Cost of Living in Hardin County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hardin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hardin County ranks #51 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hardin County, Illinois
Hardin County: Illinois's most affordable rents
At just 7.2%, Hardin County's rent-to-income ratio is exceptionally low—less than one-quarter of the national 30% affordability standard and less than half Illinois's 14.7% state average. This southern Illinois county stands out as a housing bargain destination.
The most affordable county in Illinois
Hardin County's $342 median monthly rent is the lowest across the state, nearly 60% below Illinois's $837 average. The county's 7.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as unquestionably the state's most accessible rental market.
Dramatically cheaper than all neighbors
Hardin County's $342 median rent undercuts even Hamilton County—the next-most-affordable in this group—by $224 monthly. No adjacent county comes close to matching Hardin's remarkable rental affordability.
Just 7.2% of income goes to rent
With median household income of $57,155 and median gross rent of $342, housing consumes a tiny slice of typical household budgets. Homeowners pay $568 monthly on properties valued around $91,700, offering rural affordability for both renters and buyers.
Maximum housing affordability awaits here
If cutting housing costs is your priority, Hardin County offers unmatched savings—your rent payment leaves vastly more room for savings and other needs. Rural living and unbeatable affordability combine here more dramatically than anywhere else in Illinois.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hardin County
Affordability Verdict
Hardin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $342/month — about 7.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $342/month rent versus $568/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $226/month cheaper — a 40% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $13,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,343/year. With a median household income of $57,155, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Hardin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Hardin County is less affordable than Pope County by roughly 22% ($342/mo vs $438/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hardin County
Rent Burden
7.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,334
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hardin County
Median home value is $91,700. Estimated monthly cost: $732 vs. your max of $1,334.
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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