IncomeBy County

McDonough County, Illinois

Income Data

-26% vs. Illinois average
$50,434
Median Household Income
$30,785
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,434
-26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,785
-22% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
48.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#99 / 102
by median household income

How McDonough County Compares

McDonough County$50,434
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,434
Median Household Income
$30,785
Per Capita Income
$103,500
Median Home Value
48.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in McDonough County, Illinois

McDonough faces steepest national income gap

McDonough County's median household income of $50,434 falls a striking $24,321 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. McDonough families earn roughly 33% less than the typical American household—a substantial economic disadvantage tied to limited job opportunities.

McDonough ranks lowest among state counties

At $50,434, McDonough County trails Illinois's statewide median of $68,580 by $18,146, ranking it among the lowest-income counties in the state. This significant gap reflects an economy heavily dependent on lower-wage sectors and limited access to high-earning employment.

McDonough struggles significantly against peers

McDonough County ($50,434) earns far less than every peer county—Marion ($60,839), Mason ($62,127), Marshall ($69,818), and Madison ($74,800) all exceed it by $10,000–$24,000 per household. Its per capita income of $30,785 is the lowest among featured counties, indicating systemic earning constraints.

Housing affordability becomes critical lifeline

McDonough's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% means renters spend roughly $730 monthly on housing—above the 15% county average but still manageable on limited incomes. Median home values of $103,500 make homeownership theoretically accessible, though lower household incomes make down payments and mortgage qualification challenging.

Strategic planning essential in tight budgets

McDonough households earning $50,434 must adopt zero-based budgeting to identify every savings opportunity—even $25 monthly in a dedicated account grows to $3,000 over a decade. Accessing free financial counseling through community nonprofits and maximizing any available tax credits (EITC) can meaningfully improve financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in McDonough County, Illinois?
The median household income in McDonough County, Illinois is $50,434, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in McDonough County?
The per capita income in McDonough County is $30,785, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $50,434.
How does McDonough County compare to the Illinois average?
McDonough County's median household income of $50,434 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $30,785, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in McDonough County, Illinois?
The per capita income in McDonough County, Illinois is $30,785, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is McDonough County a low-income area in Illinois?
McDonough County's median household income of $50,434 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $30,785 is also lower than the state average of $36,009. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does McDonough County rank for income in Illinois?
McDonough County ranks #99 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,434 and per capita income of $30,785, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in McDonough County

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Your income is above the McDonough County median

County median: $50,434 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-26%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. McDonough County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average▼ 26% below
vs. National Median▼ 33% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.8x

Your monthly income ($4,203) vs. median rent ($730/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$50,435
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Shelby County
Texas
$50,436
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Candler County
Georgia
$50,431
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Wilkes County
North Carolina
$50,438
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Newton County
Mississippi
$50,426
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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