Alexander
Illinois

What stands out

What stands out about Alexander County: the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($56K), the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (1.0 years of income), and the school test score is among the lowest in America (2.21 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Illinois it ranks 1st of 102 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Alexander County, Illinois. 5,261 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 3.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -73).

Illinois exempts all retirement income from its flat 4.95% income tax: Social Security, pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are untaxed. It offsets that with the second-highest property taxes in the country and an estate tax that starts at $4 million, well below the federal threshold. Chicago and the collar counties hold two-thirds of the population; downstate is a different housing market.

Money

The typical household here brings in $40,365 a year, lower than 93% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,443. Unemployment runs 6.3%, higher than 97% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Illinois takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,998 a year.

Home

The median home costs $56K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 1.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $831 a month. Property tax is 1.67% of home value, roughly $981 a year on that median home, higher than 91% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 80% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 68.6 years, shorter than 98% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 3.8 per 10,000 people. 6.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.10 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 14 points. 56% of eligible voters turned out. Under Illinois law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 59°F, highs near 69 and lows near 49, warmer than 63% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 56 out of 100, riskier than 56% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 67 Mbps down, slower than 95% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.