countyscore
58.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Income & Jobs 89Health 82

County Report Card

About Woodford County, Illinois

Woodford County Outpaces the Nation

Woodford County excels with a composite score of 58.8, easily surpassing the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the top tier of counties for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in Illinois

The county's score of 58.8 is significantly higher than the Illinois state average of 52.8. It is one of the premier living destinations in the central Illinois region.

Elite Safety, Income, and Schools

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 97.5 and a strong income score of 89.0. Residents earn a high median income of $85,629 while benefiting from a great school score of 77.2.

Low Tax and Water Quality Scores

High property taxes lead to a low tax score of 2.0, with an effective rate of 2.180%. Water quality is also a concern, with a score of 21.0 suggesting room for infrastructural investment.

Premium Choice for Established Families

This county is the ideal destination for families who want the best in safety, income, and schools. It offers a high-quality lifestyle for those willing to pay a tax premium for excellence.

Score breakdown

Tax2Cost30.6Safety97.5Health82Schools77.2Income89Risk60.1Water21Weather51
🏛2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Marshall County
Illinois
54.9
Tazewell County
Illinois
42.5
Peoria County
Illinois
31
McLean County
Illinois
48.1
Putnam County
Illinois
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Livingston County
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Stark County
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LaSalle County
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Deep Dives

Woodford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Woodford County

via CrimeByCounty

Woodford County Reports Unprecedented Safety

Woodford County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, far exceeding the national average security level. Data from five agencies shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, reflecting an exceptionally low incident environment in 2022.

Among Illinois' Safest Counties

With its 100.0 safety score, Woodford County ranks well above the Illinois average of 98.7. While the reported 0.0 crime rate suggests minimal incidents, it indicates a level of public safety that is virtually unmatched in the state.

Woodford County Leads Regional Safety

Woodford County outpaces neighboring Williamson County, which also holds a perfect safety score but reports a crime rate of 22.4. This puts Woodford at the very top of safety rankings among surveyed Illinois counties.

Understanding the Local Crime Landscape

Current data shows 0.0 violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents across five reporting agencies. This absence of reported incidents suggests a highly secure rural environment where major crimes are exceedingly rare events.

Security Remains a Top Priority

Even in areas with minimal reported crime, home security awareness is vital for long-term peace of mind. Consistent use of outdoor lighting and basic alarm systems ensures that Woodford County stays one of Illinois' safest places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Woodford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Woodford County’s School Infrastructure

Woodford County supports 31 public schools, including 10 elementary and nine high schools, managed by 10 districts. The system enrolls 6,216 students, maintaining a balanced educational network for the region.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates in Woodford

The county achieves an exceptional 94.6% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88.8%. These results come with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,387, which is efficient relative to the $9,250 Illinois average.

Eureka and El Paso-Gridley Districts

Eureka CUD 140 is the largest district, serving 1,528 students across five schools. The county maintains a traditional public school system with no charter schools and nine dedicated special education facilities.

A Rural and Town-Centered Community

Fourteen schools are in rural locales and 11 are in towns, creating a close-knit learning environment with an average size of 327 students. Metamora High School is the largest in the county, enrolling 915 students.

Home Search in High-Performing Woodford

Woodford County is a premier choice for families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in the state. Explore homes in Metamora and Eureka to take advantage of this high-scoring academic environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Woodford County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Peaks in the Heart of Illinois

Woodford County features a 51.6°F annual average temperature, which is slightly cooler than the national median. This climate provides a balanced four-season experience typical of the central United States.

Tracking Below the Statewide Temperature Mark

The county remains slightly cooler than the Illinois statewide average of 52.8°F. Woodford receives 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, trailing the state average of 41.7 inches by nearly four inches.

Milder Days Compared to Northern Borders

Woodford enjoys a warmer profile than Winnebago County, which averages only 49.4°F per year. It experiences significantly less snowfall than its northern neighbors, recording 14 fewer inches on average.

Hot Summers and Steady Winter Snow

Summers bring 25 days of extreme heat over 90°F, pushing the July average to 75.1°F. Winters are cold but drier than the north, featuring 23.3 inches of snow and a January average of 24.6°F.

Manage Summer Heat and Winter Frost

Homeowners should prioritize air conditioning maintenance to handle the 25 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations require standard snow gear and insulation for the cold 27.8°F seasonal average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Woodford County

via SoilByCounty

Woodford's Near-Perfect Neutral pH

Woodford County’s soil is nearly neutral with a pH of 6.54, exceeding the state average of 6.39. This level aligns almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. Such a balanced pH level creates an ideal environment for most standard garden crops and flowers.

High Silt for Nutrient Storage

The profile consists of 57.8% silt and 23.0% clay, making for a dense, nutrient-retentive medium. Sand content is relatively low at 17.4%, which contributes to a cohesive soil that holds its shape. This composition is excellent for retaining the fertilizers and minerals plants need most.

Strong Organic Matter Content

Organic matter is strong at 4.22%, beating the Illinois state average of 2.94% by a wide margin. Even with a water capacity of 0.197 in/in—slightly below the state average—the soil remains highly productive. These factors earn the county a high soil score of 80.4.

Managing Dense Soil Structures

Local data does not specify the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. However, the high clay and silt percentages suggest that managing water runoff is a key priority for local land use. The soil's density provides a stable base for both crops and infrastructure.

Premier Planting in Zone 5b

Woodford sits in Zone 5b, where the neutral pH and high organic matter support a thriving agricultural scene. Whether you are planting a small backyard plot or a large field, this soil provides a world-class foundation. Get started today to see the difference this high-quality soil makes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Woodford County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Success Scores Amidst Severe Drought

Woodford County carries a high lawn difficulty score of 75.4, suggesting it is generally easy to keep turf healthy here compared to the national average. Despite this, Hardiness Zone 5b presents specific seasonal challenges for Central Illinois homeowners.

Increased Summer Heat Intensity

The county experiences 25 extreme heat days, which is much higher than its northern neighbors. Combined with 37.8 inches of rain, this heat can quickly dry out turf if irrigation schedules aren't strictly maintained.

Heavier Clay Content Retains Nutrients

The soil pH is a healthy 6.54, but a clay content of 23.0% makes it the heaviest soil in this group. This high clay percentage helps retain water, but it also increases the risk of drainage issues during heavy downpours.

A Critical Focus on Water Conservation

Woodford County is currently 100% in severe drought (D2+), a significant challenge for even the hardiest lawns. Homeowners should prioritize watering key areas and consider allowing turf to go dormant rather than over-stressing it with light watering.

Planting with Central Illinois Resilience

Tall Fescue is highly recommended here for its ability to survive the 100% severe drought conditions. Wait until after the April 26 frost date to begin spring work, ensuring new seedlings have the best chance to survive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woodford County's county score?
Woodford County, Illinois has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Woodford County rank among counties in Illinois?
Woodford County ranks #27 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 Woodford County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Woodford County is $4,224, with an effective tax rate of 2.18%. This earns Woodford County a tax score of 2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Woodford County?
The median household income in Woodford County, Illinois is $85,629 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Woodford County earns an income score of 89/100 on CountyScore.
Is Woodford County, Illinois a good place to live?
Woodford County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Woodford 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 Woodford County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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