Jefferson
Illinois

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the property tax rate is in the top 8% of American counties (1.72%), the overdose death rate is in the top 9% of American counties (36 per 100,000), and the school test score is in the bottom 11% of American counties (2.61 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Illinois it ranks 64th of 102 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Illinois. 37,043 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -5).

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 $58,384 a year, lower than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,833. Unemployment runs 4.6%, higher than 84% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Illinois takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,890 a year.

Home

The median home costs $144K, cheaper than 86% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $872 a month. Property tax is 1.72% of home value, roughly $1,978 a year on that median home, higher than 92% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 36 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.0 years, shorter than 60% of American counties. There are 87 active physicians in the county, about 23.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.73 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 89% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 60% 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 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 56% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 82 out of 100, riskier than 82% of American counties; the county has had 5 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 180 Mbps down, slower than 59% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.