2 metro-east counties among wealthiest in IL, new analysis finds. Do you live in one?
Two southwestern Illinois counties were recently named among the top 10 wealthiest counties in the state, according to finance website SmartAsset, and Lake County was named the No. 1 wealthiest in Illinois.
Monroe County was named the seventh wealthiest in the state in SmartAsset’s analysis, with a median income of $101,635. Monroe also earned a seventh-place spot in 2024’s ranking, but another metro-east county advanced.
Calhoun County was named the 10th wealthiest Illinois county this year, after not cracking the top 10 in 2024 or 2023. SmartAsset reported the county’s median income at $92,095, compared to the statewide figure of $81,702.
The finance website used sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, real estate site Zillow and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to compile the ranking. The three metrics considered included investment income, median home value and median income. The most recent ranking reflects data updated this year.
With a median income of $70,178, St. Clair County was found to be the 32nd wealthiest Illinois county in the report, down from 31st place in 2024.
Although residents of the Land of Lincoln’s wealthiest counties make significantly more than the statewide median income, Americans are paying more this year for groceries, utilities and other essentials. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the overall 12-month inflation rate is 3%, while some categories have seen steeper increases.
Here’s how the 10 wealthiest counties in Illinois stacked up, from SmartAsset.
The wealthiest counties in Illinois
1. Lake County
- Median income: $108,917
- Investment income: $88,116
- Median home value: $313,261
2. DuPage County
- Median income: $110,502
- Investment income: $51,768
- Median home value: $354,978
3. Kendall County
- Median income: $110,474
- Investment income: $17,019
- Median home value: $312,385
4. Will County
- Median income: $107,799
- Investment income: $28,684
- Median home value: $303,446
5. Kane County
- Median income: $100,678
- Investment income: $36,609
- Median home value: $304,182
6. McHenry County
- Median income: $102,836
- Investment income: $27,948
- Median home value: $291,127
7. Monroe County
- Median income: $101,635
- Investment income: $25,887
- Median home value: $268,600
8. Grundy County
- Median income: $93,060
- Investment income: $17,974
- Median home value: $257,831
9. Cook County
- Median income: $81,797
- Investment income: $73,653
- Median home value: $280,453
10. Calhoun County
- Median income: $92,095
- Investment income: $14,243
- Median home value: $154,828
A few counties switched places from 2024’s ranking, which named these the top 10 wealthiest Illinois counties as Lake, DuPage, Kendall, Will, McHenry, Kane, Monroe, Cook, Grundy and Boone.
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