Douglas
Illinois

What stands out

Against every county in America, Douglas County is unusual in one way: the property tax rate is in the top 5% of American counties (1.85%). Within Illinois it ranks 52nd of 102 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Douglas County, Illinois. 19,714 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -57).

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 $67,177 a year, higher than 68% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,270. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 55% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Illinois takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,325 a year.

Home

The median home costs $158K, cheaper than 81% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $713 a month. Property tax is 1.85% of home value, roughly $2,538 a year on that median home, higher than 95% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 54% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 16 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.5 years, longer than 80% of American counties. There are 8 active physicians in the county, about 4.1 per 10,000 people. 10.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.99 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 59% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 44 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 61% 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 54°F, highs near 65 and lows near 43, colder than 57% of American counties. About 29 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 44 out of 100, safer than 56% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 187 Mbps down, slower than 56% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.