Menard County
IL · Pop. 12,169 · Suburban County
Menard County sits in Illinois across 314 square miles, home to 12,169 people at 38.8 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $179,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.64% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.8°F and average winter lows of 20°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.7 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Memorial Medical Center is 16.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $179,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A low poverty rate of 9.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
- A median household income of $81,334 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.64% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Memorial Medical Center, is 16.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Menard County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 41/100
- Median home price
- $179k
- Property tax
- 1.64%
- Growing season
- 179 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.7"
- Broadband
- 81.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Memorial Medical Center, 16.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Menard County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Menard County?
- Menard County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.8°F, and average winter lows of 20°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $179,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.64%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Memorial Medical Center is 16.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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The closest counties to Menard County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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