Cost of Living in Edwards County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Edwards County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Edwards County ranks #179 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Edwards County, Illinois
Edwards renters navigate modest affordability challenges
Edwards County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio reflects some housing cost pressure relative to national benchmarks, with renters spending $746 monthly from a $59,386 median household income—20% below the U.S. median. The combination of lower income and elevated cost burden creates modest but real financial stress.
Edwards slightly exceeds state affordability
Edwards's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio modestly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, and the $746 median rent sits slightly below the state mean of $837. The county occupies an affordability middle ground within Illinois's housing landscape.
Lowest absolute rent in the region
Edwards's $746 rent represents the region's cheapest option, just below Crawford ($761), Cumberland ($756), and Edgar County ($757). The minimal savings versus peers reflect Edwards's status as the lowest-income county in this group, limiting residents' financial flexibility despite modest costs.
Both housing types demand budget discipline
Edwards renters spend $746 monthly on housing (15.1% of income), while homeowners pay $670 on properties valued at $97,500—making ownership slightly more favorable financially. Despite modest absolute costs, both options consume substantial portions of the $59,386 median income.
Edwards suits those prioritizing lowest costs
Edwards County offers the region's cheapest absolute housing prices, making it attractive to budget-conscious relocators accepting modest incomes. Compare carefully to slightly higher-income alternatives like Cumberland or Crawford to determine if Edwards's cost advantage justifies potential economic trade-offs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Edwards County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Edwards County is affordable. The median rent is $746/month against a median household income of $59,386, putting rent at 15.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Edwards County is $746/month, while owner costs run $670/month. Owning saves approximately $76/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,714/year. With a median household income of $59,386, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Edwards County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Edwards County sits 6% less expensive than Macon County ($797/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Edwards County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,386
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Edwards County
Median home value is $97,500. Estimated monthly cost: $778 vs. your max of $1,386.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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 Edwards County, Illinois?
What is the median rent in Edwards County?
Is Edwards County affordable?
How does Edwards County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Edwards County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Edwards County, Illinois? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Edwards County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.