countyscore
49.9
County Score
Safety 94.3Health 68.3Lawn Care 63.6

County Report Card

About Williamson County, Illinois

Williamson County Meets National Averages

Williamson County's composite score of 49.9 puts it right on the heels of the 50.0 national median. It offers a balanced profile that aligns with the middle of the American county ranking.

Steady Performance in Southern Illinois

While its score of 49.9 is slightly below the Illinois average of 52.8, the county remains a stable regional hub. It performs well compared to many of its immediate neighbors in the southern part of the state.

Superior Safety and Decent Incomes

The county is remarkably secure, boasting a high safety score of 94.3. This is complemented by a respectable health score of 68.3 and a median household income of $65,521.

Infrastructure and School System Gaps

The county struggles with a school score of 37.1 and a water quality score of 31.6. Natural and environmental risk factors also score low at 14.2, suggesting a need for better resilience.

Ideal for Secure, Affordable Living

This county is a great match for households that prioritize personal safety and moderate living costs above school rankings. It is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a secure environment with affordable rent.

204060801006.840.994.368.337.15614.231.658.2Tax6.8Cost40.9Safety94.3Health68.3Schools37.1Income56Risk14.2Water31.6Weather58.249.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Williamson County DNA

Foverall

How Williamson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Williamson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (94.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.8-45.2
Cost
40.9
Safety
94.3+39.3
Health
68.3+18.299999999999997
Schools
37.1-16.9
Income
56
Risk
14.2-32.8
Water
31.6-26.4
Weather
58.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$145,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$897/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$145,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,521/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

56.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Cherokee County
Alabama
Median income: $50,769
49.9
Clear Creek County
Colorado
Median income: $96,667
49.9
Screven County
Georgia
Median income: $53,017
49.9
Frederick County
Maryland
Median income: $120,458
49.9
Randolph County
Missouri
Median income: $55,310
49.9
Washington County
Ohio
Median income: $61,355
49.9
Jack County
Texas
Median income: $65,693
49.9
Marinette County
Wisconsin
Median income: $63,401
49.9

Nearby counties

Franklin County
Illinois
55.9
Saline County
Illinois
56.8
Johnson County
Illinois
67.7
Jackson County
Illinois
36
Union County
Illinois
57.4
Perry County
Illinois
59.8
Hamilton County
Illinois
68.6
Pulaski County
Illinois
62.9

Deep Dives

Williamson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Williamson County

via TaxByCounty

Williamson County taxes below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Williamson County

via CostByCounty

Williamson rents strain household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Williamson County

via IncomeByCounty

Williamson County earns 12% below national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Williamson County

via CrimeByCounty

Williamson County Sets National Safety Standards

With a perfect safety score of 100.0, Williamson County is among the most secure regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 22.4 per 100,000 is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Williamson County significantly exceeds the state’s average safety score of 98.7 with its perfect 100.0 rating. The local crime rate of 22.4 per 100,000 is vastly lower than the Illinois average of 835.0.

Local Safety Leads the Region

Williamson County reports only 22.4 total crimes per 100,000, making it significantly safer than northern peers like Winnebago County. This low rate across nine reporting agencies highlights a remarkably secure local climate.

Minimal Incident Rates in All Categories

Violent crimes are nearly non-existent at a rate of 6.0 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crimes also remain negligible at just 16.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Sustaining a Culture of Security

While crime is rare, community-wide vigilance ensures that these record-low numbers continue. Residents should remain proactive with home lighting and neighborly communication to maintain this safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Williamson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Williamson County’s Public School System

Williamson County maintains 25 public schools, including 11 elementary, five middle, and seven high schools. Seven districts oversee this network, which enrolls a total of 9,904 students.

Graduation and Spending Benchmarks

The county reports a graduation rate of 84.7%, which sits below the Illinois average of 88.8%. Per-pupil spending is $7,479, trailing both the state and the national $13,000 average.

Marion CUSD 2 Leads Regional Education

Marion CUSD 2 is the largest provider in the county, managing seven schools and 3,749 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a traditional public school landscape for all families.

