Is Massac Safe, Pros and cons of living in Massac

Massac County, Illinois, offers a glimpse into a more rural American lifestyle, nestled in the southern part of the state. It’s a region characterized by its agricultural roots and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas. The county is comprised of several small communities, each with its own unique character, contributing to the overall fabric of the region.

The people of Massac County are predominantly White, with a smaller percentage of Black or African American residents, and even fewer identifying with other racial or ethnic groups. The population is aging, with a median age of 44.7 years young, suggesting a community where established families and retirees may form a significant portion of the demographic landscape. A vast majority of residents are U.S. citizens, and the foreign-born population is minimal, reflecting a largely homogenous community.

Is it Safe to Live in Massac County?

Massac County experiences a violent crime rate of 2.186 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While this rate is considered much lower than the average U.S. county, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by area within the county. Some residents consider the eastern parts of the county to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of violent crime ranging from 1 in 342 in the south to 1 in 573 in the east (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The total crime rate in Massac County is reported at 1747.4 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 835.0 (as reported by CrimeByCounty). Property crime is a more significant concern, with a rate of 1556.4 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime stands at 191.0 per 100,000 residents (as reported by CrimeByCounty). These figures indicate that while violent crime is relatively low, property-related incidents are more prevalent, suggesting a need for vigilance regarding home security and personal belongings.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Massac County presents a more affordable option compared to many other regions. The average home value in Massac County is approximately $114,220, showing a 3.3% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in the county is $155,667 (as of April 30, 2026) (as reported by Zillow).

Homeownership is a common practice in Massac County, with a homeownership rate of 76.4% (as reported by Data USA). This high rate suggests a stable community where residents are invested in their properties. The median property value in Massac County is $121,900 (as reported by Data USA), further underscoring the affordability of housing in the area.

Job Market and Economic Landscape

The economy of Massac County employs approximately 5,873 individuals (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries within the county are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). These sectors provide the bulk of employment opportunities for residents.

The average annual salary in Massac County is around $77,739, with typical salary ranges between $67,975 and $88,942 (as reported by Salary.com). However, it’s important to note that this figure is an estimation derived from an algorithm and may not reflect the precise payroll data. The median household income in Massac County was $65,116 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the state of Illinois and the national average.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Massac County experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). Summer temperatures typically range from the low 70s to the upper 80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures fluctuate between the upper 20s and low 40s Fahrenheit (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

The average annual precipitation in Massac County is around 40 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with April typically being the wettest month, receiving approximately 4.5 inches of rain. August is generally the driest month, with about 2.5 inches of rainfall.

Education and School System

Massac County is served by Massac Unit School District No. 1, which includes schools from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as reported by Niche). The district has an average math proficiency score of 35% and a reading proficiency score of 37%, which are higher than the Illinois public school average (as reported by Niche). The schools in Massac County have an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 10% of Illinois public schools (as reported by Niche).

Among the top-ranked schools are Franklin Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, and Unity Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Massac County High School holds a rating of 3.78 out of 5 based on 118 reviews (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population Trends

Massac County is home to a population of approximately 13,865 people as of the most current U.S. Census data (as reported by Data USA). The county is the 75th most populated in Illinois out of 102 counties. The projected population for 2026 is around 13,727, indicating a slight decrease in population over the coming years (as reported by Data USA).

The racial makeup of Massac County is predominantly White, accounting for 86.3% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 6.4%, and those identifying as Two or More Races at 3.9% (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Massac County is 44.7 years (as reported by Data USA), suggesting a community with a significant proportion of older residents.

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

The economy of Massac County relies on several key industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance employing the largest number of people, followed by Retail Trade and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). These sectors are the primary drivers of employment within the county.

While specific major employers are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, the industries listed suggest that healthcare facilities, retail businesses, and government services are the main sources of jobs. The highest paying industries in Massac County include Utilities, Information, and Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services (as reported by Data USA), indicating potential for higher-wage employment in these specialized fields.