Cost of Living in Edgar County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Edgar County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Edgar County ranks #605 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Edgar County, Illinois
Edgar renters face significant affordability stress
Edgar County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio signals housing affordability challenges, with renters dedicating excessive income shares to shelter from a $56,909 median household income—24% below the national median. At $757 monthly, rent consumes disproportionate resources in this lower-income economy.
Edgar struggles against state benchmarks
Edgar's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, and the county's $56,909 median income ranks among the state's lowest. While the $757 rent sits modestly below the state average of $837, the combination of low income and high cost burden creates genuine affordability strain.
Lowest income, higher cost burden
Edgar's $757 rent matches Crawford ($761) and Cumberland ($756) on nominal costs, but the county's substantially lower median income of $56,909 means renters allocate larger income shares to housing. This creates tighter household budgets despite similar absolute rent levels.
Housing consumes excessive income shares
Edgar renters spend $757 monthly—16.0% of a $56,909 income—leaving limited funds for food, transportation, and savings. Homeowners pay $715 monthly on properties valued at $95,700, making ownership slightly more achievable than renting in this low-income county.
Edgar demands careful financial planning
Edgar County offers the region's cheapest absolute housing costs, but the combination of low income and high cost burden means residents must budget carefully. Those relocating here should ensure income exceeds county medians to avoid the affordability squeeze facing typical Edgar households.
Cost of Living Advisory: Edgar County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Edgar County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $757/month in gross rent, with 21.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Edgar County is $757/month, while owner costs run $715/month. Owning saves approximately $42/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,643/year. With a median household income of $56,909, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Edgar County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Edgar County sits 6% less expensive than Fulton County ($808/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Edgar County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,328
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Edgar County
Median home value is $95,700. Estimated monthly cost: $764 vs. your max of $1,328.
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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