Monroe
Illinois

What stands out

What stands out about Monroe County: the uninsured rate is among the lowest in America (4.1%), the school test score is among the highest in America (3.69 where 3.0 is grade level), and the median household income is in the top 3% of American counties ($100,685). Within Illinois it ranks 1st of 102 counties for the uninsured rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Monroe County, Illinois. 34,905 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +172).

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 $100,685 a year, higher than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,706. Unemployment runs 2.8%, lower than 73% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Illinois takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,984 a year.

Home

The median home costs $328K, pricier than 75% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $964 a month. Property tax is 1.77% of home value, roughly $4,494 a year on that median home, higher than 93% of American counties. 84% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.8 years, longer than 90% of American counties. There are 26 active physicians in the county, about 7.4 per 10,000 people. 4.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.71 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than almost every county in America. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 36 points. 79% 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 47, warmer than 57% of American counties. About 35 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 55 out of 100, riskier than 55% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 211 Mbps down, faster than 55% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.