Cost of Living in Fulton County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fulton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fulton County ranks #1,194 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fulton County, Illinois
Fulton balances modest costs and income
Renters in Fulton County spend 16.5% of their $58,617 median income on housing—above the national comfort zone but typical for rural Illinois. The $808 monthly rent and below-average wages combine to create affordability pressure moderate compared to peer counties.
Slightly below Illinois averages
Fulton County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability among state counties. The median rent of $808 nearly matches the state average of $837, though local incomes remain below state norms.
Middle ground among peers
Fulton County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio matches Ford County exactly and falls between Fayette (15.6%) and Franklin (17.3%), while its $808 rent sits between Effingham ($734) and Ford ($836). The county represents a middle-ground option regionally, neither particularly affordable nor especially expensive.
Incomes struggle with mid-range costs
Fulton households earn $58,617 annually, directing $808 monthly toward rent (16.5% of income) or $786 for mortgages, leaving modest household cushion. The median home value of $102,500 remains accessible but requires incomes that many local residents lack.
Fulton offers regional middle option
Fulton County makes sense if you value small-town character and need affordability but not extremes—it's less strained than Franklin or Ford, yet more challenging than Effingham. Compare with Gallatin for lower rents or Effingham for stronger wage growth before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fulton County
Affordability Verdict
Fulton County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $808/month representing approximately 16.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Fulton County is $808/month, while owner costs run $786/month. Owning saves approximately $22/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,686/year. With a median household income of $58,617, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Fulton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Fulton County sits 7% more expensive than Edgar County ($757/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fulton County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,368
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fulton County
Median home value is $102,500. Estimated monthly cost: $818 vs. your max of $1,368.
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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