White County, Illinois

Income Data

-23% vs. Illinois average
$53,097
Median Household Income
$30,769
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,097
-23% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,769
-22% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
53.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#98 / 102
by median household income

How White County Compares

White County$53,097
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,097
Median Household Income
$30,769
Per Capita Income
$100,100
Median Home Value
53.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in White County, Illinois

White County lags far behind national earnings

The median household in White County earns $53,097 annually, nearly 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in southern Illinois counties that historically relied on agriculture and manufacturing.

Among Illinois's lowest household incomes

White County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income about 23% below Illinois's state average of $68,580. The gap widens when comparing per capita income: residents earn $30,769 per person versus the state average of $36,009.

Comparable to other southern Illinois counties

White County's $53,097 median sits just below Williamson County ($65,521) and trails Whiteside County ($64,536) by roughly $11,400. All three counties significantly underperform the state, suggesting regional economic pressures across southern Illinois.

Rent remains affordable despite lower incomes

Residents spend 16% of household income on rent, below the 30% threshold considered cost-burdened. However, the relatively low median home value of $100,100 means wealth-building through homeownership remains modest compared to statewide alternatives.

Strategic saving bridges the income gap

With affordable housing costs, White County households can prioritize savings and retirement accounts to build long-term security. Even modest contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs compound over time—critical steps when regional wages run below national averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in White County, Illinois?
The median household income in White County, Illinois is $53,097, 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 White County?
The per capita income in White County is $30,769, 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 $53,097.
How does White County compare to the Illinois average?
White County's median household income of $53,097 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $30,769, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in White County, Illinois?
The per capita income in White County, Illinois is $30,769, 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 White County a low-income area in Illinois?
White County's median household income of $53,097 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $30,769 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 White County rank for income in Illinois?
White County ranks #98 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,097 and per capita income of $30,769, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in White County

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Your income is above the White County median

County median: $53,097 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-23%

vs. National Median

-29%

vs. White County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average23% below
vs. National Median29% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.3x

Your monthly income ($4,425) vs. median rent ($706/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.