Adams County, Illinois

County Distress Index: Normal · 44.8 | 64,441 people · 28th most distressed in Illinois
American Default Research

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Adams County, IL falls within the normal range for household financial distress at 44.8 — 1904th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Illinois, it ranks 28th of 102 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 4 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Adams County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 56.1 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 56.1
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 52
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 65
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 33
Homeownership Rate 60
Structural Poverty 47.7
Unemployment Rate 58
Poverty Rate 39
Income vs. State Median 60
Child Poverty Rate 31
Disability Rate 66
Transfer Income Dependency 34
Economic Vitality 43.4
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 34
Rent-to-Income Ratio 41
Business Formation Rate 88
House Price Change (YoY) 14
Consumer Credit Distress 40.5
Debt in Collections 44
Medical Debt 7
Auto Loan Delinquency 62
Credit Card Delinquency 60
Uninsured Rate 15
Subprime Credit Population 35
Legal Distress 35.1
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 35

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Adams County
Adams County, IL 44.8 Normal —
Marion County, MO 47.7 Normal +2.9
Pike County, IL 46.5 Normal +1.7
Lewis County, MO 44.0 Normal -0.9
Brown County, IL 31.9 Healthy -12.9
Schuyler County, IL 31.9 Healthy -13.0
Hancock County, IL 28.9 Healthy -16.0

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Adams County
Lincoln County, NC 44.7 Normal -0.1
Ashland County, OH 45.0 Normal +0.1
Cascade County, MT 44.7 Normal -0.1
Washington County, VA 45.0 Normal +0.2
Bay County, MI 44.7 Normal -0.2

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Adams County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Adams County

Find an Attorney

Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-922-8757

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Adams County residents at no cost.

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO)
Legal Aid Chicago (formerly LAF) 312-341-1070
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid 217-525-7151
Prairie State Legal Services 1-800-531-7057
Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral 1-800-922-8757

Self-Help Resources

Illinois Legal Aid Online — Foreclosure Comprehensive self-help guides for Illinois foreclosure
IHDA Homeowner Resources Assistance programs and housing counselor referrals

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

Need legal help? Find a foreclosure defense attorney in Illinois →

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Adams County, Illinois?

    Adams County has a County Distress Index score of 44.8 out of 100, placing it in the Normal zone. It ranks 1,904th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 28th in Illinois out of 102 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Adams County?

    The primary driver of distress in Adams County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 56.1 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Adams County compare to neighboring counties?

    Adams County (44.8) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Marion County, MO (47.7); Pike County, IL (46.5); Lewis County, MO (44.0).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Normal zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Adams County's score of 44.8 sits in the Normal zone (46–55).

  • What data sources power Adams County's CDI score?

    Adams County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Adams County?

    Adams County, Illinois has a population of approximately 64,441 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.