Cost of Living in Carroll County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #531 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Illinois
Housing pressure exceeds national norm
Carroll County renters spend 15.5% of income on housing, exceeding the national average of 14.7% by a full percentage point. With median rent at $784 and household income at $60,871, residents here face tighter affordability constraints than typical American households.
Second-highest burden in sample
Carroll County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest among these eight counties and exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $784 runs about $53 below the statewide median, yet the income base is weaker, driving affordability pressure.
Tight housing market amid region
Carroll County's $784 rent is moderate for the region, but the 15.5% affordability ratio signals below-average household incomes compared to neighboring counties. This creates one of the tightest affordability situations in the sample.
Renters face highest burden proportion
Renters in Carroll County pay $784 monthly (15.5% of income), the second-tightest ratio in the sample, while homeowners pay $819 (16.0%) on homes averaging $113,500. Both tenure options strain household budgets here.
Verify affordability before relocating
Carroll County's elevated affordability burden suggests you'll need above-median income to relocate comfortably. Calculate your own housing costs against the county median to ensure this market aligns with your financial situation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Carroll County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $784/month representing approximately 15.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carroll County is $784/month, while owner costs run $819/month. Renting saves approximately $35/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,100/year. With a median household income of $60,871, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Carroll County sits 6% less expensive than Ford County ($836/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,420
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Carroll County
Median home value is $113,500. Estimated monthly cost: $906 vs. your max of $1,420.
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 Carroll County, Illinois?
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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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