Monroe County
IL · Pop. 34,969 · Suburban County
Monroe County, Illinois covers 385 square miles with a population of 34,969 and a density of 90.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, wheat, corn. A median home price of $266,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.7% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 205-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.4°F and average winter lows of 25.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.2 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Red Bud Illinois Company, Llc is 11 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 83.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 205-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, wheat, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 4.6% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- An effective property tax rate of 1.7% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Red Bud Illinois Company, Llc, is 11 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Monroe County, IL is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 37/100
- Median home price
- $266k
- Property tax
- 1.7%
- Growing season
- 205 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.2"
- Broadband
- 83.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Red Bud Illinois Company, Llc, 11 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Monroe County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Monroe County?
- Monroe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 205-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.4°F, and average winter lows of 25.6°F. The established crops are soybeans, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $266,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.7%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 83.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Red Bud Illinois Company, Llc is 11 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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More counties in Illinois
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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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