across southern Illinois versus northwestern industrial regions.
Housing costs edge toward concern threshold
At 16.4% of household income, Williamson County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% cost-burden limit. The median home value of $145,600 remains accessible for working families, though affordability pressures deserve monitoring.
Prioritize homeownership and skill development
Williamson County residents should pursue homeownership to build equity while keeping housing costs manageable. Investment in career development and higher-wage skills offers the most direct path to closing the income gap with state and national averages.
Williamson County residents live an average of 75.5 years, just below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 18% poor/fair health, the county matches the national average exactly, placing it firmly in the middle of the health outcomes spectrum.
Williamson outperforms state averages
With a life expectancy of 75.5 years, Williamson County trails Illinois' state average of 76.0 years by just half a year. The county's 18% poor/fair health rate is better than state averages, reflecting solid health management across the population.
Strong healthcare resources, upper-tier outcomes
Williamson County ties Whiteside County at 75.5 years life expectancy and outpaces White County (73.5) by two years. The county boasts exceptional provider density: 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an outstanding 490 mental health providers per 100K—the highest in this comparison.
Excellent coverage and exceptional provider access
Williamson County's 5.0% uninsured rate is the lowest among these counties and significantly below the state average of 6.3%. With the region's strongest provider density—particularly 490 mental health providers per 100K—residents enjoy unmatched access to both primary and behavioral health care.
Leverage abundant health resources
Williamson County residents have exceptional healthcare infrastructure at their fingertips—make the most of it by scheduling regular check-ups and mental health screenings. If uninsured, take advantage of the county's robust provider network to find affordable care options.
Williamson County's composite risk score of 85.78 significantly exceeds the state average (54.46) and ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category—placing it in the upper tier of hazard exposure nationwide. This southern Illinois county experiences substantially elevated natural disaster risk.
Among Illinois's riskiest counties
Williamson County ranks in the top tier of Illinois counties for disaster risk, exceeding the state average by 57%. It is notably more exposed than most Illinois counties but below the very highest-risk counties.
Riskier than many regional peers
Williamson County's score of 85.78 substantially exceeds nearby Saline County and White County (54.26). Only Gallatin and similar extreme southern Illinois counties approach comparable risk levels.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate threats
Earthquake risk (96.34) and tornado risk (80.31) drive Williamson County's elevated composite score, reflecting the region's seismic and severe weather vulnerability. Flood risk (69.94) and hurricane risk (44.51) add secondary concerns.
Earthquake coverage is critical here
With earthquake risk at 96.34, Williamson County residents should prioritize standalone earthquake insurance—the highest level available given the seismic zone exposure. Confirm tornado and wind coverage are comprehensive given the 80.31 tornado risk score.