McDonough County, IL Property Tax: $2,238/yr (2026)
Last reviewed:
The effective property tax rate in McDonough County is 2.16% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $103,500, that works out to about $2,236 per year, or $186 per month. McDonough County is located in western Illinois, with Macomb as its county seat, and is home to approximately 27,102 residents.
About McDonough County
McDonough County covers approximately 589.3 square miles in Illinois. The county is home to about 27,102 residents living in roughly 13,598 housing units, of which 53.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $50,434, and the median home was built in 1966.
The county seat is Macomb. McDonough County borders Fulton County, Hancock County, Henderson County, Schuyler County, Warren County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Illinois
Property taxes in Illinois are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Illinois offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the McDonough County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
McDonough County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonough County, IL | 2.16% | $103,500 | $2,236 |
| Illinois state average | 1.83% | — | $1,894* |
| Fulton County | 2.13% | $102,500 | $2,186 |
| Hancock County | 1.86% | $108,400 | $2,020 |
| Henderson County | 1.68% | $101,600 | $1,703 |
| Schuyler County | 1.83% | $106,200 | $1,940 |
| Warren County | 1.90% | $101,300 | $1,921 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at McDonough County's median home value of $103,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does McDonough County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Illinois?
At 2.16%, McDonough County is higher than the Illinois state average of 1.83%. On a home at the county median of $103,500, that means about $2,236 per year — versus $1,894 at the state average rate, a difference of $342 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, McDonough County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in McDonough County?
For a home at the county median value of $103,500, the annual property tax in McDonough County is approximately $2,236 — or about $186 per month. For a home worth $155,250, expect around $3,353 per year. For a $207,000 home, approximately $4,471 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a McDonough County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in McDonough County are handled by the McDonough County Assessor's office in Macomb. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in McDonough County?
Illinois counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 2.16% shown here. Contact the McDonough County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File