| Metric | Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,929 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 (this district) | 2/10 | 10th | 1,929 |
| Harvard Community Unit School District 50 | 1/10 | 5th | 2,510 |
| North Shore School District 112 / Highland Park High School District 113 | 10/10 | 99th | 5,500 |
| Warren Township High School District 121 | 9/10 | 83rd | 3,758 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 763 rated districts in IL → 10th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Illinois State Board of Education IAR, grades 3–8 ELA & Math Proficiency Rate, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186
Families in zip code 62966 (Murphysboro, Illinois) are assigned to Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Illinois spend approximately $17,000 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 5 schools serving grades K–12, Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 1,929 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (poor), Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 ranks among Illinois’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Illinois’ IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Illinois is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Illinois on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 62966
Children in zip code 62966 are assigned to Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 62966, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Illinois districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Murphysboro
For families considering a purchase in the Murphysboro area, district assignment matters financially. Because Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 serves zip code 62966, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 62966. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Illinois, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 62966.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 62966 data.