Woodford County

Illinois · IL

#63 in Illinois
62.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Woodford County, Illinois

Woodford County surpasses national median

Woodford County's composite score of 57.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally. The county delivers livability conditions above typical American standards.

Below state average, mid-tier ranking

At 57.5, Woodford County falls below Illinois's state average of 62.1, ranking it in the middle tier of state counties. The county maintains respectable livability despite underperforming state benchmarks.

Higher incomes support strong households

Woodford County's income score of 39.3 reflects a median household income of $85,629—notably above several peer counties and well above state medians. This earning power provides households significant financial resilience and flexibility.

Tax burden and moderate affordability trade-offs

The tax score of 41.0 indicates an effective rate of 2.180%, representing a moderate tax burden that pressures household budgets. The cost score of 74.5 and median home value of $193,800 suggest housing is becoming less affordable relative to county incomes.

Best for upper-middle-income rural families

Woodford County appeals to families earning $80,000–$90,000 who value rural setting and higher incomes over minimum tax burdens. The county suits professionals and agricultural workers seeking stability with reasonable wealth-building potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax41Cost74.5SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.3Risk60.1WaterComing Soon
🏛41
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠74.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼39.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
60.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Woodford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Woodford County

via TaxByCounty

Woodford County taxes rank above national median

At 2.180%, Woodford County's effective rate exceeds the national median, with homeowners paying $4,224 annually—57% more than the U.S. median of $2,690. The county ranks in the upper 40% nationally for property tax burden.

Woodford ranks well above state average in taxes

Illinois' average effective rate stands at 1.831%, but Woodford County residents pay 2.180%—19% higher than the state norm. The median tax of $4,224 also exceeds Illinois' median of $2,782 despite smaller home values.

Woodford's taxes high for central Illinois county

Woodford County's 2.180% rate exceeds most central Illinois neighbors, including McLean County and Livingston County. The rate reflects strong municipal and school service funding in this prosperous agricultural region.

Typical Woodford homeowner pays $4,224 yearly

On a median home valued at $193,800, annual property taxes total $4,224—about $352 per month. Homeowners with mortgages typically add roughly $58 monthly to escrow, creating a combined payment near $410 per month.

Woodford homeowners should verify their assessments

Many Woodford County properties, especially newer homes in growing areas, may carry assessments above current market value. Homeowners can request a reassessment or file a formal appeal if comparable sales data support a lower valuation.

Cost of Living in Woodford County

via CostByCounty

Woodford County leads affordability rankings

Woodford County renters spend just 12.7% of income on rent, beating the national average of 14.7% by a meaningful margin. With median household income of $85,629 and rent at $907 monthly, this county delivers strong affordability paired with above-average earnings.

Illinois' most affordable housing market

At 12.7% rent-to-income ratio, Woodford County dramatically outperforms the Illinois state average of 14.7%, ranking among the state's most affordable counties. Its $907 median rent stays reasonable despite running $70 above state average, thanks to the county's notably high median income of $85,629.

Best affordability in central Illinois

Woodford County's 12.7% ratio beats all comparison counties—White (16.0%), Whiteside (15.0%), Will (15.7%), Williamson (16.4%), and Winnebago (18.4%). Its combination of strong income and moderate rent creates the region's most balanced housing-to-income equation.

Ownership carries modest premium here

Homeowners pay $1,154 monthly while renters spend $907—a $247 difference—with median home values at $193,800. The strong median income of $85,629 makes both paths affordable, consuming only 12.7-16.2% of household budgets respectively.

Woodford County rewards relocating families

If you're moving within Illinois, Woodford County offers exceptional value with the state's best rent-to-income ratio and above-average incomes. Compare its 12.7% affordability ratio against other candidates to see your true savings on housing costs.

Income & Jobs in Woodford County

via IncomeByCounty

Woodford County comfortably exceeds national average

Woodford County's median household income of $85,629 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,874, or 14.6%. This advantage positions residents well above typical American earning power, reflecting the county's strong agricultural and industrial base.

Illinois's second-highest income county

At $85,629, Woodford County ranks second in Illinois, trailing only Will County ($107,799) by $22,170. Per capita income of $43,032 substantially exceeds the state average of $36,009, signaling strong economic vitality across the community.

Clear economic leader among these six counties

Woodford County's $85,629 median outearns Williamson County by $20,108 and Winnebago County by $21,266. Only Will County's $107,799 significantly exceeds Woodford's prosperity.

Excellent balance of income and housing costs

With just 12.7% of household income spent on rent, Woodford County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these six counties. The median home value of $193,800 remains highly affordable relative to median income, freeing resources for savings and investment.

Maximize tax-advantaged growth strategies

Woodford County's above-average income and exceptional housing affordability create ideal conditions for wealth acceleration. Residents should maximize 401(k) contributions, explore Roth conversions, and consider investment properties or other appreciating assets to build multigenerational wealth.

Health in Woodford County

via HealthByCounty

Woodford leads the nation in longevity

Woodford County residents live an average of 78.7 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than two years. Only 16.8% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%, positioning the county among America's healthiest communities.

Woodford County tops Illinois health rankings

At 78.7 years, Woodford County's life expectancy beats Illinois' state average of 76.0 years by 2.7 years. The county's 16.8% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best in Illinois, establishing it as one of the state's premier health communities.

Highest life expectancy in the region

Woodford County's life expectancy of 78.7 years is the highest across all compared counties, nearly five years ahead of White County (73.5). With 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers solid access, though mental health providers (44 per 100K) are notably sparse compared to high-performing peers.

Best health outcomes, excellent insurance coverage

Woodford County's 5.1% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the group and below the state average of 6.3%. Primary care access is adequate at 45 providers per 100K, though mental health provider density (44 per 100K) is the lowest among these counties, potentially limiting behavioral health access.

Maintain health coverage and invest in prevention

Woodford County residents enjoy excellent overall health—keep it that way by maintaining insurance coverage and prioritizing preventive screenings. If seeking mental health support, reach out to regional resources or neighboring counties where specialist availability is greater.

Disaster Risk in Woodford County

via RiskByCounty

Woodford County faces very low disaster risk

Woodford County's composite risk score of 39.92 ranks in the "Very Low" category and sits 27% below the state average of 54.46. This central Illinois county is among the safest in the nation for natural disaster exposure.

Illinois's safest counties

Woodford County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Illinois, well below the state average. It is one of the few Illinois counties earning a "Very Low" risk designation.

Safest county in its region

Woodford County's score of 39.92 is substantially lower than neighboring McLean County and surrounding central Illinois counties. It represents an oasis of natural hazard safety in a region where many peers face higher exposure.

Flood and tornado risks remain manageable

Flood risk (51.46) and tornado risk (52.67) are Woodford County's primary concerns, both sitting near state average despite the county's overall low risk profile. Wildfire risk is minimal at 3.34, and earthquake and hurricane risks are similarly subdued.

Standard coverage is typically sufficient

Woodford County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate tornado and wind protection for most residents. However, flood insurance remains a personal decision—check whether your property sits in any flood zone.

ByCounty Network

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