Cost of Living in Coles County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Coles County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Coles County ranks #827 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Coles County, Illinois
Coles County housing strains household budgets
Renters here spend 17.0% of income on housing—above the Illinois average of 14.7% and a sign of affordability stress. The $56,040 median household income falls significantly below both state and national medians, amplifying the burden of the $793 monthly rent.
One of Illinois's least affordable counties
Coles County ranks among the state's worst affordability cases with a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, exceeded only by Champaign (19.4%) and Cook (20.3%). The combination of below-average income and above-average rents creates consistent housing pressure on working families.
High rents on low income spell trouble
Coles County's $793 rent exceeds most rural neighbors like Cass ($723), Christian ($729), and Clay ($709), while its $56,040 income falls below all of them. This unfavorable mix explains the county's 17.0% burden—the worst among non-university, non-metro counties profiled.
Both housing types strain low-income households
Renters spend $793 monthly and homeowners $830, both significant relative to the $56,040 median income. The $121,900 median home value makes ownership viable only for households well above the median, leaving many renters permanently cost-burdened.
Coles County demands caution for relocators
Before moving to Coles County, understand its 17.0% rent burden ranks among Illinois's worst and that incomes average just $56,040. Compare it against nearby Cass (13.4% burden, $64,907 income) or Clark (14.1% burden, $70,625 income) to see if the location truly fits your financial situation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Coles County
Affordability Verdict
Coles County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $793/month — about 17.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $793/month rent versus $830/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $37/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,571/year. With a median household income of $56,040, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Coles County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Coles County sits 7% more expensive than Fayette County ($740/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Coles County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,308
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Coles County
Median home value is $121,900. Estimated monthly cost: $973 vs. your max of $1,308.
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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