Skip to content
CalcPier
CalcPier

County closing cost calculator

Closing Cost Calculator for Jo Daviess County

Closing costs in Jo Daviess County land in the upper range for US markets, driven in part by the county's 1.745% effective property tax rate. Prepaid tax at closing — half a year's collection — comes to roughly $1,692 on a median-priced home. Combined with lender origination, title, appraisal, and recording fees, total closing costs run about $5,817. Buyers here should plan for approximately $46,289 in total cash-to-close on a 20% down purchase. Building that number into the offer strategy up front prevents surprise when the Loan Estimate arrives. Compared with neighboring states, buyers in this tax tier typically see $2,000-$4,000 more in prepaid items at closing. That's not a fee — it funds the escrow account for the coming year — but it's cash out of pocket at signing. Compared with the rest of Illinois, this county's rate is significantly lower — a rare position that keeps closing costs well contained relative to state and national benchmarks.(c, s) => ` Below the ${s.name} median, this price tier typically carries lower absolute closing costs — title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid tax all scale down with loan amount. First-time buyer programs and FHA financing often apply at this level, which can reduce the cash-to-close requirement further.` Household earnings of $74,954 run below the Illinois median, making the total cash-to-close figure a larger share of typical annual household budgets. Buyers in this income tier often pair conventional financing with state down-payment assistance or FHA-backed loans to bridge the gap. Careful planning — timing the purchase, accumulating reserves over a longer horizon, and shopping lenders aggressively — matters more here than in higher-income markets where a single bonus or equity event can close the cash gap. With rents averaging $795, the Jo Daviess County rental market runs well below the national median. The lower rental baseline means ownership carries a larger relative monthly increase here, and buyers often need to plan the transition carefully — accumulating the full down payment plus closing costs while still carrying low rent. Entry-level buyers in this tier frequently rely on longer savings horizons and assistance programs to bridge the gap between the rental and ownership carrying costs. Occupying the lower half of Illinois's effective-rate rankings — but outside the bottom quartile — this jurisdiction lands in a band where property tax runs moderately below the state county median. Purchasers see the difference in the prepaid column at settlement, and continued benefit in monthly escrow funding over the life of the loan. The position is favorable without being extreme; for households weighing this locale against statewide alternatives, the tax line typically lands on the friendlier side of the comparison without requiring unusual planning or lender coordination. With median home values between $150,000 and $250,000, this locale sits in the entry price tier. Settlement charges benefit from smaller loan amounts — title insurance, appraisal, and origination fees all decline in absolute terms. FHA, VA, USDA, and state-level down-payment assistance programs frequently apply in this tier, which can reduce the upfront cash requirement further. Purchasers entering the market here often combine multiple programs to bridge the gap between available savings and total cash-to-close. The chart below shows how transaction costs scale across five price points in Jo Daviess County.

Closing Cost Details

$
%
%
%

1 point = 1% of loan amount

%

Total Closing Costs

$0

Lender Fees $0
Third-Party Fees $0
Government Fees $0
Prepaid Items $0
% of Home Price 0%
Down Payment $0
Cash Needed at Closing $0

Insights

Closing Cost Landscape in Jo Daviess County

Prepaid taxes at closing reflect half a year's property tax at the county's 1.745% effective rate. On a median-priced home, that's approximately $1,692 — collected as part of the Loan Estimate and confirmed on the Closing Disclosure. Unlike lender fees, prepaid tax is not negotiable; it funds the escrow account for the next tax cycle and is set by state and county statute. This figure is collected by the lender and held in escrow — it does not go to the seller or the lender as revenue. Within Illinois, Jo Daviess County ranks 44th lowest of 102 counties by effective property tax rate — which directly shapes the prepaid tax line here.

Cash needed to close in Jo Daviess County runs approximately $46,289 on a 20% down purchase — a substantial sum against the median household income of $74,954. Buyers here typically need more than a year's worth of median income saved to cover down payment, closing costs, and prepaid items. Many rely on gift funds, down payment assistance programs, or lender credits to bridge the gap. Planning the cash requirement early — before making an offer — matters more here than in lower-cost markets. Income levels in Jo Daviess County run below the Illinois average, making the cash-to-close figure a larger share of typical annual household budgets than in higher-income counties.

Closing Costs by Home Price — Jo Daviess County

In an affordable market, even entry-level purchases carry meaningful transaction costs. The table below shows the breakdown across five price points, from below median to above. Prepaid property tax at the county's rate is included in each row's total, giving buyers a complete picture of cash needed at closing.

Home Price Buyer Closing (3%) Prepaid Property Tax Total Est. Closing
$95,000 $2,850 $829 $3,679
$145,000 $4,350 $1,265 $5,615
$195,000 $5,850 $1,701 $7,551
$290,000 $8,700 $2,530 $11,230
$390,000 $11,700 $3,403 $15,103

Frequently asked questions

For buyers considering Jo Daviess County, the questions below cover closing cost totals, prepaid tax, cash needed at signing, and which items can be shopped. All numbers use county-specific data from the 2023 Census ACS.

How much are closing costs in Jo Daviess County?

Typical closing costs in Jo Daviess County run 2-5% of the purchase price. On a median-priced home of $193,900, that's roughly $5,817 at the 3% midpoint. Prepaid property tax at 1.745% adds another $1,692 at closing.

What is the total cash needed at closing in Jo Daviess County?

On a median $193,900 home with 20% down plus closing costs and prepaid items, total cash-to-close runs approximately $46,289. That represents a substantial cash burden relative to local income.

How does the property tax rate in Jo Daviess County affect closing costs?

Jo Daviess County's effective rate of 1.745% is above the national average, and runs well below Illinois's statewide average. The rate directly determines the prepaid tax line at closing — roughly $1,692 on a median-priced home, collected in escrow to fund the next tax cycle.

What is the median home value in Jo Daviess County?

The county's median home value is $193,900 (Census ACS 2023). Median household income is $74,954, and median gross rent runs $795 per month.

Are closing costs negotiable in Jo Daviess County?

Partially. Lender origination fees, discount points, title insurance, and appraisal can be shopped across lenders. Government recording fees and prepaid property taxes ($1,692 on a median home) are fixed by Jo Daviess County and Illinois statute.

How long does closing take in Jo Daviess County?

Financed purchases in Jo Daviess County typically close in 30-45 days from accepted offer. Cash purchases can close in 2-3 weeks. Timeline depends on lender underwriting speed, appraisal scheduling, and title search turnaround.

Compare Illinois counties

← Back to Illinois statewide calculator

Disclaimer: This calculator and the content on this page are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, loan limits, and eligibility criteria vary by lender, location, and borrower profile. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making borrowing decisions. CalcPier is independent and not affiliated with any lender listed on this page.