CountyScore

Winnebago County

Illinois · IL

#96 in Illinois
52.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Winnebago County, Illinois

Winnebago County near national average

Winnebago County's composite score of 52.8 sits slightly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 53rd percentile nationally. The county provides livability conditions broadly comparable to typical American counties.

Below Illinois average despite strengths

At 52.8, Winnebago County trails Illinois's state average of 62.1 by nearly 10 points, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The gap suggests room for improvement across multiple livability dimensions.

Solid affordability with reasonable costs

Winnebago County achieves a cost score of 74.8, supported by median home values of $155,100 and monthly rent at $986—making it relatively affordable. The combination of housing costs and available income provides decent balance for many households.

High taxes weigh on overall livability

The tax score of 32.5 reveals Winnebago County's most significant challenge: an effective tax rate of 2.482% is among the highest in Illinois, eroding household finances. The income score of 25.4 with median household income of $64,363 further limits residents' ability to absorb tax pressures.

Works for tax-tolerant, modest-income residents

Winnebago County suits households comfortable with higher tax obligations in exchange for reasonable housing costs and community stability. The county appeals to individuals and families with moderate incomes who prioritize affordability over tax relief.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax32.5Cost74.8SafetyComing SoonHealth67.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.4Risk7.6WaterComing Soon
🏛32.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Winnebago County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

DeKalb County
Illinois
52.6
Median income: $69,022
DuPage County
Illinois
52.6
Median income: $110,502
Cameron County
Texas
52.6
Median income: $51,334
Monroe County
New York
52.5
Median income: $74,409
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
52.4
Median income: $124,553

Deep Dives

Winnebago County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Winnebago County

via TaxByCounty

Winnebago County taxes rank above national median

Winnebago County's 2.482% effective rate sits well above the national median, with homeowners paying $3,850 annually—43% more than the U.S. median of $2,690. The county ranks in the upper 35% nationally for property tax burden.

Winnebago ranks among Illinois' highest-tax counties

At 2.482%, Winnebago County's effective rate far exceeds the state average of 1.831%, placing it in the top quartile statewide. The median tax of $3,850 substantially outpaces Illinois' median of $2,782.

Winnebago taxes high among northern Illinois peers

Winnebago County's 2.482% rate leads most surrounding counties in the Rockford region, including Boone and DeKalb. Only a few northern Illinois counties match or exceed Winnebago's tax intensity.

Typical Winnebago homeowner pays $3,850 yearly

On a median home valued at $155,100, annual property taxes total $3,850—about $321 per month. Homeowners with mortgages typically add another $85 monthly to escrow, reaching roughly $406 per month.

Appeal your Winnebago assessment if overvalued

High-tax Winnebago County homeowners should closely review their property assessments, as overvaluation contributes significantly to inflated bills. Filing a formal appeal with supporting comparable sales data can result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winnebago County

via CostByCounty

Winnebago ranks among least affordable

Winnebago County renters spend 18.4% of income on rent, significantly exceeding the national average of 14.7% and straining household finances. This $986 monthly rent on a $64,363 median income represents one of Illinois' most challenging housing affordability situations.

Illinois' most strained rental market

At 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, Winnebago County ranks among Illinois' least affordable counties, well above the state average of 14.7%. Its $986 median rent runs $149 above state average, reflecting acute local housing demand and limited supply.

Highest costs among regional peers

Winnebago County's $986 rent and 18.4% ratio exceed all nearby counties—White, Whiteside, Williamson, and Woodford—making it the region's priciest market. This positions it distinctly less affordable than surrounding communities despite similar income levels.

Ownership slightly eases rent burden

Homeowners pay $1,034 monthly versus renters' $986, a modest $48 premium, with median home values at $155,100. Both renters and owners allocate roughly 16-18% of the $64,363 median income to housing, leaving tight margins for other necessities.

Winnebago demands financial flexibility

Relocating to Winnebago County works only for households with significant income cushions above the $64,363 median or willing to accept high housing-cost burdens. Compare its 18.4% ratio against neighboring counties to understand the affordability premium you'll pay here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winnebago County

via IncomeByCounty

Winnebago County significantly below national income

Winnebago County's median household income of $64,363 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13.9%, a gap of $10,392. The shortfall reflects the county's manufacturing-dependent economy and limited access to high-wage service sectors.

Lower tier among Illinois counties

At $64,363, Winnebago County sits $4,217 below Illinois's state median of $68,580. Per capita income of $34,775 falls slightly below the state average of $36,009, indicating less balanced income distribution than some peers.

Among Illinois's most challenged counties economically

Winnebago County's $64,363 median slightly edges out Whiteside County ($64,536) but trails Woodford County ($85,629) by over $21,000. The northcentral location hasn't translated to the prosperity visible in nearby suburban counties.

Rent burden reaching concerning levels

Winnebago County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these six counties, approaching the 30% cost-burden threshold. The median home value of $155,100 remains affordable, but rising housing costs require close household budgeting.

Focus on financial stability and emergency savings

With rent costs climbing toward problematic levels, Winnebago County households should prioritize building 3-6 months of emergency savings. Pursuing career development in higher-wage fields and exploring side income opportunities offer paths to financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Winnebago County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below national average

Winnebago County residents live an average of 74.5 years, nearly two years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 22.2% poor/fair health, the county significantly exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating considerable health challenges across the population.

Winnebago County among Illinois' least healthy

At 74.5 years, Winnebago County's life expectancy falls 1.5 years short of Illinois' state average of 76.0 years. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in Illinois, signaling urgent need for health interventions and prevention programs.

Lagging health outcomes, limited provider access

Winnebago County's life expectancy of 74.5 years ranks second-lowest among peer counties, beating only White County (73.5) by one year. Despite having 70 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 240 mental health providers per 100K, health outcomes remain comparatively poor.

Highest uninsured rate in this county group

Winnebago County's 7.1% uninsured rate is the highest among these counties and exceeds the state average of 6.3%. While primary care access (70 per 100K) is adequate, the combination of insurance gaps and ongoing health challenges suggests barriers beyond just provider availability.

Urgent: explore health insurance options now

Winnebago County's 7.1% uninsured rate demands immediate action—visit the Illinois State Insurance Exchange or contact a local health navigator to find affordable coverage. Preventive care access through insurance can reverse current health trends, so don't delay enrollment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winnebago County

via RiskByCounty

Winnebago faces exceptional disaster risk

Winnebago County's composite risk score of 92.37 ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category but sits 69% above the state average, placing it among the nation's highest-risk counties. This north-central Illinois county experiences compounded exposure to multiple severe hazards.

Among the very highest-risk Illinois counties

Winnebago County ranks in the top tier of Illinois counties for disaster risk, significantly exceeding the state average. It is one of only a handful of Illinois counties facing this level of comprehensive natural hazard exposure.

Far riskier than nearby counties

Winnebago County's score of 92.37 substantially exceeds neighboring Boone County and similar north-central Illinois peers. Only Will County (97.26) in the region carries comparable or higher overall risk.

Tornadoes and floods are primary concerns

Tornado risk (97.30) and flood risk (94.37) dominate Winnebago County's hazard profile, ranking among the worst in the nation for both. Earthquake risk (79.99) adds moderate concern, while wildfire risk (32.67) poses secondary threat.

Flood and tornado coverage are essential

Winnebago County residents must obtain separate flood insurance given the 94.37 risk score—among the nation's highest. Maximize tornado/wind/hail coverage in homeowners policies, as the 97.30 tornado risk demands comprehensive protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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