A Mix of City and Suburb Schools

The county offers a diverse locale mix with nine schools in city settings and seven in suburbs. While the average enrollment is 472 students, Marion High School stands out as the largest facility with 1,159 students.

Explore Family Living in Williamson County

With a variety of city and suburban school settings, Williamson County offers diverse options for home seekers. Look to Marion and Carterville for the county's largest schools and established residential neighborhoods.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Williamson County

via RiskByCounty

Williamson faces above-average disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Williamson County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate Results in Grade F

Williamson County receives an F grade due to 44 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 58.4 per 100,000 residents exceeds the Illinois state average of 48.7.

Nearly Half of County Waterways Impaired

Exactly 49.9% of the 355 assessed water bodies in the county fail to meet federal standards. The 2022 cycle lists dissolved oxygen, mercury, and phosphorus as the primary causes.

Limited Monitoring Records in Federal Portal

Only six monitoring sites are active, providing 713 measurements over the past five years. Data collection primarily tracks inorganics, metals, and physical water characteristics.

Crab Orchard Creek Nears Record Lows

Crab Orchard Creek near Marion is currently at a near-standstill with 2 cfs, just 5% of its typical flow. This extreme low-flow condition significantly impacts the local ecosystem.

Filtration Critical During Low Flow

With an F compliance grade and critically low streamflow, residents should prioritize high-quality water filtration. Stagnant water can exacerbate existing issues with dissolved oxygen and mercury.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Williamson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Southern Illinois

Williamson County has an acidic soil profile with a pH of 6.03, falling below the state average of 6.39. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. Gardeners here may need to monitor pH levels closely to support sensitive plants.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is exceptionally silt-heavy at 69.3%, with a very low sand content of only 9.1%. Combined with 21.7% clay, this creates a 'heavy' soil that can feel sticky when wet and hard when dry. This composition requires careful timing for tilling to avoid damaging the soil structure.

Challenges in Organic Matter

Fertility is lower here, with organic matter at 1.61% compared to the 2.94% Illinois average. The available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, providing decent moisture for roots. These factors lead to a total soil score of 57.5.

Navigating Moisture and Runoff

Specific hydrologic groups and drainage classes for the dominant soils are not currently available in the records. The high silt and clay levels often indicate that drainage may be restricted during heavy rains. Proper land grading is essential for successful building and farming projects.

Long Seasons in Zone 7a

Situated in the warmer Hardiness Zone 7a, this county supports a long growing season for heat-loving plants. Focus on acid-tolerant crops like blueberries or peppers which thrive in these conditions. With a little soil building, your southern Illinois garden can be highly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Williamson County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Hardiness Zone 7a Complexity

Williamson County has a lawn difficulty score of 63.6, which is more challenging than the Illinois state average. As part of Zone 7a, the county faces higher temperatures that demand heat-tolerant grass varieties.

Acknowledge Regional Climate Variability

While specific local temperature and precipitation averages are currently limited for this county, nearby trends suggest high humidity and significant heat. Residents should monitor local weather stations to adjust irrigation and mowing schedules accordingly.

Acidic Clay Soils Require Attention

The soil pH sits at 6.03, which is on the lower edge of the ideal range and may eventually require lime applications. With 21.7% clay and only 9.1% sand, these soils can become heavy and slow to drain after heavy rain.

Mitigating Severe Drought Impacts

With 16.9% of the county in severe drought (D2+) and 100% abnormally dry, water conservation is critical. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps preserve soil moisture and provides essential nitrogen.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf Varieties

Tall Fescue is the most reliable choice for this region because of its deep root system and heat resistance. Warm-season grasses like Zoysia are also viable options for homeowners wanting to minimize summer water usage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Williamson County's county score?
Williamson County, Illinois has a composite county score of 49.9 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 Williamson County rank among counties in Illinois?
Williamson County ranks #71 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 Williamson County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Williamson County is $2,490, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Williamson County a tax score of 6.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Williamson County?
The median household income in Williamson County, Illinois is $65,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Williamson County earns an income score of 56/100 on CountyScore.
Is Williamson County, Illinois a good place to live?
Williamson County scores 49.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Williamson 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 Williamson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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