Cost of Living in Cass County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cass County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cass County ranks #826 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cass County, Illinois
Cass County rents stay below national strain
Renters in Cass County spend just 13.4% of their income on housing, beating the national average and signaling relative affordability. With a median household income of $64,907—about 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755—residents stretch their dollars further on housing than typical Americans do.
Illinois's most affordable rental market
Cass County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Illinois's lowest, outperforming the state average of 14.7%. At $723 per month, median gross rent sits $114 below the state average, making it a bright spot for affordability across central Illinois.
Cheaper than Christian, comparable to Clark
Cass County's $723 rent undercuts nearby Christian County ($729) and matches Clark County's affordability more closely than rural neighbors. The county's modest housing costs reflect its smaller population and distance from major metro centers like Champaign.
Rent and ownership costs balanced
At $723 for rent and $793 for homeowner costs, Cass County offers symmetrical housing burdens across tenancy types. The median home value of $95,500 keeps monthly mortgage payments low, allowing homeowners and renters to spend roughly the same proportion of their $64,907 median income on shelter.
Consider Cass for affordable living
If you're relocating to Illinois and prioritize affordability, Cass County delivers low rents without the rural isolation of clay or Christian counties. Compare this county's $723 rents and 13.4% rent burden against pricier alternatives like Cook County ($1,381) or Champaign County ($1,018) before you move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cass County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cass County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $723/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $723/month rent versus $793/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $70/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,986/year. With a median household income of $64,907, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Cass County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wabash County where rent averages $774/month, Cass County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cass County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,514
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cass County
Median home value is $95,500. Estimated monthly cost: $762 vs. your max of $1,514.
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
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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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