Cost of Living in Bureau County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bureau County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bureau County ranks #2,026 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bureau County, Illinois
Rent costs bite harder than average
Bureau County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, exceeding the national average of 14.7% by more than half a percentage point. With median rent of $838 and household income of $65,894, residents shoulder above-average affordability pressure.
High affordability burden for state
Bureau County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Adams County as among the highest in this sample and runs above Illinois's state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $838 tracks nearly even with the state median of $837.
Mid-range costs, above-average burden
Bureau County's $838 rent sits at the state median, but the 15.3% affordability ratio suggests incomes are weaker than neighboring counties with similar rent levels. This creates tighter budgets for Bureau County renters.
Renters squeezed harder than owners
At $838 monthly, rent claims 15.3% of income—the tightest squeeze among the eight counties—while homeowners pay $920 (16.8%) on median homes valued at $121,900. Renters face particular pressure in Bureau County's market.
Navigate affordability trade-offs carefully
Bureau County's above-average rent burden suggests you'll need strong household income to move here comfortably. Compare your own earnings against the county median to gauge whether relocating makes financial sense.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bureau County
Affordability Verdict
Bureau County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $838/month representing approximately 15.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bureau County pay $838/month on average, compared to $920/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,429/year. With a median household income of $65,894, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Bureau County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bureau County sits 7% more expensive than Carroll County ($784/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bureau County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,538
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bureau County
Median home value is $121,900. Estimated monthly cost: $973 vs. your max of $1,538.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bureau County, Illinois?
What is the median rent in Bureau County?
Is Bureau County affordable?
How does Bureau County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Bureau County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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