Cost of Living in Effingham County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Effingham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Effingham County ranks #1,631 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Effingham County, Illinois
Effingham hits sweet spot nationally
Renters in Effingham County spend just 11.7% of their income on housing—well below the national comfort threshold of 30% and outpacing the typical American household. The county's median income of $75,380 nearly matches the national median, while rents average $734 monthly, offering rare stability for both renters and buyers.
Top tier affordability in Illinois
Effingham's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Illinois's most affordable counties, significantly better than the state average of 14.7%. This advantage reflects both reasonable housing costs and solid local wages that outpace many rural Illinois communities.
Clear winner among central Illinois
Effingham's $734 monthly rent undercuts nearby Ford County ($836) and Fulton County ($808) by $100-plus, while its rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% beats neighboring Franklin County (17.3%) and Fayette County (15.6%). The county combines lower costs with stronger median incomes than most surrounding communities.
Income stretches further here
The typical Effingham household earns $75,380 annually, spending $734 monthly on rent (11.7% of income) or $947 on mortgage payments, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homebuyers find median values at $179,800—reasonable for the region and reflecting the county's economic stability.
Consider Effingham for balance
If you're weighing Illinois options, Effingham delivers rare combination: competitive wages, below-average housing costs, and genuine affordability without sacrificing community amenities. Compare it against Grundy County's higher costs or Franklin County's tighter budgets to see where your income stretches furthest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Effingham County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Effingham County is affordable. The median rent is $734/month against a median household income of $75,380, putting rent at 11.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Effingham County pay $734/month on average, compared to $947/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,586/year. With a median household income of $75,380, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Effingham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Effingham County is less affordable than Macoupin County by roughly 7% ($734/mo vs $789/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Effingham County
Rent Burden
11.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,759
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Effingham County
Median home value is $179,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,435 vs. your max of $1,759.
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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