Cost of Living in Douglas County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Illinois
Douglas balances income and housing well
Douglas County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio aligns closely with national affordability benchmarks, supported by a median household income of $74,186—nearly matching the U.S. median. At $818 monthly, the median rent remains modest relative to local earning power.
Douglas stays below state averages
Douglas County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Illinois's 14.7% state average, and the $818 median rent sits just below the state mean of $837. The county strikes a solid balance on affordability compared to most Illinois peers.
Slightly higher rent, solid income buffer
Douglas's $818 rent exceeds Crawford ($761) and Cumberland ($756) by modest amounts, but the county's stronger median income of $74,186 provides better housing affordability cushion. Compared to DeKalb's $1,041 rent, Douglas offers substantial savings for similar rural character.
Strong income supports both renting and owning
Douglas renters spend $818 monthly—just 13.2% of the $74,186 median income—leaving healthy financial margins for other needs. Homeowners pay $927 monthly on properties valued at $142,600, positioning ownership as an accessible option for working families.
Douglas offers rural stability and affordability
Douglas County delivers solid housing affordability paired with income levels that protect household finances from housing cost shocks. For families seeking rural Illinois living with genuine financial breathing room, Douglas compares favorably to both nearby rural counties and state averages.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,731
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Douglas County
Median home value is $142,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,138 vs. your max of $1,731.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.