Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #1,427 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Illinois
Jefferson County rents strain budgets
Renters in Jefferson County spend 16.9% of household income on rent, higher than the U.S. average of about 15%. With a median household income of $61,102—nearly $14,000 below the national median—housing costs consume a meaningful share of paychecks here.
Above Illinois average on affordability stress
Jefferson County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Illinois's 14.7% state average, placing it in the less affordable tier among Illinois counties. Median rent of $862 is slightly higher than the state median of $837, yet household incomes lag behind state peers.
More expensive than southern Illinois peers
Jefferson County's $862 rent and $834 monthly owner cost exceed those in Knox County ($725 rent, $814 owner cost) to the north. Compared to Johnson County's bargain rent of $634, Jefferson residents pay roughly 36% more to rent.
Where Jefferson County dollars go
Renters average $862/month while homeowners pay $834/month, with both groups committing roughly one-sixth of income to housing. The median home value of $118,400 remains modest, but paired with lower household incomes, it still strains budgets relative to state averages.
Weighing options in Southern Illinois
If affordability is your priority, Johnson County offers lower rents ($634) and similar owner costs. For slightly more housing stock and comparable prices, explore Knox County or neighboring regions where your dollar stretches further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jefferson County is affordable. The median rent is $862/month against a median household income of $61,102, putting rent at 16.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jefferson County pay $862/month on average, compared to $834/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,743/year. With a median household income of $61,102, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lawrence County where rent averages $810/month, Jefferson County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,426
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County
Median home value is $118,400. Estimated monthly cost: $945 vs. your max of $1,426.
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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